The Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association (AHEDA) reveals the most-watched and best-selling movie and television titles for 2020, uncovering new home entertainment consumption trends aligned with the impact of COVID-19. 

When Australia’s population was looking for a welcome distraction in their homes amidst 2020, the consumption of home entertainment reached an all-time high during the peak of the pandemic.

With a wide breadth of titles and easy access to multiple platforms, it’s little wonder that in April digital purchase reached +55% and in May +29%. Digital rental followed a similar trend; in April it was +49% and May saw +43%. Furthermore, Amazon Prime Video launched its service to buy and rent movies and TV in May, expanding the competitive landscape beyond Apple TV, Google Play, Foxtel Store, YouTube, Telstra Box Office and Fetch, in addition to gaming platforms such as PlayStation and Xbox.

Jim Batchelor, Chairman, AHEDA said: “Australian consumers clearly embraced the ease and choice that digital platforms offered during the lockdown and I’m certain that this trend will continue in the future.”

As the physical cinematic experience came to a halt and new release titles were expedited to digital platforms, owning and renting movies immediately following their premiere, had never been easier or more affordable. It’s clear that consumers turned to digital entertainment to provide a welcome distraction, and also to connect them to friends and family.

The star-studded action-comedy Jumanji: The Next Level (Sony), was the top-performing and most purchased film of 2020, followed by action-adventure comedy film based on the Sonic video game Sonic The Hedgehog (Paramount), and animated hit Frozen 2 (Disney).

Oscar-nominated film the Joker (2019) (Roadshow) taking out the most-watched film in the digital renting category, followed by Sonic The Hedgehog (Paramount) and The Gentleman (2019) (Roadshow).

Batchelor said: “Jumanji has proven to be the perfect film for 2020. Fun and action for all the family, a great cast and a little nostalgia to get us through a tough year.”

It didn’t stop at films, television caught our attention too with Outlander – the complete 5th series (Sony) taking out the number one spot of most purchased in the category, followed by Brooklyn 99 – the complete 7^th series (Universal), and the 100 – the complete 7th series (Warner Bros). Interestingly, the much-hyped series The Undoing starring Nicole Kidman made its way into the top 5 for the year having only been made available from November.

The most-transacted Australian produced titles across digital platforms included: Ride Like a Girl (Sony), Invisible Man (2020) (Universal), Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears (Roadshow).

The closure of cinemas through the middle of the year and the subsequent lack of theatrical films therefore flowing onto the digital transactional services meant a decline in consumption. Digital purchase was -26% in Q3 and digital rental followed a similar pattern, though not as sharp, with a decline of -12% in Q3.

The cinematic disruption, aligned with the consequences of the pandemic, positively impacted the digital transaction market, leading to a resurgence in classic films and fan favourites. As the availability of new release content started to slow, Australian’s accessed much-loved classics including titles such as Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.

Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Telstra Box Office, and Fetch offer a comprehensive selection of films – available shortly after their cinema release – allowing Aussies to access the titles they want, when they want, from preferred digital platforms, unlike streaming services.

Top 10 Best Selling Movies:

1. Jumanji: The Next Level (Sony)
2. Sonic The Hedgehog (Paramount)
3. Frozen 2 (Disney)
4. Joker (2019) (Roadshow)
5. Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise Of Skywalker (Disney)
6. Bad Boys For Life (Sony)
7. The Gentlemen (Roadshow)
8. Bloodshot (Sony)
9. Scoob! (Warner Bros)
10. Ford V Ferrari (Disney)

Top 10 Rented Movies:

1. Joker (2019) (Roadshow)
2. Sonic The Hedgehog (Paramount)
3. The Gentlemen (Roadshow)
4. Jumanji: The Next Level (Sony)
5. Gemini Man (2019) (Paramount)
6. 1917 (Entertainment One)
7. Knives Out (Sony)
8. Ford V Ferrari (Disney)
9. Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood (Sony)
10. Hustlers (Roadshow)

Top 10 TV Series:

