German carmaker Audi is “the” major force in produce placement in Hollywood among luxury brands with gambits ranging from have Audis prominent in movies like “Iron Man” to a fleet of Audis transporting attendees to film events that are seen in press coverage. Says a “Variety” article by Marc Graser, “In fact, Audi has spent the past three years essentially taking over … [Read more...] about Audi Reigns in Car Placements
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Comic-Con Buzz Not a Sure-fire Indicator
The mammoth annual Comic-Con International gathering of sci-fi aficionados in San Diego is treated as a sure-fire barometer for later reception in cinemas. But a “New York Times “article takes a fun--and realistic--view of movie marketing opportunities. “The four-day convention, which begins on July 22, will be host to what has become an obligatory parade of filmmakers and … [Read more...] about Comic-Con Buzz Not a Sure-fire Indicator
LG Phone Looks Smart in ‘Iron Man 2’
LG Electronics shows off a smart phone of the future in “Iron Man 2.” Robert Downey Jr. whips out his pesonal phone in the film that impressively projects data and navigation controls on a “desktop” floating on thin air! “Throughout the movie, the device morphs according to situation and function, enabling (character Tony) Stark (Downey) to control his TV, lock his home … [Read more...] about LG Phone Looks Smart in ‘Iron Man 2’
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
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