AUSTRALIA becomes Baz Luhrmann’s Biggest Movie Ever

On New Year’s Day 2009 AUSTRALIA, surpassed Moulin Rouge’s Australian box office record of A$27.7M to become the most successful Baz Luhrmann film of all time in his home country.

The film has taken A$28.8M at the box office to date and this has been achieved in just 5 ½ weeks, compared to 24 weeks for Moulin Rouge, and faster than most of the major blockbusters of 2008 such as Mamma Mia (8 weeks), Quantum of Solace (6 weeks), Sex in the City (15 weeks), Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (7 weeks).

Contrary to media reports of disappointing ticket sales, Twentieth Century Fox says AUSTRALIA is on track to sail past the significant milestone of A$30 million this week. The film enjoyed exceptional results in this country over the holiday season, grossing A$5.4 million between Boxing Day and January 4th. Read the story »

What’s Hot and What’s Not in 2009

The annual Hot & Not List of market researcher Klaus van den Berg has been released. Since the early 1990s Van den Berg has been studying consumers, costumers, trendsetters and stakeholders for companies, governments, NGOs and charities. The lists are based on analysis of cutting-edge international lifestyle media.

In 2009 Nigella Lawson (pictured) and Kate Ryan are HOT, but according to Van den Berg, Glamour, Hair Extensions and Desperate Housewives are NOT.

“In good times and in bad, new trends are always a hot conversation piece. This year the coolest charts will be the financial listings and economic overviews. Because people will act more aware, critical and cautious in all aspects of their consumer lives, trends will be cooled down accordingly,” Van den Berg said. Read the story »

2009 Summer Blockbuster Movies in Cinemas Down Under

The line up of summer blockbuster movies includes one come back of a former box office draw card, the reuniting of a much loved on-screen couple, and several family films released for the school holidays. World War II and movies based on other true events also feature heavily in the cinema line-up this summer.

Jim Carey will make his on-screen come back when Yes Man is released in cinemas on 1 January. The first day of 2009 will also see the release of the animated flick Bolt and the family caper Marley and Me.

Fans of Titanic’s epic love story will be delighted to hear that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (pictured) have reunited on screen as a young couple raising two children and struggling with personal demons in the Revolutionary Road. Read the story »

Australia’s Top 10 Social and Demographic Trends for 2008

In 2008 there were more Australian’s than ever before, with significant increases in the number of births and immigration, and a significant drop in the death rate.

Generation Z entered the teenage years, while Generation Y become the most concerned about Australia’s immediate economic future. 2008 may also be remembered the year in which the ‘Sandwich Generation’ appeared on the social research radar.

Some things never change and despite our love affair with American movies and music, Australian’s are still not fond of tipping and we are so over clichés. Read the story »