There’s an unfolding tug-of-war over independent films, defined as titles not distributed by Hollywood’s five major studios. Cinemas want to keep them on their silver screens while video streamers, which enjoy more-favorable economics, are siphoning them away. Distributors of indie movies generally want theatrical release, but cinema marketing costs are a perennial obstacle. … [Read more...] about Indies Battle Cinema Marketing Costs
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Taco Bell Parodies Horror Film Trailers
Movie trailers are ingrained in popular culture evidenced by others imitating. These include TV series promotions trying to capture a cinema-like prestige and consumer goods, such as the Taco Bell restaurant chain. “The Craving” advertising campaign for Taco Bell spoofs youth horror film trailers. It’s the sixth round of Taco Bell TV commercials playing off film trailers, … [Read more...] about Taco Bell Parodies Horror Film Trailers
Disney Battles ‘Captain Marvel’ Trolls
"Captain Marvel" opens this weekend to blockbuster box office, but Walt Disney Studios didn't take any chances: the studio blunted anticipated bashing by online trolls. The online provocateurs were expected to knock star Brie Larson for her politics and also framing of a super-hero movie with a female hue. A Bloomberg News article by Anousha Sakoui says that "Larson faced … [Read more...] about Disney Battles ‘Captain Marvel’ Trolls
Marketing Embraces Activations With Real Sensory Experience
Cyberspace conjures up magical worlds online so it’s interesting that in-the-flesh experiences are getting a big buzz at fanboy show Comic-Con. Activations that allow consumers to interact with brands through real-life interaction are show stoppers, writes Thom Forbes at Media Post. A Taco Bell restaurant mockup with neon lighting and a futuristic feel that recreates a scene … [Read more...] about Marketing Embraces Activations With Real Sensory Experience
Did Angry Fanboys Rip ‘Jedi’ for Feminism?
There's a buzz questioning whether riled-up fanboys drove down user-ratings for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” for its alleged feminist-friendly orientation. A Variety article by Todd Spangler notes that movie rating website Rotten Tomatoes reported that film critics gave “Jedi” a lofty 92% rating, but the website’s users just 54%. There were claims that automated bots unleashed … [Read more...] about Did Angry Fanboys Rip ‘Jedi’ for Feminism?
Update on Faith-based Audience Marketing
The faith-based movie audience for Hollywood films gets star treatment in two articles with slightly different takes on the increasingly-important moviegoers influenced by their religious beliefs. Deadline.comís Michael Cieply notes that box office was soft for faith films in 2016. "The faith audience is clearly taking a break from the movies," Cieply wrote. "Actually, 2016 … [Read more...] about Update on Faith-based Audience Marketing
Benghazi Drama Aims at Conservatives
Paramount Pictures’ movie about the Benghazi, Libya attack on a diplomatic outpost in which four Americans were killed in 2012 is being marketed heavily to political conservatives, though the $50 million production isn’t an overtly political movie. Says a Hollywood Reporter article, “Paramount, along with director Michael Bay and the other filmmakers, have maintained that … [Read more...] about Benghazi Drama Aims at Conservatives
Pricey ‘Cinderella’ Merchandise Courts Adults
Disney Consumer Products unveiled some pricey shoes, jewelry and drinking glasses tied to live-action movie “Cinderella.” There are $4,595 glass slippers from designer Jimmy Choo. A crystal “I Have Arrived” necklace is priced at $599.95. “Cinderella and Prince Charming” glass champagne drinking flutes are $75 a pair. Obviously, this expensive film merchandise is not kids’ … [Read more...] about Pricey ‘Cinderella’ Merchandise Courts Adults
Why ‘American Sniper’ Hits Marketing Bullseye
Feb 15 late addition: “NY Post” article link and quote citing success of films and TV programs that show a "frank admiration for the sacrifice, bravery and personal nobility of the men doing the fighting." Feb. 14, 2015- A big part of audience marketing is selecting the right tone, as evidenced by Warner Bros. surprise blockbuster “American Sniper,” which avoided being … [Read more...] about Why ‘American Sniper’ Hits Marketing Bullseye
Horror Flicks Transplanted in Theme Parks
Halloween is weeks away but already several horror attractions based on scary movies are being announced by the Universal theme parks in Los Angeles and Florida. These entertainment destinations each mount numerous fright attractions for Halloween known as mazes and scarezones. The attractions that transplant movies or other familiar horror properties (including TV series) … [Read more...] about Horror Flicks Transplanted in Theme Parks