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Paranormal Activity: Viral Marketing At Its Best

October 27, 2009 By

The success of Paranormal Activity will be studied extensively by Hollywood, that’s for sure. Made for a mere $15,000, Paranormal Activity has grossed nearly $64 million since its nation-wide release. How? A strange thing called . . . The Internets!

While MovieViral normally focuses on the “in-game” side of viral marketing, we also acknowledge the raw definition of viral marketing, which is the advertising of a film through word-of-mouth (or emails, twitter, etc.). It’s well known that Paranormal Activity did this really well. But we’re going to take a look at what they did right, and what they did wrong.

Their main focus was on social networks, like twitter. They encouraged the people who have seen it (during it’s limited release) to “Tweet Their Screams,” basically to write reviews. Almost all of the reviews were good (and only 140 characters long, which doesn’t leave room for much criticism) which lead to the larger limited release, mainly focused on college towns.

After Paramount saw the success in those few towns, they knew they had to get this film out on a larger scale. They allowed users to “demand” the film in their town, giving us (the users) the power to decide where this film will play next. In the mean time, Paramount said if they react 1 million “demands” they would release it nationally. And not too surprisingly, it did.

“Paranormal Activity” has been on the trending topics of twitter for a few weeks now, which both testifies to the marketer’s success well as the film’s success. Oh, did I mention it beat out “Saw XVIXIVII” for the #1 spot?

So, what did they do wrong? To be honest, I can’t think of anything they did wrong. There may be something they didn’t do (like an in-game viral site), but look at the success of the campaign and then tell me that an in-game viral site could made it any more successful.

What will this lead to? Well a lot of studios will be turning to viral marketing, that’s for sure. Between this and District 9, viral marketing has proven to benefit low budget films (albeit Paranormal Activity benefited a LOT more). It’s cheap and effective – at least until it becomes overused, at which point it will seem like just another advertisement in a magazine. Marketers are just beginning to understand how to adequately use the internets for advertising.

The summary: Viral marketing has proven time and time again to be an effective way to advertise, at least when it’s done right.

What did you think of Paranormal Activity and it’s marketing campaign? How did you find out about the film – was it through twitter? Did you think they did something wrong? Discuss it below and on our forum.

Filed Under: Viral Marketing Tagged With:

DVD Tuesday: Sci-Fi Blu-rays Under $10

October 27, 2009 By

New DVD and Blu-ray movies usually release on Tuesdays, so most of the film blogs will promote and review them. We, as usual, like to take a different approach, so we’ll try to find the more obscure deals out there. Today, we bring you Sci-Fi films that are now on Blu-Ray for under $10, because if there is any genre of film that deserves the HD treatment, it’s Sci-Fi.





The Terminator and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines


Judgement Day may have not made the price cut for this list, but at least we got the original and third film in the series. The films are about human-looking machines from the future that travel back in time to kill various members of the Connor family (as if you didn’t know).


Worth the buy?
Like all the movies on this list, it’s a Blu-Ray for under $10, so it’s hard to pass up. Although the original is a sci-fi classic and definitely worth owning, if you already have it on DVD, don’t bother. Though the story and acting is weak in the third flick, the special effects may be worth the upgrade.





Superman: The Movie


In the 1978 film, Superman is finally realized on the big screen. Christopher Reeves stars as the man in steel, but it’s performance as the hero’s alter ego Clark Kent that set the bar for superhero actors to come. Many know that Superman is my favorite comic book character, and this film captures him well, especially for being made in the late 70s.


Worth the buy?
With older films, higher quality doesn’t necessarily mean better-looking effects, but if you’re going to see Superman fly around the world, might as well do it high definition. The only sequel worth having is Superman II, so if you don’t want to pony up for the whole collection, this might be your best choice.





A Clockwork Orange


I’m sure one could argue that both Superman and this 1971 film by Stanley Kubrick aren’t really Sci-Fi. But super-powers and a wacked out future count as Sci-Fi to me. In this film set in future Britain where Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell) is a deliquent who is punished by getting an expermental treatment that will make the idea of violence sicken him.


Worth the buy?
This film is a classic, and it definitely has some strong imagery and a thoughtful if disturbing message, you need to see this in HD for the visuals alone. I’m not a big fan myself, but if Kubrick is your man, then this is a must have for your collection.





