The Weinstein Co. bashes in a “New York Times” advertisement a professional film critic who pans its drama film “Philomena,” which triggered a battle in the press. Film distributor TWC urges readers to see the movie to “Decide For Yourself.” In a lengthy opinion article today, New York Post critic Kyle Smith defends his review. “I found the film lazy, contrived, with a … [Read more...] about Weinstein Aims ‘Philomena’ Beef At Critic
publicity
Ferrell Film Promo Lifts Car Sales
Goofy TV commercials with Will Ferrell as part of a movie tie-in promotion helped lift car sales for Dodge vehicles. Ferrell, in character for his movie "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues," is the presenter in real advertising for the 2014 Dodge Durango, whose sales soared 59% in October and up 50% for the year. The Ferrell ads started Oct. 5. This is reminiscent of the … [Read more...] about Ferrell Film Promo Lifts Car Sales
Film School Dreams Versus Job-Market Realities
I’ve always been amused—and somewhat dismayed—that film schools are so production- and history-centric in their curricula. Web pages and brochures use photos of earnest young people peering through camera lenses—often presenting lads who are reminiscent of young Spielbergs! It strikes me as more dream than reality, because production jobs that are pictured are scarce. And … [Read more...] about Film School Dreams Versus Job-Market Realities
Marketing Exec Tops Mo-Pix Academy
The motion picture academy elected a marketing executive as its president, who is only the second consumer-focused executive to run the organization that has conferred the Oscars since 1927. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) chose as its president veteran publicity executive Cheryl Boone Isaacs -- who headed the academys public relations branch. She is … [Read more...] about Marketing Exec Tops Mo-Pix Academy
Carrey Won’t Publicize ‘Kick Ass 2’
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’
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