Theatrical rereleases of famed Japanese animation Studio Ghibli play across American cinemas in a sprawling annual festival, representing one of the few “brands” in motion pictures. Ghibli’s films have a cult-like following globally topped by “Spirited Away” that grossed a blockbuster $357 million in cinemas worldwide and won the 2002 Oscar for best animated feature. What is … [Read more...] about Studio Ghibli Film Festival Flexes ‘Brand’
Volkswagen Mounts ‘Despicable 4’ Promotion
Volkswagen has rolled out a promotional tie-in with its Atlas sports-utility vehicle with animated “Despicable Me 4” distributed by Universal Pictures. There’s a fun 30-second commercial with “Despicable’s” oddball villain Gru surrounded by a sea of impish little minions with an Atlas in the center. Volkswagen says that it rolls with “Despicable Me 4”-themed national TV … [Read more...] about Volkswagen Mounts ‘Despicable 4’ Promotion
Coppola Wants to Prove Hollywood Wrong on ‘Megalopolis’
Filmmaker extraordinaire Frances Ford Coppola is struggling with placating puzzled film critics, marketing an esoteric film to wide audiences and struggling for industry sales for his “Megalopolis.” The $120 million self-financed social commentary epic is in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in France, where Coppola hopes those problems will be solved by critical acclaim … [Read more...] about Coppola Wants to Prove Hollywood Wrong on ‘Megalopolis’
Marketing Often Exceeds Film Costs
Deadline.com’s annual rankings of film profitability highlights one of oddities of the movie biz. How much one spends on making “the product” — meaning film production cost — frequently has little bearing on profitability and is sometime dwarfed by basic marketing expenses. Universal Pictures spent just $20 million to make cheapie horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s” but … [Read more...] about Marketing Often Exceeds Film Costs
Algorithm Film Data Sinks Sequel
An attempt to mount a sequel to 2001 medieval action-comedy classic “A Knight’s Tale” was scuttled by poor results when Netflix analyzed the concept using its audience data, says a film director involved. Algorithmic data of viewing patterns prompted Netflix to drop the idea. Algorithms are mathematical problem-solving calculations that detect patterns in data. “My … [Read more...] about Algorithm Film Data Sinks Sequel
Netflix Affirms Film Ambitions
It was thought original streaming films are on the chopping block amid cuts in spending across video streaming. Industry leader Netflix, however, reiterated a full-throated commitment to made-for-streaming films, both big and small, in its quarterly earnings call Thursday. “There is no appetite to make fewer films, but there is an unlimited appetite to make better films … [Read more...] about Netflix Affirms Film Ambitions
‘Civil War’ Cleverly Disguises Its Politics
A24-distributed “Civil War” is a surprise cinema hit over the weekend, defying odds since such topical-political movies are typically boxoffice poison. The R-rated violent drama from distributor A24 posted a hefty $25.7 million over the April 12-14 weekend, exceeding tracking-research expectations. The dystopian action film set in the near future presents the United States … [Read more...] about ‘Civil War’ Cleverly Disguises Its Politics
Imax Shines as Regular Cinema Struggles
The big-format-screen Imax theaters are rebounding nicely from the pandemic and disruptions from Hollywood labor strikes, though the rest of cinema suffers from fewer movies. That snapshot of the cinema business is optimistic. The Imax boom shows audiences are willing to pay a premium for tickets for a premium experience. Consumers want out-of-home entertainment, and not … [Read more...] about Imax Shines as Regular Cinema Struggles
Film Marketing Takes to Streets
The “Star Wars” franchise has mounted a marketing initiative that projects lighted images on a famous New York City building, attracting the attention of street traffic and, more importantly, the press. “Star Wars” imagery gets beamed on the side of the 102-floor Empire State Building at night. This supports licensed movie merchandise and runs of “Star Wars” saga movies on … [Read more...] about Film Marketing Takes to Streets
Tribeca Offers Perks Program
The glitzy Tribeca Festival rolls out a membership program offering events perks, special merchandise offers and benefits from sponsors. Membership costs $100 a year, reflecting that flat-fee subscriptions offerings in media continue to multiply. It’s a type of loyalty program from the fest’s parent, Tribeca Enterprise. “Tribeca Membership offers year-round access to … [Read more...] about Tribeca Offers Perks Program