Melania Trump Documentary Faces Slow Ticket Sales despite Massive Investment
Despite a substantial $40 million production cost and a $35 million global marketing budget, Amazon’s documentary about Melania Trump is experiencing weak ticket sales in the United Kingdom. Tim Richards, CEO of Vue Cinemas, reported “soft” interest in the film ahead of its Friday release, indicating a perhaps underwhelming opening for the highly-publicized project.
Initial figures reveal a sparse audience turnout at Vue locations, with only two tickets booked for the 6:00 PM showing at Vue Islington and no seats sold at the Finchley Road venue. While Amazon secured rights to the documentary through MGM Studios for a meaningful sum – a blockbuster figure for a documentary – the current demand doesn’t appear to align with the financial investment.
Richards emphasized Vue’s policy of screening films approved by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), nonetheless of personal opinions. He noted that the primary impact thus far has been a wave of customer complaints regarding the decision to exhibit the documentary. Amazon’s investment includes a substantial payment to the former First Lady for her participation in the film.
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