For weeks, the movie “Hot Tub Time Machine” has been filling up the commercials. Why? Great question. Not only does this movie look terrible, but the jokes that are supposed to draw you into the theatres are not funny. The plot is of four friends using a hot tub and it miraculously taking them back to the 1980’s. Throw an over-the hill John Cusack, and some D list celebrities and this is the movie you get. http://hottubtimemachinemovie.com/
The commercials have been frequent, and on nearly every channel you can watch. You could not escape seeing at least two commercials every hour that you watch TV. This movie was hyped up quite a bit and I am curious as to why. The website is quite clever with a hot tub temperature gauge as the loading icon and a hot tub bubbling the whole time as well as quotes from the movie. MGM is putting very heavy emphasis on spreading this movie around by word of mouth which is the way recent popular movies like the Hangover were promoted. The trailer was released on the Internet and to blogs. The release to the Internet creates buzz and in term stirs interest up. The buzz through Twitter and Facebook were through the roof according to MGM’s marketing team. http://mashable.com/2010/01/22/hot-tub-time-machine/ . Personally, I am not buying into the hype.
As Daniel Kimmel from the New England Movies Weekly said,
by: Elissa Goldberg
After dating for a long time, Zoe (played by Jennifer Lopez) hasn’t found the right man who she wants to marry nor have children with. She is strong-minded to become a mother and makes a plan to have a child on her own.
From the Publicity side of the movie, the CBS Films website is great. There is a lot of fun and exciting tabs on the site that really help you want to go see the movie. The tabs include: games, gallery, about the film, downloads, Hudson Mutts and downloads. The partners tab promotes different companies such as, Motherhood Maternity clothing store, Arden B., and the Humane Society of the United States. Having this tab on the movie’s website is a good way to publicize what brands that are occurring in this movie. Facebook has a fan page which will lead you back to the CBS website. There is this game on Facebook called Love Shot, which lets you unlock clips from the movie. This game is certainly a good way to promote the movie because viewers will be seeing clips and hoping to want to go see it in theaters. Finally twitter has a page where you can follow the movie and write reviews. This movie is Due in theaters April 23. Click here to see the trailer for more!
by: Joanna Grillo
Writer-director Matthew Vaughn has a new movie coming out this Friday, Kick-Ass. That’s a lot of pressure to be, well, “kick-ass” right in the title, luckily for Vaughn and Lions Gate productions it looks to be pretty awesome. The movie, though about super heroes isn’t just for nerds.
What’s interesting about the PR is that a lot of the ad’s have been shown to specific markets. This past week on E!’s The Soup they had their weekly segment "clip of the week" sponsored by Kick-ass. The soup’s audience is young, into pop-culture and generally looking for what Joel says is the next train wreck shoe to watch, so when he says something is good, its gotta be.
There have also been cross promotions with the NHL, they don’t seem like your typical “graphic novel” fans but it works-mostly. The ad was for the best saves of the year and has the movies super hero’s saving people spliced in. It makes sense and it takes what otherwise might seem like a dorky subject and makes it a little more tough and cool. Still, hockey isn’t as main stream as say baseball or basket ball so it kind of makes you wonder how this whole thing came about.
MTV is also on the Kick-Ass bandwagon, dedicating their site, splashpage.mtv.com to kick-ass for the week. The site has posts and clips all about the film. MTV news has been doing reports on the film as well as its stars. This, demographically, makes a bit more sense then the NHL promos.
There is still a common theme to these otherwise uncommon promotions though. If you keep the ads to specific groups I think it keeps the movie looking like something cool, less main stream though it clearly is. What more could a super hero wanna be want than to be cool and in-the-know.
Q&A with Steven Rea from the Philadelphia Inquirer
1 comments Posted by cinema HYPE at 4/14/2010 01:44:00 PM
Questions by: Marc Ashed
Steven Rea is a movie critic that writes for the Philadelphia Inquirer and can be easily read off of philly.com.
Q: Do you have a certain criteria or checklist of sorts to review movies?
A: Not anything that's written in stone, or set in concrete. My response to a film remains to a large degree instinctive. If a movie works -- no matter what genre, or what the filmmakers set out to accomplish -- it works, and I try to articulate why. If it doesn't, it doesn't, and I try to articulate why as well.
Q: As a critic, do you see any correlation between money spent advertising and ticket revenue? Can a bad movie still make money due to the constant advertising?
A: Massive hype can make a difference with opening weekend box office, and opening weekends now count for so much of a film's ultimate take. But audiences can still sense a real stinker, no matter how aggressively it's being marketed to them.