Stargate


It feels fitting to end this list with a Roland Emmerich film. The 2012 director had a good run in the late 80s and 90s with hits such as Universal Soldier and Independence Day. His 1994 sci-fi adventure is no different. Starring Kurt Russell and James Spader, the film is about a military group entering a wormhole into another world and having to find their way back.


Worth the buy?
The fact that it spawned three films and four successful series should tell you that the world is rich with story. The film gets criticisms for being cliche and just a popcorn action film, but maybe that’s why I personally love this film. Not to mention the visual effects are stunning. Even if you already own this on DVD, you owe it to yourself to upgrade.




Get these deals while they last! Check back next week for more DVD deals.

Filed Under: Viral Marketing

2012 Monday News Round-Up

October 26, 2009 By

There are a few tidbits to report on 2012 today, but unfortunately the results of today’s Miami pick-up are not included. We are still waiting for confirmation of anyone even picking a package up, so if you have, let us know! The next pick up will be Wednesday in Dallas from 1pm-3pm, so be on the lookout for the exact address. We probably won’t know until that morning unless someone goes to the gas stations Soren Ulfert posted about on his blog. His latest post tells you what time to go to the gas stations for the last (hopefully) two drop locations, so see if you can get there so we have a little more heads up. Now on with the news.


First, the Institute for Human Continuity must really want Soren, because they’ve basically got an APB out for him. The organization has asked followers on Twitter and their homepage to call them at 888-363-2012 if they see Dr. Ulfert, claiming they need to serve him a lawsuit for libel and breach of contract. Nice excuse. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the IHC is ready to take calls on the matter, as the automated messaging system doesn’t have any new options.


2012


In other news, Charlie Frost is taking our job by basically summing up what I just told you. We also have had a user by the name of “safehaven2012″ (remember than ARC password?) tell us that “Farewell knows more than he’s letting on”. He’s posted on one of our articles and even on Unfiction. This could mean nothing, as many people like playing games and throwing everyone off, but it is interesting. Could this be an official source trying to help us out? If so, who is “Farewell”? The word is half of character Jackson Curtis’ book title “Farewell Atlantis”, but I haven’t seen any reference in any of the viral to person named Farewell (which would be a weird name to have). Again, it could be nothing, but we’ll keep an eye out.


Is it just me, or is Sony REALLY trying to make sure you understand what’s going on? You have Charlie consistantly updating us from an in-world perspective. You have Sony’s official guide summing up everything, and you even have Mr. Corruption Theory posting the results of the drop locations (albeit with a delay). Could this viral be TOO complicated? We’ll have to wait and see, but I’m sure we’ll break it down in our post-release viral review.


Lastly, for those who care, Sony Pictures has officially released the video for Adam Lambert’s “Time for Miracles”. The song is featured in 2012, and the video has footage from the film itself. Check it below or at the 2012 website.





2012 is in theaters November 13th and you can discuss these updates to the viral in the comments below, or on our forum. Also check out the MovieViral 2012 page for more info on the film and its viral campaign.


MOVIEVIRAL.COM OFFICIALLY ENDORSES TIM S.

Filed Under: Viral Marketing Tagged With:

ViralCast #3: Flashback Series

October 26, 2009 By

In our early podcasting days, we had some numbering issues, but this was our 3rd actual ViralCast, originally posted on March 11th. Forum member Tom joins me as we reviewed the recently released Watchmen.


In our ViralCast Flashback Series, we will be bringing you the first 12 podcasts we produced before we joined iTunes. You’ll be able to see how we grew as a site, as speakers, and as reporters.



Subscribe to the podcast on MovieViral.com Staff - MovieViral.com » Podcasts

Filed Under: Podcasts

Dan’s High Five: 5 Places to Avoid If You Don’t Like Monsters

October 25, 2009 By

It’s October, so the blogosphere is filled with Halloween-themed articles and lists. Why should we be any different? Last week we talked about zombies on the High Five, so this week we’ll move on to monsters. Sure a monster could turn up anywhere, but if you’ve seen enough monster movies, you’ll know there some places the chances of encountering one are much higher. Here are five places that you should avoid if you believe in monsters…and, you know, don’t want to get killed by them.





