The trailers and other marketing materials for “Adjustment Bureau” are getting mentions in reviews for not representing the movie well, with some going as far as to claim that its misleading audiences. “New York Post” film critic Lou Lumenick wrote, “The misleading trailers for the supremely goofy ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ promise action-packed sci-fi. What you actually get … [Read more...] about Critics Lambast ‘Adjustment Bureau’ Marketing
buzz
‘Waiting for Superman’ Another Oscar Outrage?
The Oscars have a long history of passing over famous films for consideration in the documentary category and this year’s surprise is the exclusion of “Waiting for Superman,” which is a critically-praised film about America’s dysfunctional public education system. “New York Post” columnist Kyle Smith attributes the snub to Hollywood’s liberal elite in the Academy of Motion … [Read more...] about ‘Waiting for Superman’ Another Oscar Outrage?
Reiner Film Fades After Short Test Run
It’s industry practice that films faring poorly in closed test screenings -- so called test previews -- are not given regular theatrical release on the belief that multimillion-dollar spending on prints-and-advertising expense would be wasted. Coming of age teen drama “Flipped” is a rare film given guarded tryout with narrow release to theaters, presumably because its … [Read more...] about Reiner Film Fades After Short Test Run
New Media Alone Can’t Open Films
Pundits sing the praises of relying on digital media to market theatrical films and Walt Disney Studios just hired a new media guru who designed digital-media-only marketing campaigns for corporate clients. But experience has proven to date it’s suicidal to diminish or downplay ad spending in key traditional media of TV. “Few films have become hits in the US based on digital … [Read more...] about New Media Alone Can’t Open Films
Comic-Con Buzz Not a Sure-fire Indicator
The mammoth annual Comic-Con International gathering of sci-fi aficionados in San Diego is treated as a sure-fire barometer for later reception in cinemas. But a “New York Times “article takes a fun--and realistic--view of movie marketing opportunities. “The four-day convention, which begins on July 22, will be host to what has become an obligatory parade of filmmakers and … [Read more...] about Comic-Con Buzz Not a Sure-fire Indicator
‘Paranormal Activity’s’ Unlikely Stardom
“Paranormal Activity,” the micro-budgeted film that has grossed $97 million to date in domestic box office, perplexed the Hollywood distribution community before emerging as an unlikely blockbuster. “Early on, few distributors were interested at all — even after the film played to breathless praise at L.A.’s Screamfest in late ‘07, and again in early ‘08 at Slamdance,” … [Read more...] about ‘Paranormal Activity’s’ Unlikely Stardom
High Concept ‘Bruno’ Proves Fragile
The second weekend of “Bruno” plunged an astronomical 73% at the boxoffice, indicating the R-rated black comedy will fade fast after a decent opening and underscoring that “high concept” films are fragile. Universal Pictures’ Bruno grossed $8.3 million for the July 17-19 weekend on 2,759 screens in the U.S. and Canada. It took in $30.6 million on three less screens its … [Read more...] about High Concept ‘Bruno’ Proves Fragile
Studios Tap Down Outside Expectations
Hollywood’s wrangling with media coverage of weekend box office grosses is a delicate balance of pre-release cajoling, begging and arm twisting in an attempt to manage expectations, writes “Los Angeles Times” columnist Patrick Goldstein. “If your movie doesn't match those opening weekend predictions come Monday morning, you're faced with an onslaught of stories … [Read more...] about Studios Tap Down Outside Expectations
Film Commercials Wow Viewers, Not Critics
Movie commercials were among the most viewed online after the Super Bowl, according to a researcher. With 10 films ads in Sunday’s pro football championship game, commercials for “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen”, “Angels and Demons” and “G.I. Joe” were most popular among all categories, according to a viral video tracking report issued today by BayTSP. See press release … [Read more...] about Film Commercials Wow Viewers, Not Critics
Hollywood Hugs Comic Book Events
San Diego’s big comic book aficionados’ convention is now firmly on Hollywood’s calendar, reinforced when a well-received presentation two years ago of no-star history epic “300” ignited a blockbuster cinema run, according to a “New York Times” article. So the annual event organized by Comic-Con International goes from of-interest to a vital marketing vehicle. The comic-book … [Read more...] about Hollywood Hugs Comic Book Events