Wells Fargo is mounting a flurry of film sponsorships as the nation’s fourth largest bank associates itself with Hollywood on several promotional fronts. Wells Fargo took the title of “official financial institution sponsor” for 20th Century Fox release of “Red Tails” in a deal sparked by two of its bankers who served as combat fighter pilots in the celebrated WWII air unit … [Read more...] about Wells Fargo Embraces Film Promos
branding
Fat-cats Gorge on Sundance Glitz
The Sundance Film Festival loves to dish out an ecological “green” sensibility and project a we’re-with-the-people face. So it’s a bit of a paradox that outfits catering to the “one percenters”—portrayed as filthy exploiters indie films that are Sundance staples—enthusiastically latch on to the film event. They are in evidence as both official sponsors and indirectly as … [Read more...] about Fat-cats Gorge on Sundance Glitz
Tattoo Rights in Dispute for “Hangover II’
The "Hangover Part II” is experiencing its own cliffhangers. The tattoo artist who created ex-boxer Mike Tyson’s facial tattoo is suing to block theatrical premiere of “Hangover 2” alleging copyright infringement because the distinctive tattoo appears in the film. The raunchy R-rated comedy is scheduled for Thursday premiere (at midnight) and the “Hollywood Reporter” says … [Read more...] about Tattoo Rights in Dispute for “Hangover II’
Product-placement Movie Piles On Satire
Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock’s “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” is getting a lot of publicity heat and was well received at the Sundance Film Festival in January, but the premise kind of leaves me cold. I also will be interested to see if box office is strong or weak for a film that playfully delves into the behind-the-scenes world of placement of brand name products in films. … [Read more...] about Product-placement Movie Piles On Satire
Maserati Tours Film-TV Screens
Maserati cars are getting screen time in films and TV shows by being quick to say yes when Hollywood calls. The high-end Italian car maker—which is known for sports car but also makes a nifty sedan—handles Hollywood contacts directly. It resume placements after dropping an outside product placement agency as a middleman in 2008, says a “Hollywood Reporter” article by Daniel … [Read more...] about Maserati Tours Film-TV Screens
Transmedia Adapts, Advances Film Storylines
As movie brands land in cell phones, video games and websites, a whole new discipline emerges in Hollywood -- transmedia --which is planting film properties in places besides the silver screen. A “Los Angeles Times” article by Ben Fritz examines the transmedia process with Jeff Gomez and Mark Pensavalle, who are co-founders of specialist marketing agency Starlight Runner … [Read more...] about Transmedia Adapts, Advances Film Storylines
‘Pirates’ Franchise Sells $1.6bn in Merchandise
The four installments of “Pirates of the Caribbean” rolled up $1.6 billion at consumer-spend in global sales of licensed merchandise, says Disney Consumer Products. The fourth edition “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” sets sail on its theatrical voyage theaters May 20. Based on standard licensing rates and Disney’s track record, book “Marketing To Moviegoers” … [Read more...] about ‘Pirates’ Franchise Sells $1.6bn in Merchandise
Audi Reigns in Car Placements
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
‘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
Decline in Game Adaptations of Films
Video game software companies are backing away from adaptations of theatrical films because of short timelines in Hollywood and poor sales of some movie titles, says the “Los Angeles Times.” That’s particularly true for mainstream game cartridges for console video games, which are the rich end of the video game spectrum. Game adaptations require rushed production, which has … [Read more...] about Decline in Game Adaptations of Films