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’
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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
Imax Screens 16-Minute ‘Avatar’ Clip
In its extensive discussion of trailers, “Marketing to Moviegoers: Second Edition” calls them essentially “free samples” of movies. Now, 20th Century Fox is taking the trailer concept to an extreme level with “Avatar,” which is the Jim Cameron (“Titanic”) sci-fi epic set for Dec. 18 theatrical release. A “Los Angeles Times” article says big-screen Imax theaters will present … [Read more...] about Imax Screens 16-Minute ‘Avatar’ Clip
Par Bags 3-pix Burger King Tie-in
Paramount Pictures inked a three-picture promotion deal with Burger King, which will give marketing ooompf to “Star Trek” (premiering May 8), “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (June 24) and “G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra” (Aug. 7). Fast food chains have become more selective about film promotions as, for example, McDonald’s did not renew a 10-year alliance with Disney … [Read more...] about Par Bags 3-pix Burger King Tie-in
HP Promotes ‘Monsters’ Computer Tie-in
As another DreamWorks Animation film hits cinema screens, Hewlett-Packard gets a chance to again shout from the rooftops that it provided computer equipment, this time for the making of “Monsters vs. Aliens.” HP is part of a small cadre of corporate sponsors tied to DreamWorks Animation in long-term deals. The other sponsors are McDonald’s restaurants (which mounts … [Read more...] about HP Promotes ‘Monsters’ Computer Tie-in
007’s ‘Quantum’ Overflows With Commercialization
The next James Bond 007 spy thriller comes packed with merchandise, product placement, marketing promotions and some complaints of overdoing it on the commercialization front. But a reality is that fans of the spy-thriller movies seem to enjoy the product glitz in overdrive. Some pundits in the UK suggest product placement and promotional tie-ins for “Quantum of Solace” are … [Read more...] about 007’s ‘Quantum’ Overflows With Commercialization
‘Sex & City’ Ignites Pop Culture, Promos
The silver-screen version of HBO TV series “Sex and the City” shapes up as a theatrical phenomenon with strong pre-release buzz. The stylish, young-adult contemporary drama has a foundation of an HBO TV series, which is more tame than the theatrical release May 30 domestically from Warner Bros. Pictures. The movie is rated R-restricted. * Luxury brands are a natural fit; … [Read more...] about ‘Sex & City’ Ignites Pop Culture, Promos
Smithsonian Museum Paid by Fox for Movie Role
20th Century Fox reported paid a $550,000 licensing fee to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington for use of its name in “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.” The 2009 family-adventure film, which starts production shortly, already lays claim to a U.S. theatrical release a year from now on May 22, 2009 and its predecessor was a sleeper hit grossing $251 … [Read more...] about Smithsonian Museum Paid by Fox for Movie Role
Flop ‘Racer’ Delivers Dim Glow
“Speed Racer,” the cinema film adaptation of a 1980s TV series, pressed all the correct marketing buttons in preparing for premiere, though it didn’t connect with audiences. The movie that cost $120 million to make premiered May 9 from Warner Bros. Pictures (UPDATE ultimately finished with a disappointing $44 million in boxoffice domestically, falling far short of … [Read more...] about Flop ‘Racer’ Delivers Dim Glow
‘Magorium’ Gimmicky Scented Advertisement
“Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” employs a marketing stunt placing a scratch-and-sniff fragrance embedded the ink of “Los Angeles Times” advertisement for the movie. “Magorium” is a G-rated family film scheduled for domestic premiere Nov. 5 from 20th Century Fox Pictures and producer Fox Walden Media. In overall movie marketing, newspaper advertising is in decline because … [Read more...] about ‘Magorium’ Gimmicky Scented Advertisement