1. Outlander – The Complete 5th Series (Sony)
2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine – The Complete 7th Series (Universal)
3. The 100 – The Complete 7th Series (Warner Bros)
4. Vikings – The Complete 6th Series (MGM)
5. The Undoing – The Complete 1st Series (HBO)
6. Supernatural – The Complete 15th Series (Warner Bros)
7. Big Little Lies – The Complete 2nd Series (HBO)
8. Game Of Thrones – The Complete 8th Series (HBO)
9. Chernobyl – The Complete 1st Series (HBO)
10. Succession – The Complete 1st Series (HBO)

Top 10 Australian Produced Movies:

1. Ride Like A Girl (Sony)
2. The Invisible Man (2020) (Universal)
3. Miss Fisher & The Crypt Of Tears (Roadshow)
4. Danger Close: The Battle Of Long Tan (Sony)
5. 100% Wolf (Universal)
6. Go! (Roadshow)
7. Peter Rabbit (Sony)
8. Black Water: Abyss (Universal)
9. Carl Barron – Drinking With A Fork (Universal)
10. The Nightingale (Sony)

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Bungie is proud to announce the Guardian’s Heart Initiative has raised $780,000 USD for Direct Relief.

Direct Relief is a multi-cause charity who support healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Launched on April 14th, 2020 (AEST) Guardians from all over the world helped to hit the Guardian’s Heart Initiative $700,000 USD goal last week and wrapped at $788,923.19 USD (approx. $1.2 million AUD) thanks to the generosity of the Bungie community. The Guardian’s Heart Initiative ended on May 13th, 2020 (AEST). Even with the initiative at an end, you can still support Direct Relief through their site here.

The Guardian’s Heart Initiative saw Bungie release a special Emblem, which was only available through a Tiltify donation to Direct Relief.

To support fundraising efforts, Destiny 2 content creators came together to promote Guardian’s Heart by offering themselves up for Bungie Bounties. Bungie Bounties are a community event where Bungie identifies a target player for other players to compete against to earn an exclusive in-game Destiny 2 emblem.

Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. They work with a network across the globe to deliver the supplies front-line healthcare workers need.

The Guardian’s Heart Initiative was just one of Bungie’s efforts to help people the world over. Previous examples are Guardians for Australia, Game2Give, Guardians to the Aid of Nepal, and more recently their annual Kilts for Kids fundraiser. To learn more about Bungie’s other fundraising efforts, you can visit the Bungie Foundation’s website.

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French/Danish artist M.I.L.K. is releasing a new EP The Lockdown Tapes. 

A project in collaboration with Jenke Ahmed Tailly – previously creative director and stylist for Beyoncé and Kanye West. The 3 track EP features Danish alt-pop artist Soleima, Reggae icon Tiken Jah Fakoly from Ivory Coast, rising Paris-based singer Kristina Bazan, and Danish synth-wizard and pianist August Rosenbaum.

Defying the odds in a truly unprecedented time for the music industry, M.I.L.K. and Jenke Ahmed Tailly have digitally brought together artists from around the globe, to help support the fight against COVID-19.
The Lockdown Tapes idea was originally conceived by between M.I.L.K. (real name Emil Wilk) and Jenke Ahmed Tailly on a phone call about a project they should have made in Paris this Spring. It was the same day that all of Europe was shut down and everything came to a standstill, of sorts. M.I.L.K. talks about the conversation that started the project: “Recent events have turned all of our everyday lives upside down, showing us exactly how close we all are, no matter what country we’re in. This thought was the inspiration to start this somewhat impossible project of bringing together artists and musicians from all over the world, and making a joint EP, where the money is donated to WHO and their work fighting this Coronavirus.”

Jenke Ahmed Tailly continued: “In a busy everyday there’s so many things we take for granted, which were suddenly taken away from us: sharing a meal with our elders, sharing the metro with strangers, sharing love with new romances etc. So as I see it, this crises is really a call for us all to examine our personal essence of life – and that’s what we’re trying to inspire with this project, by collecting artists from all parts of the world and letting them write songs together to share their perspectives on life during this lockdown.”

