The two leading specialist advertising agency businesses that originally assembled detail-intensive newspaper ads are merging their operation into what is called Allied-THA. This enterprise that has 20 regional offices across the United States creates ads with theater play-dates and start-times in the fine print at the bottom of print ads for movies. A press release from … [Read more...] about Specialist Film Ad Agencies Merge
7-Eleven Rides ‘Cowboys & Aliens’
Sci-fi extravaganza “Cowboys & Aliens” has a tie-in with 7-Eleven convenience stores arranged by Universal Pictures, which is scheduled to premiere the PG-13-rated film July 29. The DreamWorks production stars Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, whose likenesses appear on 7-Eleven beverage cups. “The new Wrist Blaster cup filled with an Alienade Slurpee beverage is modeled … [Read more...] about 7-Eleven Rides ‘Cowboys & Aliens’
‘Cars 2’ Merchandise Bonanza
Cars 2” is already a gusher in licensed merchandise for Walt Disney. The Wall Street Journal newspaper estimates that “Cars 2”—which is the G-rated animated movie opening Friday—will surpass the $2.8 billion merchandise haul of “Toy Story 3.” Ira Mayer, publisher of the “Licensing Letter” and EPM Communications (who is also quoted in the book “Marketing to Moviegoers: Second … [Read more...] about ‘Cars 2’ Merchandise Bonanza
Oscar Best Pix Count to Vary from 5-10
After watering down the Oscars in quest for TV audiences, the motion picture academy reversed some of the damage done two years ago when it expanded the Best Picture category to 10 movies. Yesterday, it set the nominees for Best Picture category to anywhere from 5-10 films, depending on clearing a benchmark in secret votes. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences … [Read more...] about Oscar Best Pix Count to Vary from 5-10
Twitter Lifts ‘Super 8’ by $5m?
If tracking surveys are to be believed, Paramount Pictures squeezed another $5 million in boxoffice out of the opening weekend for “Super 8” with its tie-in promotion with Twitter. Not bad and not great either. The youth-oriented sci-fi yarn finished the three-day premiere weekend with $35.5 million (plus another $1 million from Thursday sneak previews arranged by … [Read more...] about Twitter Lifts ‘Super 8’ by $5m?
Tattoo Rights in Dispute for “Hangover II’
The "Hangover Part II” is experiencing its own cliffhangers. The tattoo artist who created ex-boxer Mike Tyson’s facial tattoo is suing to block theatrical premiere of “Hangover 2” alleging copyright infringement because the distinctive tattoo appears in the film. The raunchy R-rated comedy is scheduled for Thursday premiere (at midnight) and the “Hollywood Reporter” says … [Read more...] about Tattoo Rights in Dispute for “Hangover II’
‘Panda’ Integrates in CityVille Game
DreamWorks Animation placed “Kung Fu Panda 2” in an integration with the CityVille social game that is popular on Facebook, as the animation film company becomes more entwined with social media. Paramount Pictures premieres animated film “Kung Fu Panda 2” on next Thursday for DreamWorks Animation. “Last month, (CityVille’s parent) Zynga added Jeffrey Katzenberg, … [Read more...] about ‘Panda’ Integrates in CityVille Game
Brad Pitt Film Sneaks into Theaters
Other than reports from its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, “Tree of Life” is barely making a ripple in the U.S. The website and ads are a bit of blur. The movie’s first poster is a mosaic that didn’t catch the eye graphically and barely communicated the star power with the names of Pitt and Penn. Their names are hard to read. Another poster with a dominant image of a … [Read more...] about Brad Pitt Film Sneaks into Theaters
Product-placement Movie Piles On Satire
Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock’s “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” is getting a lot of publicity heat and was well received at the Sundance Film Festival in January, but the premise kind of leaves me cold. I also will be interested to see if box office is strong or weak for a film that playfully delves into the behind-the-scenes world of placement of brand name products in films. … [Read more...] about Product-placement Movie Piles On Satire
‘African Cats’ Builds Wildlife Promotions
Walt Disney Studios serves up lots of web links in a press release for “African Cats,” its documentary set for April 22 theatrical release. A portion of box office will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), which makes AWF a promotional partner. There’s the obligatory Facebook page and a website to “pledge” to see the movie. Another ticket commerce … [Read more...] about ‘African Cats’ Builds Wildlife Promotions