A Walt Disney Studios star imperils the marketplace reception of a reported $270 million film by taking a strong anti-Trump stand. It’s the worst nightmare of every film distributor, having the personal, off-camera conduct of talent ignite an extraneous controversy. “'May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace,” posted actress Rachel Zegler. … [Read more...] about Disney Star Ignites Political Storm
controversy
‘Reagan’ Knocks Media Bias
Presidential biographic drama “Reagan” is courting conservative audience segments as it heads to an Aug. 30 domestic theatrical premiere, after finding liberal-leaning media is trying to stifle its marketing. Showbiz Direct is distributing the PG-13-rated movie that reportedly cost $25 million to make and stars Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan. “Quaid told Joe Rogan on his … [Read more...] about ‘Reagan’ Knocks Media Bias
‘Civil War’ Cleverly Disguises Its Politics
A24-distributed “Civil War” is a surprise cinema hit over the weekend, defying odds since such topical-political movies are typically boxoffice poison. The R-rated violent drama from distributor A24 posted a hefty $25.7 million over the April 12-14 weekend, exceeding tracking-research expectations. The dystopian action film set in the near future presents the United States … [Read more...] about ‘Civil War’ Cleverly Disguises Its Politics
Netflix Film Gets ‘Nose’-ticed
The Netflix-produced movie about composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein is getting unexpected publicity because of star Bradley Cooper’s prominent prosthetic nose in its trailer. Cooper portrays the late Bernstein in “Maestro,” which is also the actor’s second time as a director. He also co-wrote the film. Critics snipe that the large nose is an antisemitic swipe since it's … [Read more...] about Netflix Film Gets ‘Nose’-ticed
‘Barbie’ Banned in Vietnam, Naughty in France
A fleeting image of a geographic map of Southeast Asia showing disputed borders was enough to get Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Barbie” banned in Vietnam. Meanwhile, in France, seemingly innocuous marketing messaging for “Barbie’ can have a naughty meaning (double entendre, anyone?). Instead of the usual domestic analysis, here are some overseas marketing developments of … [Read more...] about ‘Barbie’ Banned in Vietnam, Naughty in France
Over-the-top Oscar Awards Campaigns
Over the years, campaigns seeking Oscar awards aimed at Hollywood insiders have prayed to the Academy Award gods from the Alamo fortress and hosted a pop-up street stand in Hollywood hosted by a celebrated filmmaker who chatted up passers-by. And an actress personally wrote letters to every Academy Awards voter that she could find. A Hollywood Reporter feature story by Scott … [Read more...] about Over-the-top Oscar Awards Campaigns
‘Terrifier 2’ Ignites Boxoffice
Independent horror film “Terrifier 2” is feasting on boxoffice as a moderate hit, benefiting because of pandemic disruptions of film supply. “Terrifier 2” has grossed a respectable $5.3 million in 17 days of domestic theatrical release, and that’s boffo for a horror/slasher film with a bare minimum national release. “While these grosses may seem low, don’t forget that … [Read more...] about ‘Terrifier 2’ Ignites Boxoffice
Dispute Over ‘Pulp Fiction’ Image
Movie posters can become as beloved as their source material, which is driving an unusual lawsuit over who owns the key art image from 1994 crime yarn “Pulp Fiction.” The photographer who shot the iconic poster image of actress Uma Thurman lying on her stomach seductively puffing on a cigarette next to a large pistol claims he owns the imagery, and is suing “Pulp Fiction” … [Read more...] about Dispute Over ‘Pulp Fiction’ Image
Wrestling Toxic Fans Who Torch Cyberspace
As the nation’s political and social discourse gets coarse, it’s no surprise that movie marketers — who aim to engage fans — increasingly battle unwanted spurts of toxic fan syndrome. “So-called toxic fans take up an oversized place in the media's and the public's imaginations,” writes Aaron Couch in an analysis article in the Hollywood Reporter. In 2019, fanboys … [Read more...] about Wrestling Toxic Fans Who Torch Cyberspace
Golden Globes Display Hollywood Civil War
The adage that “the show must go on” shined with the Golden Globe awards Sunday, Feb. 28, on NBC Television presenting a clunky event that indicates Hollywood’s problems are deeper than just the Covid-19 pandemic. Withering press coverage criticizes the foreign journalists trade group that hands out the award for lack of black members and its exclusionary membership; this … [Read more...] about Golden Globes Display Hollywood Civil War