Q:Do you feel that movies are beginning to incorporate more than just entertainment value and are now trying to persuade or spin their own messages (the way people say Avatar is a sort of protest against American military actions is an example)?
A: It's not a question of "now." Movies -- some movies -- have always pushed an agenda, subtlely or overtly. After all, there are people with ideas trying to express their passions and concerns, their politics and beliefs, in these films.
Q:You graduated with a degree in Creative Writing; how do you feel that your education has prepared you to write movie reviews?
A: I've been a film lover my entire life, took film classes in school, was a projectionist for the film society and just had the good luck to combine my two passions -- writing and film -- into a job.
Q: With advanced technology, it is much easier for independent film producers to make their movies; do you feel that the big movie companies are in danger?
A: Not in danger of going under, but in danger of only making movies on an epic scale -- big "event" pictures and sequels and remakes -- and losing the impetus to make movies on a more modest scale.
Q: Are there any movies on the horizon that you think will be big hits?
A: I think "Kick-Ass," opening this weekend, will do well, and it's a given that the next "Harry Potter" and "Iron Man 2" will be huge.
Q: What are your personal top 5 favorite movies?
A: It's difficult to answer that question -- I have a rotating list of favorite films. But certainly some at the top include "Sullivan's Travels," "The Wizard of Oz," "Citizen Kane" and "In a Lonely Place," and more recently "There Will Be Blood," "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "Goodbye Solo."
Q&A with Joann Butler, Founder and President of Consultancy Media
0 comments Posted by cinema HYPE at 4/14/2010 10:41:00 AMConsultancy Media is a creative services company that understands their client’s expectations and exceeds them. From conceptualizing multi-media strategies to executing productions of all forms, and cultivating exceptional media placements for brands and their messages on desired outlets.
Founder, Joann Butler is an awarding-winning lifestyle journalist and video producer who has been creating multi-media content for a diverse clientele for more than fifteen years. The world’s most recognized names have relied on Butler to lead media and marketing strategies for their brands. Her long- standing relationships with multi-media outlets and editorial experts garner results for her clients.
As a Lifestyle Editor and Reporter, Butler has traveled the world, covering red carpets, fashion runways, political conventions, and breaking news. She has interviewed everyone from President Bill Clinton and Princess Diana to Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney and has directed a long list of notable journalists, including the late Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, who called her, "one of his favorite editors."
Q:How did you get involved in the media/publicity industry?
A:I interned at a television station while in college, I worked in nearly ever department from PR to public affairs, and then ended up in the newsroom. From there I went to the other side--corporate media and broadcast PR.
Q:How are red carpet events used to generate movie publicity?
A:Everyone loves to interview and report on celebrities..so when movie companies promote a new movie, media outlets want to report on it.
It's a two-way street, the media gets to talk to celebrities and broadcast or print the content which is great for their viewership and readership, and the movie companies get great publicity for their films.
Q:What kind of questions do you ask actors and directors about the movie?
A:Usually ask them how they got involved with them film, what the experience was like, how they relate to the characters they play etc..
If we're covering a movie premiere for a client, we are simply functioning as the movie companies "house crew" which means we're hired by the publicity department to cover the event, as a media outlet would, then make footage available to those outlets that were unable to attend the premiere on their own.
Q:What type of content do you include in the VNRs for your clients?
A:A well produced content package for a movie premiere would include
ALL of the celebs that walked the red carpet, interviews with all of them and obviously the stars and key players of the fim, whether it be a Director or writer of interest, along with the movie trailor.
Q:How do you distribute and control the audience who view the VNRs you produce?
A:We create very specific distribution strategies, plans and methods depending on our clients needs.
Each is different, and each affects the way in which it's produced.
Q:Who was your favorite red carpet interview with and why?
A:Hmmmm that's a difficult one. I think Alec Baldwin, about 20 years ago when -I had my first job. After I got a wonderful interview with him on a crazy and crowded red carpet. My videographer informed me that he had no audio.
By this time, alec was way down the line, and about to head inside (to the Tony Awards) after shouting his name several times (alongside everyone else that had yet to interview him) He walked all the way back to us and graciously let us do it all over again! I never forget that story and tell it often.
The Smurfs movie is finally here! At least the production has begun. A new press release has announced that the film, set to hit theaters in the summer of 2011, has begun production in New York.
The press release has named the numerous actors involved in this film. Hank Azaria, as Gargamel, Neil Patrick Harris and Sofia Vergara will all be playing live-roles. While the actors to lend their voices to the different Smurfs include Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, George Lopez and Kevin James.
