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
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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
Wal-Mart Pushes ‘Dragon’ Merchandise
Wal-Mart lined up a big exclusive movie merchandise tie in with DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon” that opens in a week via Paramount Pictures. DreamWorks is hoping big displays in 2,600 Wal-Mart stores flogging movie products will boost the theatrical opening of the PG-rated animated film. A press release says the displays “feature a giant ‘How to Train … [Read more...] about Wal-Mart Pushes ‘Dragon’ Merchandise
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’
Vodka Brand Bags Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis extends his celebrity endorser deal with Sobieski vodka in exchange for a 3.3% stake in its owner, struggling spirits outfit Belvedere SA of France, and that stake is worth about $4 mil., according to a “Wall Street Journal” article. A non-cash compensation deal is unusual way to bag a famous presenter, though not completely unprecedented as stars get cars, … [Read more...] about Vodka Brand Bags Bruce Willis