After the idea was born, M.I.L.K. locked himself away in the studio, working on various demos, which he and Jenke Ahmed Tailly subsequently sent out to artists and musicians from all over the world who then worked on the songs from home and sent their parts back. Speaking a little more on the process, M.I.L.K. said: “I was surprised at how quickly people were responding to the idea. Whether it was 61-year-old Tiken Jah Fakoly, who is a reggae icon from the Ivory Coast, or Danish pop-star Soleima, or the many horn players from Mali, or our Swedish mixer Anders Hvenare. Everyone has been absolutely fantastic and ready to help.”

The songs on The Lockdown Tapes, range from the hopeful intimate electro-pop jammer “WWW”, with M.I.L.K. and Soleima ruminating on feeling of getting lost in the depth of the internet, to the reggae-infused summer smash “Pretty Nice Life” featuring Ivory Coast singer Tiken Jah Fakoly. “Guess I’ll Have To Wait”, the third track on the EP is a blissful, soul-tinged cut featuring vocals from singer Kristina Bazan and lead-synth melodies from August Rosenbaum, and epitomises the sound of the thousands of lonely lockdown parties happening across homes all over the world with people dancing on their own.

In addition to being a charity project, The Lockdown Tapes EP is also an expression of determination from M.I.L.K. to keep creating music and art even though we can’t meet face-to-face for some time. Among many other artists and musicians, M.I.L.K. has had shows and tours cancelled as a result of COVID-19, along with European promotional activities for his newly released album, which was released the day Europe was shut down.

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Hooking up virtually between the UK and Los Angeles, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor and singer Adam Lambert have recorded a new version of Queen’s classic, We Are The Champions. Widely regarded as one of the most instantly recognizable anthems, it was this same song Queen + Adam Lambert played for their first performance together on the May 2009 American Idol finale.

Brian May and Roger Taylor have been performing pop-up concerts from their respective homes while in lockdown and the seeds of this new May, Taylor and Lambert version of We Are The Champions were sown when May posted a MicroCon invitation to jam with him on the classic Queen track on his Instagram. Taylor was first to respond, followed by Lambert who in his at-home performance changed the lyric mid-song to You are the Champions.

Overwhelmed with calls for the track to be made available to download the resulting ‘virtual jam’ version now titled You Are The Champions and additionally featuring band bass player Neil Fairclough, is available now on all streaming and download services.

Proceeds raised from the track will go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO), powered by the United Nations Foundation. The Fund provides tools and resources to health workers on the frontlines globally, including PPE, testing kits, training, and more. Additionally, the Fund supports the rapid development of a vaccine and theraputics.

As the unfolding coronavirus outbreak has forced Queen + Adam Lambert to reschedule their 27 date UK and European tour to 2021, it’s hoped this new ‘We Are The Champions’ will also provide some consolation for disappointed fans.

Since its initial release in October 1977, the Freddie Mercury-penned We Are The Champions, has become a victory parade anthem uniting sports terraces and on-field celebrations the world over. This enduring anthem is frequently heard at the winning line of motor races and has also become synonymous with track and field events, soccer and baseball championships and even (without endorsement) at presidential campaign rallies.

Freddie said of We Are The Champions: “I wanted to write something that everyone could sing along to. And at the same time, I thought it would be nice to have a winning song that’s meant for everyone.”

“By each playing our part and addressing the difficult times we are all sharing we will win this challenge,” the band say. “During this time our thoughts and thanks are with those dedicated medical heroes standing up to the battle daily on our behalf. They are the champions. You are the champions.”

Says Brian May: “It seems to me we should dedicate this one to all the front-line soldiers fighting for Humanity against the insurgent coronavirus. Just like our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents who fought for us in two world wars, those brave warriors in the front line are our new CHAMPIONS. That means the doctors, nurses, cleaners, porters, drivers, tea-ladies and gentlemen, and all who are quietly risking their lives daily to save the lives of our kin. CHAMPIONS ALL!!!”

