Product placement veteran Brad Brown recalls the obstacles and patchy nature of product placements in movies and TV shows from past decades in a BrandChannel.com profile. Brown, who is quoted in all three “Marketing to Moviegoer” books, placed Pepsi soda in movies ranging from early Tom Hanks hit “Big” (a Pepsi vending machine is prominent in the lead character’s memorable … [Read more...] about Product-Placement Guru Recounts Evolution
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‘Avatar’ Ecosystem To Help Drive Sequels
Filmmaker Jim Cameron is laying the groundwork for sequels to 2009 blockbuster “Avatar.” New York City-based SapientNitro will create an Avatar “ecosystem” in pre-release marketing to warm up audiences for theatrical sequels distributed by 20th Century Fox. “Publicis Groupe agency SapientNitro has entered into a multiyear deal with James Cameron’s Lightstorm … [Read more...] about ‘Avatar’ Ecosystem To Help Drive Sequels
Reviving ‘Back To Future’ Prod Placements
The “Back to the Future” film series gets a spate of reminiscences including its memorable Pepsi product placement, which slyly promote the three-film franchise from 1985-1990. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing a “Back to the Future” 30th anniversary DVD package on Oct. 20. The second installment of the sci-fi comedy has a futuristic Pepsi beverage (called … [Read more...] about Reviving ‘Back To Future’ Prod Placements
‘Star Wars’ Images Adorn Credit Cards
These credit cards stand out! Chase Card Services is offering three different “Star Wars”-themed credit cards using nifty movie images. They’re available to consumers who use Disney Visa Credit cards. Disney Credit Card members get discounts on merchandise and Star Wars limited-time offers. “In addition, all Disney Visa Credit Cardmembers can have access to the … [Read more...] about ‘Star Wars’ Images Adorn Credit Cards
Trailer Houses Booming
A Los Angeles Times article says that the business of creating movie trailers has exploded, as creative boutique ad agencies have mushroomed that craft marketing materials for film distributors. “About 15 years ago, there were only a dozen or so companies distilling motion pictures down to 2 1/2-minute previews. Now there are more than 100,” says the article by Ryan … [Read more...] about Trailer Houses Booming
2 Restaurant Chains Mount Rare Movie Promos
Dairy Queen and Red Robin mounted separate movie promotions, which are rare for these two restaurant chains. Dairy Queen hooked up with “Jurassic World,” which achieved a blockbuster premiere June 12 for Universal Pictures and is rated PG-13, while Red Robin ties to “Terminator Genisys,” which Paramount Pictures will premiere July 1. “Terminator” is not yet audience … [Read more...] about 2 Restaurant Chains Mount Rare Movie Promos
Mercedes Helps Drive ‘Jurassic’ Marketing
German carmaker Mercedes Benz is back as a tie-in promotion partner with Universal Pictures for the next installment of the “Jurassic” dinosaur movies, shouldering a big chunk of the media costs for marketing. “Jurassic World,” which is the fourth movie of the sci-fi yarn and represents a reboot of the movie franchise, is scheduled for a June 12 premiere in the United States … [Read more...] about Mercedes Helps Drive ‘Jurassic’ Marketing
Sponsor’s Nightmare: Star Publicly Trashes Brand
It's every corporate sponsor's nightmare: A Hollywood star tarnishes the brand in a speech at an event underwritten by the sponsor. At the Film Independent Spirit Awards, actor Paul Thomas Anderson ripped American Airlines while accepting an honor from the podium. American Airlines is a Spirit Awards sponsor. "Don't fly American Airlines, man," Anderson said while accepting … [Read more...] about Sponsor’s Nightmare: Star Publicly Trashes Brand
Official Champagne for Oscars Changes Again
The Academy Awards again changed champagne sponsorship as Piper-Heidsieck takes the designation for three years of Oscars, after the bubbly brand held it in 1991-92 and 1999. The French company is known for its brut champagnes. “After a few years with Moët & Chandon, in 2013 and 2014, Champagne Thiénot ushered ‘Argo’ and ‘12 Years a Slave’ into the American canon,” says … [Read more...] about Official Champagne for Oscars Changes Again
Vodka Brand Nabs 007 Film Tie-in
The next James Bond spy adventure film “Spectre” landed a product placement deal with Belvedere vodka. It’s a consumer-product category made famous with the “shaken, not stirred” instruction from the super-cool British movie spy dating back to the 1960s. Sony Pictures will release “Spectre” domestically Nov. 6, 2015. Smirnoff was the prior vodka placement, though other … [Read more...] about Vodka Brand Nabs 007 Film Tie-in