6 Fantastically Fantastic Movie Marketing Ideas - From The Simpsons to The Empire Strikes Back

For the most part, I believe it's considered cool to snub one's nose at movie marketing. At least that's how it seems. And while I love my underappreciated indie films, I think it's high time we give some credit where credit's due: to the overworked marketing kids who have actually turned out some awesome campaigns.

There have been some true doozies in movie marketing. But, there have also been some successes. In fact, some of the marketing campaigns turned out better than the movie. While that's up to the viewer on the following movies, I definitely think these were some of the coolest ideas in movie marketing. Dorky or not.

The Simpsons Movie - Turning 7-11s Into Kwik-E-Marts

Photo by astrangegirl [Flickr]

This is, in my opinion, the best movie marketing idea EVER. To promote the upcoming Simpson's movie, 12 7-11s were transformed into Kwik-E-Marts. Did it work? Well, you see that line? You tell me.

It worked. Even I was tempted to drive a couple hundred miles to see one of these things. Had it not been for the gas, I would have. That's the gas in the car, mind you.

Cloverfield - Hiding the Biggest Monster in Town

© Paramount Pictures

A giant lion. Voltron. Godzilla. Rodan. These were just some of the theories regarding the mysterious monster in JJ Abrams latest project. They were, of course, all wrong, but for months, the internet was in a frenzy trying to figure out what this bad boy looked like. And when Cloverfield debuted, geeks everywhere rushed to the theatre to find out. Yes, I am a geek. I admit it.

The Blair Witch Project - Is It Real or Is It Fake?

© Miramax

To this day, there are still people who think that the Blair Witch Project was real. Don't believe me? Look up the Blair Witch Project on YouTube and check out some of the comments. You'll be amused. Trust me.

Star Wars Trilogy Re-Release - Banking on Nostalgia

© 20th Century Fox

What better way to bank on a movie than to recycle your older material. Not only did it bring in the dough for the first trilogy, but also greased the wheels for the upcoming lackluster prequels. But hey: you can't say it wasn't successful.

Movie glasses - Fast food premiums

Photo by synthrabbit [Flickr]

Say it's dorky. That's fine. But it's something that was cool and it's something that's missed. Children of the 80s covet their movie glass collection. Movie glasses were produced for films such as Star Wars (all three films), E.T. and The Great Muppet Caper:

Photo by brenjay [Flickr]

Today, fans scour thrift stores and Ebay looking for their favorites. And yes, even I've collected a few. I even have an entire set of Annie glasses from Swensen's, thank you very much.

The Insider Fan - Lord of the Rings, Superman Returns, etc.

Before Superman Returns even began shooting, the filmmakers and studio began a dialogue with fans that made them feel as though they were a part of the filming process. Instead of treating them like peasants, they were treated like insiders.

Many films have done this and it's easy to see why it's successful. You're more likely to spread word of mouth on something that you feel a close connection to. Superman Returns wasn't the first film to do this and it hasn't been the last. Even Cloverfield's viral marketing made the marketing of the film an interactive experience for fans. Instead of talking at them, they were made a part of the story.

And it worked.

Whether or not any of these films lived up to their promise, the campaigns worked. And they were fun. Which made them worth it in the long run. If you ask me, anyway.

Comments

[creechman]

Two words for the Blair Witch kids: "Cell Phone."

[Kelly]

I think the whole "cell phone" angle is oversimplifying it actually. First of all, that film was made in 1998. I didn't have my first cellphone until 2003 or 4. Secondly, even if they had cellphones, it would have been easy to have manipulated the whole "supernatural entity screws with electronics" deal. Not to mention - it's a movie that's based on isolation. If we're going to start making cellphones a go to cop out for all the plots based on isolation, I think we've royally screwed the screenwriting process. Don't you?

[kab]

I am right now sitting at the computer looking at my pen cup...an ET glass from Pizza Hut.

[Patrick]

This was a great article. I agree that I think the 7-11 Simpsons campaign was brilliant. The Blair Witch Project was also a blast from the past. I was not aware that they had put up missing signs. I read other articles on how the marketing of that movie really made it the success that it was. Thanks for sharing.

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i am right now sitting at the computer looking at my pen cup...an ET glass from Pizza Hut.

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And what about all those long dissertations written by Mr. Lorre that flash on the screen at the end of every episode? Does anybody really care what old Chuck has to say about anything? He’s the Executive Producer of what used to be the top sitcom in the world, but that still doesn’t give him the right to spew his personal or political beliefs in a two-second splash page that is impossible to read. Save it for the awards shows.

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