The Oscars have a long history of passing over famous films for consideration in the documentary category and this year’s surprise is the exclusion of “Waiting for Superman,” which is a critically-praised film about America’s dysfunctional public education system. “New York Post” columnist Kyle Smith attributes the snub to Hollywood’s liberal elite in the Academy of Motion … [Read more...] about ‘Waiting for Superman’ Another Oscar Outrage?
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Fox Uses iTunes to Deliver Awards Films
Update Jan. 16: Paramount and Focus Features later join Fox and Fox Searchlight in offering movie screeners to film awards voters via complimentary iTunes downloads. /update The super-secure iTunes ecological system wins kudos from 20th Century Fox Pictures and Fox Searchlight, which on Friday announced they will make downloads of three prestige movies available to awards … [Read more...] about Fox Uses iTunes to Deliver Awards Films
Raunchy Marketing Launches ‘Machete’
Hollywood bad-girl Lindsay Lohan licks the barrel of a big handgun in the poster for “Machete,” which is the raunchy actioner that 20th Century Fox is scheduled to release Sept 3. The film is not yet rated. UK newspaper the “Daily Mail’s” website says that the film is “ultra violent” and Lohan “plays April Benz, an avenging socialite with a penchant for guns. In one scene, … [Read more...] about Raunchy Marketing Launches ‘Machete’
‘Toy Story 3’ Gushes Merchandise
“Toy Story 3” is the perfect fusion of products with entertainment on the silver screen. The Disney/Pixar animated blockbuster serves up an array of toy products that are ideal for license merchandising and the plot sets up a sequel--all while being an entertaining movie that is wowing fans and film critics. The end credits cite three branded placements: Mattel for … [Read more...] about ‘Toy Story 3’ Gushes Merchandise
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’
‘Gift Shop’ Builds Mystery
Here’s an emerging triumph in digital media marketing for a small indie film. The “New York Times” published a review about narrow-release theatrical documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop” that calls the film an “enigma.” Here’s a documentary theatrical where film critics are crucial to its marketing. The documentary about street and graffiti artist Banksy is … [Read more...] about ‘Gift Shop’ Builds Mystery
Oscars Rap Producer for Electioneering
An inexperienced Hollywood producer’s campaigning for his Oscar nominee ran afoul of Academy Award regulations because he instructed colleagues to minimize voting for “Avatar” so his film “The Hurt Locker” could win Best Picture. Nicolas Chartier, one of four nominated producers for Best Picture nominee “The Hurt Locker” and whose main contribution was money, sent emails to … [Read more...] about Oscars Rap Producer for Electioneering
Official Events Pile On Oscars Publicity
In the lead-up to the Oscars on March 7, the motion picture academy has a full slate of events that will shine a light Hollywood. Movie stars, glamorous surroundings, history and artistic celebration will burn brightly. The events will keep the Oscars in the public eye leading up the ABC Television telecast. In some cases, the events are purely designed to get press … [Read more...] about Official Events Pile On Oscars Publicity
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’