In an unusual move, actor Jim Carrey is refusing to promote his role in the violent black comedy “Kick-ass 2” because of sudden moral qualms—in this case about the impact of screen violence in the real world. “I did Kickass a month b4 Sandy Hook and now in all good conscience I cannot support that level of violence,” Carrey wrote on Twitter, referring to a school shooting … [Read more...] about Carrey Won’t Publicize ‘Kick Ass 2’
publicity
Academy Enlarges Foreign Film Oscar Vote
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences opened up voting for winners in the foreign film and four other categories to all members for the first time, which means victors in all 24 Oscar categories will be chosen at large. “Prior to the final round of voting, the Academy will provide members with DVDs of the nominated films in five categories: Foreign Language Film, … [Read more...] about Academy Enlarges Foreign Film Oscar Vote
Soaring Blimp Promotes ‘Despicable Me 2’
Universal Pictures is mounting a national tour of an airborne blimp to promote summer film “Despicable Me 2.” The balloon-like aircraft is being called—no surprise here—the “Despicablimp” from media marketing outfit Van Wagner Communications. The blimp already hovered over the Los Angeles site of cable TV network Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award last week. “By enabling a new … [Read more...] about Soaring Blimp Promotes ‘Despicable Me 2’
Corporate Groupies Reach For Oscar Glow
With the Oscar telecast tomorrow, let’s look at some of the many marketers that attach themselves to the awards without an official affiliation. “This year’s Oscar Celebrity Gifting Suite will be held at an undisclosed location in Beverly Hills,” says an enthusiastic press release for Inance skin care products. “Many celebrities have been waiting for this chance to sample … [Read more...] about Corporate Groupies Reach For Oscar Glow
Sponsors Embrace Brash Spirit Awards
The Independent Spirit Awards cloaks itself with the aura of a maverick and virtue but is not shy about embracing the luxury side of corporate America. The independent-film awards counts as main sponsors luxury wristwatch Piaget, Jameson Irish Whisky, upmarket Lincoln automobiles, T-Mobile cell phones and indie film TV channel IFC for its Saturday awards, which come one day … [Read more...] about Sponsors Embrace Brash Spirit Awards
Sundance Sponsor Nabs Fest Screening
A corporate sponsor at the Sundance Film Festival created content that unspools in a sidebar of the fest, in a bid to escape the NASCAR-like clutter of overt promotions, notes a Variety story. The Captain Morgan brand of rum, which is part of the Diageo spirits conglomerate, received choice placement for its 30-minute documentary showing at Sundance titled “The Unsinkable … [Read more...] about Sundance Sponsor Nabs Fest Screening
Oscar TV Ad Sales Sizzle
Advertising sales for the Feb. 24 Oscar telecast are brisk, according to trade newspaper Advertising Age, which attributes strong demand comparison to recession-depressed rates in the past year and a belief a revamp this year will pull viewers. The performance of the Oscar telecast is of keen interest to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) because it … [Read more...] about Oscar TV Ad Sales Sizzle
Mercedes Drives Palm Springs Fest Sponsorship
Mercedes Benz embraces movie glitz and star talent in a sponsorship of the gala awards ceremony of the 24th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. The German car maker is connected to a rare film festival that is part of the Oscar awards season calendar because of its early January date (most other fests are outside awards season). Mercedes also trots out celebrity … [Read more...] about Mercedes Drives Palm Springs Fest Sponsorship
AMC Publicizes Apatow Film
AMC Theatres is mounting a movie publicity event connected with “This Is 40,” which ties into the circuit’s loyalty program. AMC is hosting a question-and-answer session Nov. 28 with director Judd Apatow at its AMC NorthPark 15 in Dallas. Members of AMC Stubs—which is the circuit’s loyalty program—are given tickets to see “This Is 40” for a by-invitation-only screening prior … [Read more...] about AMC Publicizes Apatow Film
Confessions of a Horror Film Mogul
Horror filmmaker Eli Roth is a “brand” that he milks online and in other media. A creative force behind "Cabin Fever" and "Hostel," Roth provided a fascinating tour of the horror film genre in an interview at the Variety Film Marketing Summit last week. His big break came as director of “Cabin Fever” released in 2003, though that low-budget film that was a hit with $21 … [Read more...] about Confessions of a Horror Film Mogul