The biggest rumor buzzing around this movie was whether or not Quentin Tarantino will be the voice of Brainy Smurf. Sources such as the Los Angeles Times deny this rumor, even though popular website IMDB has had the director as the know-it-all smurf. However, the press release has broke the news that Fred Armisen will be playing this character. Which in my opinion sounds a lot better than Tarantino.
This film has a long way to go before we will be able to see it in theaters, and I can not wait to see what other hype follows The Smurfs.
Q: How did you become interested in writing & producing movies?
A: I like specifically working with documentaries. These types of stories fascinate me and I am a minor history buff.
A: A small unfunded documentary film takes about 1 year to produce. A movie is typically 20 minutes long and the maximum is 30 minutes long.
Q: How did working on Stills of the Movement: The Civil Rights Photojournalism of Flip Schulke impact
your personal life?
Q: What film festivals have you attended & what awards have you received?
A: 1st place in the National Broadcasting Society, which won best documentary for a drama or comedy. Footnotes on Revolution won honorable mention with the National Broadcasting Society and won 1st place for best student film at Rider's Symposium.
Q: If you could work with any producer in the film industry, who would it be?
A: Judd Apatow- He writes contemporary "R" rated comedies which are raunchy and have "heart". The movies that he writes also are good stories about relationships.
Q: What is your favorite genre of movies?
A: Drama because I like to be moved and also like for movie to have meaning to it. For a movie to be good: all I ask for is for the movie is not to bore me!
For more information on Dr. Kildea and Still of the Movement visit: Story Teller: Shawn Kildea & Still of The Movement.
Film critic Robert Cashill took time out of his busy schedule of writing, blogging and stay at home dad-ing to talk with cinemaHYPE about what’s going on in the film industry today. Cashill’s resume includes editor at both Stagebill and Lighting Dimensions magazines as well as success as a freelance writer. Cashill’s blog has even been picked up by aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes. Born in Randolph, N.J Cashill attended North Western University and lived in Hong Kong for some time. Cashill now resides in New York City with his family.
Joanna Grillo: On your blog you have some strong feelings about 3D movies and how they are ripping off movie goers. Do you think this is just movies as the Jetsons intended or passing fad to hike up prices?
Robert Cashill: When I was a kid 3D was gone, it came back in the early 80’s with lots of good movies. I loved it, I don’t mind putting on the glasses but I think it’s a case of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.
JG: With movies like the hangover and UP! getting more and more critical success do you think the citizen cane fans of the world are coming off their high horses to have some fun finally?
JG: I read your post about Tim Burton’s Alice in wonderland, seems like you’re not a huge fan of the box office names he went with. What are your thoughts on directors who partner with the same actors, like Burton-Depp, Apatow- Rudd, Scorsese –DiCaprio.
RC: I think it works within reason. DiCaprio and Scorsese work very well together. I didn’t think Gangs of New York worked but by the time they got to The Aviator I found Leo a very credible Howard Hughes. Shutter Island worked really well.
JG: Having done both, would you rather write freelance or on the clock?
RC: I have never been a full time writer. I have been an editor though and as an editor you end up dealing with a lot of bureaucracy.
JG: I would imagine that the Hollywood movie scene is slightly different then the New York film students but how did living and writing in Asia compare to the American movie scene?
RC: I lived in Asia 20 years ago, multiplex theaters are common now but they weren’t that big then. Hong Kong was big in the 80’s for films then handed it over to China and they picked up the industry again. Korean film is thriving now more than ever before.
JG: Any predictions for what will be worthwhile summer block buster’s?
RC: 2023 looks good 3D or not, it should be very entertaining. Inception comes out July 16th, it’s a sifi, action, romance movie with Leonardo DiCaprio, it should be really good.
Recently, Brad Miska was able to answer some questions about his work with the popular website Bloody Disgusting and other horror film promotions he has done. Founded in 2002, Bloody Disgusting is a top horror movie website, getting around 1 million visitors a month. Brad Miska, under the name Mr. Disgusting, is the Editor in Chief and creator of Bloody Disgusting.
Q: How did you come around to starting Bloody Disgusting? Did you ever imagine it being as big as it is today?
A: We started the website out of the love for the genre and for experience. My friend/business partner wanted to learn web design and asked if I wanted run a horror site that he built. I loved the idea and quickly it was off the ground. He continued to make it better while I continued to deliver quality content. I saw potential after a few months and eventually it took off. But it's all for the lover of the genre, not for the mighty dollar like so many sites today.
Q: What would you say is your favorite thing about working at Bloody Disgusting?
