The major movie studios are spending heavily on national network TV and basic cable advertising for their summer movies, per researcher iSpot, with no letup on shoveling money into old-fashioned TV. “On the whole, the average TV spend for a U.S. release (not including network cross-promotion and merchandising tie-ins) falls in a range of $25 million to $30 million” per major … [Read more...] about Majors Spend $25-30m On Nat’l TV Per Summer Flick
‘Avatar’ Ecosystem To Help Drive Sequels
Filmmaker Jim Cameron is laying the groundwork for sequels to 2009 blockbuster “Avatar.” New York City-based SapientNitro will create an Avatar “ecosystem” in pre-release marketing to warm up audiences for theatrical sequels distributed by 20th Century Fox. “Publicis Groupe agency SapientNitro has entered into a multiyear deal with James Cameron’s Lightstorm … [Read more...] about ‘Avatar’ Ecosystem To Help Drive Sequels
‘Keanu’ gets work-in-progress fest screening
One of the techniques to fine-tune a film is to show as a “work in progress” to an audience at a film festival, which is occurring for Warner Bros.’ comedy “Keanu.” Variety’s Alyssa Sage writes that Warner Bros. will gauge audience response to the work-in-progress hard comedy’s screening at the famed SXSW (South By Southwest fest) in Austin TX. Audience reactions are … [Read more...] about ‘Keanu’ gets work-in-progress fest screening
Hollywood Piles Into L.A. Billboards
Outdoor billboards in Los Angeles hold a special place for Hollywood. Such outdoor advertising signage is sometimes almost personal with the industry talking to the broader industry and is supercharged in awards season touting talent, movies and TV shows for kudos. “Many Hollywood advertisers view outdoor as a ‘reminder’ medium, playing a supportive role in campaigns that … [Read more...] about Hollywood Piles Into L.A. Billboards
Bawdy ‘Deadpool’ Breaks From Comic Norm
R-rated comic book adventure-comedy “Deadpool” remains the #1 box office film in its second weekend, raising the question why this 20th Century Fox youth-audience film became a surprise blockbuster. In 12 days of release, “Deadpool” has grossed $234 million domestically, including $55 this weekend. It's all the more surprising that blockbuster performance is for a movie … [Read more...] about Bawdy ‘Deadpool’ Breaks From Comic Norm
Benghazi Drama Aims at Conservatives
Paramount Pictures’ movie about the Benghazi, Libya attack on a diplomatic outpost in which four Americans were killed in 2012 is being marketed heavily to political conservatives, though the $50 million production isn’t an overtly political movie. Says a Hollywood Reporter article, “Paramount, along with director Michael Bay and the other filmmakers, have maintained that … [Read more...] about Benghazi Drama Aims at Conservatives
Audience Tracker NRG Sold to Stagwell
Nielsen’s storied National Research Group film marketing firm has been sold to Stagwell Media, another company in movie consumer research. Stagwell looks to be a consolidator buying other entertainment research companies. “The Stagwell Group LLC is a registered investment adviser, formed in December 2014 by Mark Penn who serves as the Managing Partner and President of … [Read more...] about Audience Tracker NRG Sold to Stagwell
Reviving ‘Back To Future’ Prod Placements
The “Back to the Future” film series gets a spate of reminiscences including its memorable Pepsi product placement, which slyly promote the three-film franchise from 1985-1990. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing a “Back to the Future” 30th anniversary DVD package on Oct. 20. The second installment of the sci-fi comedy has a futuristic Pepsi beverage (called … [Read more...] about Reviving ‘Back To Future’ Prod Placements
Heineken Gets ‘Spectre’ Star Craig in Commercial
'Spectre' movie actor Daniel Craig appears in a Heineken beer video commercial that promotes upcoming James Bond spy thriller, which Sony Pictures will premiere domestically Nov. 6. “The Heineken spot will be launched mobile-first via Facebook, and will be shown on TV and cinema screens worldwide 24 hours later,” says a press release from the brewer. “Heineken is the only … [Read more...] about Heineken Gets ‘Spectre’ Star Craig in Commercial
Pricey ‘Cinderella’ Merchandise Courts Adults
Disney Consumer Products unveiled some pricey shoes, jewelry and drinking glasses tied to live-action movie “Cinderella.” There are $4,595 glass slippers from designer Jimmy Choo. A crystal “I Have Arrived” necklace is priced at $599.95. “Cinderella and Prince Charming” glass champagne drinking flutes are $75 a pair. Obviously, this expensive film merchandise is not kids’ … [Read more...] about Pricey ‘Cinderella’ Merchandise Courts Adults