Walt Disney Studios’ comic book adaptation “The Eternals” opened to a hefty $71 million three-day premiere weekend, marking the return of film tie-in sponsors to prepandemic norms. For the superhero film from the Marvel comics stable, the movie has promotional sponsors Lexus cars, McDonald’s restaurants, Geico insurance, Urban Decay cosmetics, S. C. Johnson & Son’s Ziploc … [Read more...] about ‘Eternals’ Revives Cinema Promos
Popcorn Films Pop in Pandemic
Recovering cinema-going in the U.S./Canada is being led by films in genres attracting the youth demographic, according to a Variety analysis. On the other hand, titles catering to older audiences have languished, which is no surprise because the pandemic hits oldsters hardest, keeping them cautious about mingling with crowds like cinema audiences. “Much of this year’s bounty … [Read more...] about Popcorn Films Pop in Pandemic
‘Wonder Woman’ Gets Thrill Ride
The Wonder Woman comic book/movie property is set for its own roller coaster thrill ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain outdoor amusement park in suburban Los Angeles. The licensed merchandise ride is scheduled to open summer of 2022, after being delayed by the pandemic. The theme park’s investment in a new ride indicates confidence in the outdoor, out-of-home entertainment … [Read more...] about ‘Wonder Woman’ Gets Thrill Ride
Analyzing DC FanDome Marketing Event
A immersive online event that Warner Bros. tailors for consumers revealed the newest trailer for “The Batman” and brought news that a third “Wonder Women” live-action movies is in the works. Those are are among tidbits surfacing at the DC FanDome online event Saturday. The “DC” refers to Warner corporate sibling DC Comics. Here’s a marketer’s review of DC FanDome that … [Read more...] about Analyzing DC FanDome Marketing Event
Film Merchandise Becomes NFTs
Warner Bros. offers digital comic book covers to those sign up for its DC FanDome event in what is a free giveaway of NFTs — the acronym for non-fungible digital tokens. These new type of digital content collectibles are quickly becoming a staple of movie marketing. The Warner digital goodies aim to spur attendance to its in-house fan events, which is in the mold of a … [Read more...] about Film Merchandise Becomes NFTs
Paramount+ Pushes Discount Streaming Bundle
Corporate sibling video-on-demand streamers Paramount+ and Showtime roll out a price cut by selling themselves as a bundled package in the increasingly crowded and booming VOD landscape. The VOD package provides two options priced to consumers at $9.99/month in the Essential Plan or $12.99 for the Premium Plan, whose main differentiators are being more commercial free, 4K video … [Read more...] about Paramount+ Pushes Discount Streaming Bundle
Dispute Over ‘Pulp Fiction’ Image
Movie posters can become as beloved as their source material, which is driving an unusual lawsuit over who owns the key art image from 1994 crime yarn “Pulp Fiction.” The photographer who shot the iconic poster image of actress Uma Thurman lying on her stomach seductively puffing on a cigarette next to a large pistol claims he owns the imagery, and is suing “Pulp Fiction” … [Read more...] about Dispute Over ‘Pulp Fiction’ Image
AMC Unspools Surprise $25m Ad Campaign
AMC Theatres launches a $25 million-plus marketing campaign with Nicole Kidman as star presenter this week to encourage a return to moviegoing amid the pandemic. The key copyline is “AMC Theatres. We Make Movies Better" in what is an advocacy and brand-building exercise. The campaign is a surprise because cinemas don’t normally bankroll pricey advertising, instead relying on … [Read more...] about AMC Unspools Surprise $25m Ad Campaign
Cinemas Show Comeback Grit
Though battered, the domestic movie theater industry showed surprising confidence at annual industry gathering CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Aug 23-26. Pundits can scoff, but I spent three days at the cinema trade show with nearly 2,000 executives who rolled up their sleeves to do business. Reflecting the devastation of the Covid pandemic, that headcount is down from 3,000-3,500 … [Read more...] about Cinemas Show Comeback Grit
Indies Battle Cinema Marketing Costs
There’s an unfolding tug-of-war over independent films, defined as titles not distributed by Hollywood’s five major studios. Cinemas want to keep them on their silver screens while video streamers, which enjoy more-favorable economics, are siphoning them away. Distributors of indie movies generally want theatrical release, but cinema marketing costs are a perennial obstacle. … [Read more...] about Indies Battle Cinema Marketing Costs