A: I get to talk about horror 24/7 (it can get tiring sometimes, LOL). I get to see movies early and meet a lot of cool people. Although, both of these can have their downsides.
Q: So you get to go to a lot of awesome places and meet a lot of people. Do you ever get star-struck?
A: I used to go on a lot of set visits and get off-the-wall excited, but I'm a bit jaded now. I hate traveling because I need to be updating the site constantly; I literally work 24/7. I used to meet random people like Rob Zombie and get incredibly excited, but after awhile you realize they're just people like you and me - in fact, some of them just plain disappoint you with their manners and attitude.
Q: I saw that you were the Promotions Manager for the Screamfest Horror Film Festival. What exactly did you get to do for the festival?
A: I helped program horror films and read a bunch of the scripts in competition. It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. We really delivered some incredible films that year.
Q: How do you feel about social media being a big role in the publicity of movies today?
A: I personally hate it because it means more work for us. I mean, what the heck does a studio need a designated Twitter account for a movie for? So you can learn immediately that a website posted new pictures?
Q: If you had to put your finger on it, what would be your favorite horror film? What about your favorite in any other genre?
A: Aliens, Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, Terminator, Predator, In the Mouth of Madness, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, Back to the Future, Jaws, Metropolis, Bloodsport and many, many more.
To read more about Brad Miska, go to his blog or MySpace page.
Date Night is a must see action/comedy, which features SNL's Tina Fey and the Office's Steve Carell. A night of glamour and romance makes its twist and turns when the couple is interrupted at dinner and is mistakenly involved in an identity case by corrupt cops, a mob boss and a crazy cab driver. Their date becomes a night that they will never forget!
"According to "Pop watch" director Shawn Levy told Varity, "He wanted to cast every supporting part with a big-name actor, and it's safe to say he succeeded. Even better, he's not only cast A-list actors, but also people especially adept at comedy, even though the may be best know for their dramatic work."
The official movie website of Date Night has a lot of links to help promote the movie. YouTube has a link called "Date Night Channel" which includes the trailer as well as a various amount of photos and also reviews from critics and even comments from fans that are excited to see the movie. This is a great way for fans to promote the movie since it does have a great cast and hopefully it will get fans excited to go see the movie. Facebook has a fan page which gives a synopsis of the movie and includes tabs on top of the page including: videos, reviews, photos, and wall posts.
The spring flick hits theaters on April 10 and will bring many couples to experience Fey's and Carell's romantic date experience!
Personally, I have never even heard of Diary of a Wimpy Kid until a friend of mine told me about it. And it is no surprise I have never heard of this film, they barely promoted it. For those of you like me, Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a movie based on the best-selling book of the same name by Jeff Kinney.
This film has the potential of going far, but no one knows about it. The movie has done very few things marketing wise. They have a deal with Cartoon Network for on-line and on-air promotion. This includes behind the scenes exclusive clips. Besides a few TV spots and guest spots by the movie's stars, this was about as much promotion this film has had so far.
Being a film centered around kids and "tweens," this movie could have done a lot to publicize. The Facebook and Twitter page could have been much better and a lot less boring. The stars could have been on many other stations besides Cartoon Network, including all of the Nickelodeon channels. The movie is also based on a recent huge book. The movie could have done so much with this, including a book tour and interviews. There has even been a tie-in book about the film. Who knew?
I'm a sucker for kid movies, so even without all of the promotion I will probably still go see this film. Hopefully others do as well. See the trailer here!
I must admit, I’m no “Twi-heart” and I have no affiliations regarding team Edward or Jacob but I can respect the money making machine that is Twilight . So it only make sense that when Summit , the same people who brought you the Twilight saga made Remember Me they would shove Twilight down your throat like nobody’s business.
Teenage girls LOVE Robert Pattinson , teenage girls have expendable incomes and if Titanic taught us anything it’s that teenage girls will pay to watch movies with hot guys over and over. Pattinson’s interview on the today show was one of the few that actually focused on his new film, but they did not leave twilight behind. In fact, he is referred to as the “vampire actor” who stars in Remember Me. Perhaps I’m just being picky about grammar but wouldn’t this suggest he is an ACTUAL vampire who has chosen acting has her career path? But alas, NBC’s poor grammar is not my focus.
Matt Lauer mentioned in the interview that twilight fans are planning on going out to see the movie in support of their favorite heartthrob on what is being billed as Remember Me Saturday . Lauer was quick to point out how anyone involved in the production or marketing of a movie would be thrilled to have Pattinson’s name connected to theirs. If anything the publicity of Remember Me is basic but effective. If you have a good looking male lead with a strong female fan base, exploit that.