Robert Ward, who runs Filmways Digital, is executive producing the tapings of the musicals Shout! The Legend of the Wild One, The Merchants of Bollywood and The Bar at the Buena Vista, Variety reports. Shout! The Legend of the Wild One, which tells the story of Australian 60's rocker Johnny O'Keefe, was taped over two performances at Melbourne's Entertainment Center. Ward plans to screen the high-definition taping in 40 suburban cinemas across Australia.
Forthcoming films of The Merchants of Bollywood and The Bar at the Buena Vista have been taped in Barcelona and Munich, respectively.
Ward told Variety that the filmed versions will target an audience demographic unable to travel to major theatrical hubs for their entertainment. Ticket prices for the screenings are roughly double the standard movie admission and will include an intermission. Plans are underway for international distribution as well.