The James Bond spy-thriller property and its most famous Agent 007, Sean Connery, anchor a mechanical pinball machine in limited quantities. Chicago-based Stern Pinball launches its James Bond 007 series of hardware priced at three tiers for $6,999 to $12,999. “Stern’s James Bond 007 cornerstone pinball machine,” says a press release, “highlights film footage and iconic … [Read more...] about Agent 007 Anchors Pinball Machine
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Streamer Erases Cigarettes From Posters
Look what today’s cancel culture got now! HBO Max is sanitizing movie posters of cigarette/cigar smoking which gets knocked by film fans on social media and makes for some bizarre-looking images. “Angry movie fans took to Twitter to reveal the missing smokes on HBO Max’s feeds, which appeared to be scrubbed from iconic movie posters for Robert Altman’s ‘McCabe … [Read more...] about Streamer Erases Cigarettes From Posters
Streaming Film Gets Cinema Run
Sensing a gap in theatrical releases, Paramount Pictures has added a limited cinema run for made-for-streaming urban film “On the Come Up.” Time is short because the PG-13-rated youth drama is scheduled to premiere on the Paramount+ streaming service Friday, Sept 23. “On the Come Up” was well received at a Toronto International Film Festival screening days ago, giving … [Read more...] about Streaming Film Gets Cinema Run
Recalling War Stories From Test Screenings
After film “Cocktail” starring Tom Cruise test screened before release, studio executives and talent were puzzled that audience felt it saw two films … and didn’t like the second one. The initial two-thirds of the 1998 movie were well-received as a light-hearted, young-adult romantic romp. Cruise is an appealing, fun-loving bartender starring in his next film after his “Top … [Read more...] about Recalling War Stories From Test Screenings
‘Barbie’ Film Toys With Long-Lead Publicity
The Barbie doll from the Mattel toy company needs little introduction, though surprisingly basked in a tsunami of publicity for a theatrical film that just wrapped production for Warner Bros. Pictures. That the "Barbie "movie generated a spate of publicity in recent weeks is perplexing because it’s not scheduled for theatrical premiere until July 21, 2023. An article in the … [Read more...] about ‘Barbie’ Film Toys With Long-Lead Publicity
‘Lord of Rings’ Merchandise Bonanza
A Swedish video game company has bought film/TV and merchandising rights to the “Lord of the Rings” franchise for a large though undisclosed sum, as movie-related intellectual property has exploded in value since “Star Wars” in 1977. The rights package covers all the works of the late R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy-world literary works including the “The Hobbit.” The purchase price … [Read more...] about ‘Lord of Rings’ Merchandise Bonanza
Wall Street Bullish on Cinema
Wall Street is always a forward indicator — its job is to anticipate — and the cinema recovery gets a thumbs up from stock analysts. Giant brokerage Morgan Stanley issued an upbeat report on Cinemark Holdings, which is the third ranked U.S. movie-theater chain, and that optimism is broadly spreading that cinema will not only survive but thrive. The praise is significant … [Read more...] about Wall Street Bullish on Cinema
‘Nope’ Reaches for the Skyy Vodka
Universal Pictures set up an expansive tie-in promotion with Skyy vodka for off-beat horror film “Nope” that includes out-of-home marketing, whipping up interest on social media, a sweepstakes and experiential activations. The R-rated “Nope” is scheduled for “in theaters only” domestic premiere July 22. Its R-rating limits promotional partners since voluntary audience … [Read more...] about ‘Nope’ Reaches for the Skyy Vodka
A Hollywood Life ‘Flirting With Fame’
After decades as a Hollywood press agent, Dan Harary finds publicity an unpredictable art and he also observes a changing nature of “celebrity.” In his memoir book “Flirting With Fame,” Harary recounts doing publicity for a behind-the-scenes special effects craft worker Bob Short connected to a strange horror/comedy film with uncertain prospects. Surprisingly, Short generate … [Read more...] about A Hollywood Life ‘Flirting With Fame’
Making Cinema Screens Interactive
Startup MetaMedia has emerged as a leader for cinemas tapping into streaming technology for non-theatrical programs, interactive on-screen content and movies themselves. Non-theatrical content includes red-carpet events, special fan events, teleconferences for corporate clients and educational presentations using cyberspace's the cloud technology. Plus, Metamedia is … [Read more...] about Making Cinema Screens Interactive