Says Roger Taylor: “As a father with a daughter in the front line, I am ultra-aware of the vital work they are doing daily to save us and our society. Their bravery and sacrifice must not be prejudiced by anything less than a one hundred per cent effort by our governments to protect them. They are precious to us all and they are truly our champions.”

Says Adam Lambert: “It is with the deepest gratitude to all those on the frontline all over the world that we dedicate our performance. Thank you for keeping us safe, we are in awe of your bravery and strength.”

“We Are The Champions has always been a rallying cry,” said Elizabeth Cousens, President & CEO of the UN Foundation. “We are grateful to Queen and Adam Lambert for using their talents to support our heroes on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response. Their contribution to this fight will lift spirits and raise critical funds for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization.”

Queen + Adam Lambert’s “You Are The Champions“ will be available from today across all streaming and download services.

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Lockdown has been a tough experience for everyone.

Remaining home and restricting our movement has meant our physical and mental wellbeing is more important than ever. In response to this, Fitbit has been looking for ways to help.

As you may remember, recently they announced that all new users could enjoy a free 90-day trial of Fitbit Premium.

Premium offers hundreds of workouts categorized by skill, time and activity, there are also mindfulness features, ways to monitor your sleep schedule and more.

In uncertain times, people need to stay up to date on the latest and most relevant information. To make that easier for our users, Fitbit has announced a new feature on its dashboard, accessible to anyone with the Fitbit app all over the world – the COVID-19 Resource Hub.

Fitbit COVID-19 Resource Hub users can access instant to tools to help them stay healthy indoors. Interesting features include: reminders to move, reminders to wash your hands and Fitbit challenges to connect their devices with friends and family to stay connected. The hub also has real-time updates from organisations such as the World Health Organization to stay safe, informed, and healthy. Go to the official site to find out more.

Fitbit also released a special thank you video (above), acknowledging everyone for being a hero while fighting on the frontlines or doing their role while staying home.

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Fans of artists from the Australian label were invited to join their favourite artists’ socials for the live streaming series, Live from The Island.

This streaming series is unlike others, it allows fans to interact with the labels’ diverse roster of artists in unique ways. Viewers are able to participate in trivia nights (just like another Thursday night at the pub), paint and cook together with a wine in hand with an artist, and engage in fun Q&A sessions, as well as of course showcasing some of the best live performers in the country, in special acoustic sets.

Live From The Island takes place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and has already had some of Island Record’s best newcomers joining hundreds of fans through Instagram Live for the virtual gigs. Week 1 included Melbourne artists Eliott and Lakyn, Central Coast acts Tori Forsyth, The Million and Winterbourne, and Perth band COTERIE who recently had to postpone their single tour due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

After a successful first week, we are proud to announce another big line-up for week two including Aydan, Polish Club and tonight’s very special acoustic performance from the mesmerizing Vera Blue. Many more acts are to be announced so follow Island Records Australia below for more information.

Island artists have also been throwing their support behind Support Act’s COVID-19 Emergency Appeal. Donated funds will go towards supporting Aussie musicians and crews who are currently doing it tough through the corona virus pandemic.

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Global esports organization Generation Esports (formerly High School Esports League), in partnership with top esports and gaming hardware sponsors, kicked off the “Social Distancing Cup” – a free online charity tournament to support communities nationwide affected by COVID-19.

The Social Distancing Cup is a month-long tournament series with open enrollment in the continental U.S. featuring competitive matches in League of Legends, Rocket League, and Teamfight Tactics. This exciting tournament rocks a $30,000 USD prize pool, with winnable real-world goods such as ASUS Republic of Gamers and TUF Gaming laptops, hardware, and merchandise, custom Generation Esports jerseys and mugs from Skullz, Viewsonic gaming monitors, Zaxby’s vouchers, and Dr. Squatch Soap.

