Lionsgate’s “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” set a new record for films opening in limited release.
The independent film’s weekend take of $1.8 million from just 18 theaters is the best gross ever for a film opening in fewer than 100 theaters, reports Variety. Last year, by comparison, Focus Features’ “Milk” grossed $268,487 from 34 theaters on its first Friday.
The LA Times is reporting that the studio behind “Precious,” Lionsgate and its hybrid strategy — playing “Precious” in both highbrow theaters, and in African American communities — worked extremely well.
In LA, for instance, “Precious” played at the Landmark in West L.A. and ArcLight Hollywood, more upscale locations, as well as the Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15, which draw large African American crowds. It also opened this weekend in Atlanta, Chicago and New York.
Information from Eurweb.com and the LA Times contributed to this report.
