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
Official Events Pile On Oscars Publicity
In the lead-up to the Oscars on March 7, the motion picture academy has a full slate of events that will shine a light Hollywood. Movie stars, glamorous surroundings, history and artistic celebration will burn brightly. The events will keep the Oscars in the public eye leading up the ABC Television telecast. In some cases, the events are purely designed to get press … [Read more...] about Official Events Pile On Oscars Publicity
Cigarette Tussle Over ‘Avatar’
Cigarette smoking is increasingly drawing ire from activists who want an R-rating slapped on any film with characters puffing as a child protection measure. A “New York Times” article by A.O. Scott said smoking seems to be the enduring controversy from 20th Century Fox’s “Avatar”—the blockbuster in which viewers claim to see all kinds of other messages. In the PG-13 film, … [Read more...] about Cigarette Tussle Over ‘Avatar’
Vodka Brand Bags Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis extends his celebrity endorser deal with Sobieski vodka in exchange for a 3.3% stake in its owner, struggling spirits outfit Belvedere SA of France, and that stake is worth about $4 mil., according to a “Wall Street Journal” article. A non-cash compensation deal is unusual way to bag a famous presenter, though not completely unprecedented as stars get cars, … [Read more...] about Vodka Brand Bags Bruce Willis
Super-luxury Theaters Sprout
Some movie theaters have created a premium-priced film-going experience with booze and fancy food at $29 a ticket, versus a $7.50 national average. Australian theater circuit Village Roadshow (VRS) has four such theaters in the U.S. offering a movie and dining experience. “Forget Milk Duds and popcorn,” says a “Los Angeles Times” article by Richard Verrier and Jessica Gelt. … [Read more...] about Super-luxury Theaters Sprout
Dark ‘Bones’ Turns to Females
Audience research produced an unexpected finding for “The Lovely Bones,” the PG-13 rated supernatural thriller from Paramount Pictures. Teenage girls and young women liked the film, despite its plot that revolves around a murdered girl who resurrects in the hereafter, says a “Los Angeles Times” article. A by-invitation test screening in Kansas City during November … [Read more...] about Dark ‘Bones’ Turns to Females