The Social Distancing Cup ends on May 10, 2020, and participants are free to register at any time.

Generation Esports, in partnership with non-profit partner Varsity Esports Foundation (VEF), created the Social Distancing Cup to engage with esports competitors who are isolating themselves or quarantined because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to fundraise for low-income families during this unprecedented global crisis.

Tax-deductible donations to the “Social Distancing Cup COVID-19 Response Fund” can be made at the Varsity Sports Foundation website.

Sponsors of the Social Distancing Cup include Generation Esports, the Varsity Esports Foundation, ASUS, Midwest Esports, Fusesport, eFuse, GradTech, Sunshine State Games, MSP, Gamer Sensei, Skullz, Viewsonic, Zaxby’s, and others.

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Virgin EMI are launching Lockdown Live, a unique “live” music experience put together in support of  Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

Lockdown Live takes the form a three day live-streamed music festival, with the aim to encourage everyone to stay indoors and provide entertainment and light relief in these uncertain times.

32 acts (across pop, alternative and dance music) will perform over three days from their homes, with each performance live streamed at www.lockdownlive.uk.

The Festival starts this weekend on the 3rd of April with the Rhapsody Stage supported by VT at Jungle Creations. The line-up features an array of modern pop’s most influential stars including HRVY, The Vamps, Alessia Cara, Jay Pryor and is headlined by the almighty SG Lewis.

Day 2 will showcase talent from the Alternative scene on the Fools Gold Stage. The eclectic line-up includes the soulful singer/songwriters Lily Moore and Olivia Dean, the high-octane rock sound of Twin Atlantic and the anthemic, synth pop of Vera Blue.

The third and final day will see the action coming from the virtual Encore Stage, supported by Seasoned at Buzzfeed UK. The Encore stage will feature some of the hottest talent in urban music, both from the UK and internationally, giving everyone some perfect Sunday vibes. From the smooth R’N’B of Duchess and Maya B, to the high-energy rap of Wauve and the affirming highlife stylings of headliner, Adekunle Gold.

Lockdown Live will take place at www.lockdownlive.uk from the 4th April to the 6th, 2020.

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Music industry associations, including the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, and the Country Music Association; ticket marketplace StubHub; record label conglomerates Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group; financial institution City National Bank; concert promotion, artist management, touring, and publishing company Bill Silva Entertainment; and charitable foundations and trusts including the Gross Family Foundation, George Harrison’s Material World Foundation, the Michael Jackson Estate, Alicia Keys’ She Is The Music foundation and the Yoshiki Foundation America are the latest organizations that have made major contributions to the COVID-19 Relief Fund established by the Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable organization MusiCares.

The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund was created to help music people affected by the pandemic due to the cancellation of income-generating music events and other industry work opportunities. Since the fund’s establishment two weeks ago with initial seed donations of $1 million each by MusiCares and the Recording Academy, millions more have been raised with the support of numerous partners. However, more is needed to meet the demand.

“We are thrilled that so many in our community are coming forward to support each other and grateful for all the organizations who are standing in the gap for the music community, said Harvey Mason jr. Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “The music community remains in desperate need and many are living day to day whether they are a gigging musician, sound engineer or event logistics person. The impacts of this virus are very real as many struggle to know where their next rent payment is coming from  or how next week’s groceries are going to be paid for, so our fund is there to help meet needs in a small way.”

Beyond the initial donations, all Recording Academy Chapters have committed to fundraising in their local communities. Additionally, the Recording Academy appealed to Congress to further protect musicians, performers, songwriters, and studio professionals such as self-employed gig workers who are impacted by cancellations due to the ongoing pandemic.

The stimulus package has since passed, and includes key provisions and protections that will benefit countless music industry professionals who are struggling in the wake of Coronavirus.

With the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, music industry professionals, including artists, production crews, technicians, and anyone impacted by the loss of income due to live music event cancelations, can apply for basic living assistance.

If you wish to support our efforts to assist music professionals in need, visit the official site to contribute.

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, you can go the official site to request assistance now.

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