Boxoffice Pro
The year 1920 marked the birth of a publication called The Reel Journal. It emerged as a weekly periodical for cinema professionals during an era when movie theaters were expanding across America. Associated Publications handled its initial distribution every Saturday. By 1931, the magazine adopted a new identity known simply as Boxoffice. This name change reflected a shift in focus toward industry performance metrics rather than general film criticism. The publication continued under this title for decades until 2019 when it became Boxoffice Pro. Each transformation mirrored changes within the theater business itself.
In 2006, the National Association of Theatre Owners designated Boxoffice as their official publication. This partnership gave the magazine direct access to data from major theater chains nationwide. The relationship strengthened the credibility of reports published within its pages. Theater owners relied on these figures to make booking decisions and negotiate with studios. The association's endorsement transformed the magazine into a central hub for industry intelligence. Without this alliance, the publication might have struggled to maintain relevance among exhibitors.
A significant pivot occurred in 2012 when the magazine stopped printing movie reviews entirely. For years prior, critics had evaluated films released each week alongside box office tallies. The decision to drop reviews allowed editors to concentrate exclusively on financial reporting. This change aligned the content more closely with the needs of theater operators who cared about revenue percentages. Earlier editions expressed performance as a percentage where normal activity equaled 100 percent. The Barometer issue published every January reviewed yearly trends using those same metrics.
The French media group Webedia purchased Boxoffice in 2015. This acquisition triggered corporate restructuring across the organization. Ownership changes often bring shifts in editorial direction or operational priorities. Under new management, the company operated through BoxOffice Media LP. The transition marked another chapter in the magazine's long history of adaptation. Despite the change in leadership, the core mission remained focused on serving theater professionals.
Issues spanning from 1925 through 2008 now exist within the Internet Archive digital library. These preserved copies offer researchers and historians access to decades of industry data. The collection includes early Barometer issues that tracked annual film performance. Preserving these records ensures future generations can study how the movie business evolved over time. Without such efforts, much of the mid-twentieth century trade press would remain inaccessible. The archive serves as a vital resource for understanding historical box office patterns.
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Common questions
When was Boxoffice Pro originally founded as The Reel Journal?
The year 1920 marked the birth of a publication called The Reel Journal. It emerged as a weekly periodical for cinema professionals during an era when movie theaters were expanding across America.
What year did the magazine change its name to Boxoffice and why?
By 1931, the magazine adopted a new identity known simply as Boxoffice. This name change reflected a shift in focus toward industry performance metrics rather than general film criticism.
Which organization designated Boxoffice as their official publication in 2006?
In 2006, the National Association of Theatre Owners designated Boxoffice as their official publication. This partnership gave the magazine direct access to data from major theater chains nationwide.
Why did Boxoffice stop printing movie reviews in 2012?
A significant pivot occurred in 2012 when the magazine stopped printing movie reviews entirely. The decision to drop reviews allowed editors to concentrate exclusively on financial reporting.
Who purchased Boxoffice in 2015 and what entity operates it now?
The French media group Webedia purchased Boxoffice in 2015. Under new management, the company operated through BoxOffice Media LP.