The “Back to the Future” film series gets a spate of reminiscences including its memorable Pepsi product placement, which slyly promote the three-film franchise from 1985-1990. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing a “Back to the Future” 30th anniversary DVD package on Oct. 20. The second installment of the sci-fi comedy has a futuristic Pepsi beverage (called … [Read more...] about Reviving ‘Back To Future’ Prod Placements
history-memorablia
Recalling ‘Gandhi’s’ Famous Oscar Run
Back in the 1980s when I was a cub reporter on the marketing beat, I had a memorable encounter with film marketing expert Marvin Antonowsky over his handling of Oscar nominated movie “Gandhi.” Antonowsky died earlier this week. I knew I wouldn’t be able to reach him on the day Oscar nominations were announced, so I made a deal to interview him in advance on how Oscars … [Read more...] about Recalling ‘Gandhi’s’ Famous Oscar Run
‘Star Wars’ Hardware Shines In Disney Profile
A cover story in business magazine Fortune says Walt Disney Co. is becoming a hybrid entertainment/tech company and splashes images from the next “Star Wars” around corporate chairman Bob Iger. A Variety” story says the photos in the Fortune profile provide the best shots yet for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which is inked for a Dec.18 premiere distributed by Walt Disney … [Read more...] about ‘Star Wars’ Hardware Shines In Disney Profile
Weinstein Film Sets Simultaneous Netflix Run
The top four U.S. movie theater chains say they won't play the sequel to "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" if it is telecast on Netflix simultaneous with its Aug. 25 2015 debut in theaters. Independent distributor The Weinstein Co. and Imax say that "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend" will be booked on big-screen Imax screens at the same time as subscription TV … [Read more...] about Weinstein Film Sets Simultaneous Netflix Run
Facebook Launches Vid Ads With Film ‘Divergent’
Today’s another milestone in digital media history. Facebook launched its first video advertising inserted in its news feed, and the inaugural advertiser is the movie “Divergent." Lionsgate/Summit will premiere the not-yet-rated action adventure film March 21, 2014. “Facebook is calling this first campaign for ‘Divergent’ a test, but it’s clear from the pitch that at least … [Read more...] about Facebook Launches Vid Ads With Film ‘Divergent’
Disney Hot On ‘Frozen’ Merchandise
Disney Consumer Products has a big program for licensed merchandise connected with animated movie “Frozen,” which hits theaters Nov. 27. The PG-rated movie is aimed at the kids/family demographic. “Frozen” products include “role-play items, plush stuffed animals, dolls, apparel, home décor (and) books,” says a press release. “With innovative products like Anna and Elsa dolls … [Read more...] about Disney Hot On ‘Frozen’ Merchandise
Summer BO Sizzles, Online Marketing Fizzles
Hollywood will rack up a record summer box office haul, despite some big-budget flops, according to a USA Today story package that also points out the limits of social media in marketing. The industry is heading to a $4.7 billion total for summer box office (with days left in the season), compared to $4.4 billion in 2011—the current record. One article of the two-article … [Read more...] about Summer BO Sizzles, Online Marketing Fizzles
Docu Celebrates Film Poster Guru
Movie poster creator Drew Struzan, who is famous for iconic materials ranging from “Back to the Future” to “Star Wars,” gets the star treatment in a new documentary. “Drew: The Man Behind the Poster” is receiving a limited theatrical release this summer via distributor Kino Lorber. The PG-rated movie runs 94 minutes. “While this overly group-huggy docu’s theatrical life … [Read more...] about Docu Celebrates Film Poster Guru
Marketing Exec Tops Mo-Pix Academy
The motion picture academy elected a marketing executive as its president, who is only the second consumer-focused executive to run the organization that has conferred the Oscars since 1927. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) chose as its president veteran publicity executive Cheryl Boone Isaacs -- who headed the academys public relations branch. She is … [Read more...] about Marketing Exec Tops Mo-Pix Academy
Pricey ‘Potter’ Exhibit Shines
Here are my personal impressions of an exhibition of “Harry Potter” props and costumes in New York City, which was engaging but pricey at $27 for an adult admission. The exhibit was at the Times Square-area Discovery Hall. Says a press release, “The 14,000-square-foot experiential exhibition – created by Global Experience Specialists, Inc. (GES) in partnership with Warner … [Read more...] about Pricey ‘Potter’ Exhibit Shines