Pundits sing the praises of relying on digital media to market theatrical films and Walt Disney Studios just hired a new media guru who designed digital-media-only marketing campaigns for corporate clients. But experience has proven to date it’s suicidal to diminish or downplay ad spending in key traditional media of TV. “Few films have become hits in the US based on digital … [Read more...] about New Media Alone Can’t Open Films
‘Toy Story 3’ Gushes Merchandise
“Toy Story 3” is the perfect fusion of products with entertainment on the silver screen. The Disney/Pixar animated blockbuster serves up an array of toy products that are ideal for license merchandising and the plot sets up a sequel--all while being an entertaining movie that is wowing fans and film critics. The end credits cite three branded placements: Mattel for … [Read more...] about ‘Toy Story 3’ Gushes Merchandise
Comic-Con Buzz Not a Sure-fire Indicator
The mammoth annual Comic-Con International gathering of sci-fi aficionados in San Diego is treated as a sure-fire barometer for later reception in cinemas. But a “New York Times “article takes a fun--and realistic--view of movie marketing opportunities. “The four-day convention, which begins on July 22, will be host to what has become an obligatory parade of filmmakers and … [Read more...] about Comic-Con Buzz Not a Sure-fire Indicator
Decline in Game Adaptations of Films
Video game software companies are backing away from adaptations of theatrical films because of short timelines in Hollywood and poor sales of some movie titles, says the “Los Angeles Times.” That’s particularly true for mainstream game cartridges for console video games, which are the rich end of the video game spectrum. Game adaptations require rushed production, which has … [Read more...] about Decline in Game Adaptations of Films
LG Phone Looks Smart in ‘Iron Man 2’
LG Electronics shows off a smart phone of the future in “Iron Man 2.” Robert Downey Jr. whips out his pesonal phone in the film that impressively projects data and navigation controls on a “desktop” floating on thin air! “Throughout the movie, the device morphs according to situation and function, enabling (character Tony) Stark (Downey) to control his TV, lock his home … [Read more...] about LG Phone Looks Smart in ‘Iron Man 2’
‘Transmedia’ Credit for Cross-Platform Role
A quasi-marketing function is getting some respect at the Producer Guild of America! The PGA just approved a screen credit for “Transmedia Producer.” “As technology evolves, it’s no longer adequate to think of a project as simply a television show or a movie,” PGA President Marshall Herskovitz says in a press release announcing the new screen credit. “We now understand … [Read more...] about ‘Transmedia’ Credit for Cross-Platform Role
‘Gift Shop’ Builds Mystery
Here’s an emerging triumph in digital media marketing for a small indie film. The “New York Times” published a review about narrow-release theatrical documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop” that calls the film an “enigma.” Here’s a documentary theatrical where film critics are crucial to its marketing. The documentary about street and graffiti artist Banksy is … [Read more...] about ‘Gift Shop’ Builds Mystery
Wal-Mart Pushes ‘Dragon’ Merchandise
Wal-Mart lined up a big exclusive movie merchandise tie in with DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon” that opens in a week via Paramount Pictures. DreamWorks is hoping big displays in 2,600 Wal-Mart stores flogging movie products will boost the theatrical opening of the PG-rated animated film. A press release says the displays “feature a giant ‘How to Train … [Read more...] about Wal-Mart Pushes ‘Dragon’ Merchandise
Oscars Rap Producer for Electioneering
An inexperienced Hollywood producer’s campaigning for his Oscar nominee ran afoul of Academy Award regulations because he instructed colleagues to minimize voting for “Avatar” so his film “The Hurt Locker” could win Best Picture. Nicolas Chartier, one of four nominated producers for Best Picture nominee “The Hurt Locker” and whose main contribution was money, sent emails to … [Read more...] about Oscars Rap Producer for Electioneering
Age-restricted ‘Kick-Ass’ Trailer Leaks
Independent film distributors tend to push the decency envelope and a “New York Times” articles says that’s just what’s happening with Lions Gate Films’ audience-restricted trailer for R-rated “Kick-Ass.” “A trailer for the forthcoming film ‘Kick-Ass’ that depicts (a 11-year-old girl character named Hit Girl) wielding a gun and using highly, highly profane … [Read more...] about Age-restricted ‘Kick-Ass’ Trailer Leaks