Posted by Lynchnut at t4hs8nae.midsouth.rr.com on November 21, 1999 at 12:27:00:
"It would be almost impossible for the movie to gross fifteen million on 1260 screens. If Bond opened on 1260 screens, maybe. But there's the capacity question of whether or not there are enough seats in a 1260 theatre run with which you could even make fifteen million in three days."
While it's true that screen count does limit box office potential, we only have to look back to the July 30-August 1 weekend earlier this year to see that a film can achieve major blockbuster status in only 1000 or so theaters. That was the weekend The Blair Witch Project expanded to 1101 theaters and made over $29 milion, crushing all competition with a per screen average of over $26,000.
Still, your $8.8 million opening is more than respectable, especially given the subject matter and limited ad campaign (at least it was limited here in Tennessee). I'm sure Lions Gate is very satisfied with those numbers.
Oh, and in case you're interested in how Dogma played in the bible belt, I saw Dogma at a Saturday matinee last weekend. The theater had a capacity of about 250, and I'd estimate it was about 2/3 full. Mostly 18-30 year olds, generally enthusiastic response. I didn't hear any Southern belles walking out saying how tacky it was or anything like that. Of course we have more Baptists down here than anything, and they probably like poking fun at Catholics anyway. :-)