New York


As Seen In: Cloverfield (2008), Godzilla (1998)


Why Monsters Like It: New York is the #1 tourist destination in the US…for big monsters. For hungry creatures, it’s like a buffet, with millions of people packed into a small island. The large population also makes it more likely that someone in that group does something stupid to create some mutated animal or awaken a dormant one. Having a huge ocean right next to you also leaves you open to sea-faring monsters.


Why Hollywood Likes It: Other than some thin plot lines and thinner scientific explanations, there’s no real logic to why monsters would gravitate towards it. This is a prime example of Hollywood forgoing logic in order to make the movie more appealing. Would you watch a film about a huge creature attacking a city in North Dakota? There would be nothing to destroy!





Japan


As Seen In: Almost every Godzilla movie


Why Monsters Like It: For a lot of the same reasons New York is appealing, only Japan has a two unique features the Big Apple doesn’t. First of all, Japan is a technology mecha, so it’s just asking for something to go wrong or some tech to get into the wrong hands. Second, we have D-Day. Two nukes were dropped on southern Japan, and the radioactivity that lingered afterwards has been the gamma rays of the far east.


Why Hollywood Likes It: For US films, having a foreign country as a source for some mysterious event is an easy way to explain things away. However, most of the films in Japan are Japanese, and they sure love their monsters.





The Ocean


As Seen In: Jaws (1975), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1998)


Why Monsters Like It: If you’re a monster from the ocean, what’s the next best thing to coming ashore on an island full of people? Letting the people come to you! Sure, there’s less of a selection, but even Michael Phelps can’t out-swim Jaws. Why so many monsters in the ocean to begin with? It’s the one place Google Earth can’t find you.


Why Hollywood Likes It: Whether it’s just a hungry shark or a huge ship-eating squid, sea creatures are scary. There is so much unknown about the ocean that there are a plethora of opportunities for monsters from the abyss.





Outer Space


As Seen In: Alien (1979), Star Wars: Episode VI (1983)


Why Monsters Like It: Being a monster on earth is difficult and limiting. In space, anything is possible, so monsters can be anything from an acid-spewing bug to a cave-size snake thingy on an asteroid. Besides, most people assume all non-humanoid aliens are monsters, so it’s popular by default.


Why Hollywood Likes It: For the same reason they like monsters in the ocean. Space is the unknown, and being trapped in the unknown with a deadly creature is money in the bank. Hell, they even put Jason (Friday the 13th) up there.





Pennsylvania


As Seen In: The Blob (1958), every George A. Romero zombie film


Why Monsters Like It: Honestly, I have no idea. Could it be the apple butter?


Why Hollywood Likes It: Remember how I said Hollywood likes big cities for big monsters? Well if the monster isn’t so big, then it’s always nice to change things up a bit and scare the kids in the suburbs.






That’s just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think of my list? Disagree on my choices? Think I left something out? Leave a message in the comments below.

Filed Under: Viral Marketing

G.I. Joe Facebook Game

October 24, 2009 By

Playing games on Facebook has become extremely popular as of late, whether you are a college student or my mom (true story). Not one to pass up on an opportunity like that, Paramount Home Entertainment has created a G.I. Joe Facebook Game to promote their November 3rd release of G.I. Joe on Blu-rayand DVD. The app is called G.I. Joe Faceoff , and it allows you to choose and customize a major character either from the Joes or the Cobras. Then you fight an opponent and get points for winning.


The points can be used to purchase upgrades, additional weapons, items and vehicles. As you accumulate wins, you are moved up in ranking (4 ranking levels total). At each new level, additional clothing options are unlocked that you can use to outfit your character. You can recruit friends (earning points for doing so each time) and share your progress as you move up the ranks to become the ultimate G.I. Joe or Cobra operative. Also, there are 2 clips from the DVD bonus features that can be accessed by playing the game.


G.I. Joe


Sounds fun, right? Well the problem I have with this game (along with many other Facebook and even iPhone game apps) is that you don’t actually do anything once the fighting starts. You just sit there and watch as their health meters go down. The characters on the screen don’t even move! Now, I know many who like to play game apps online and on their phone are into the planning part of things. Customizing your character’s outfit and stats may be what tickle your fantasy, but personally I like to watch, and even better, participate, in some real action. That’s why I don’t play Farmville on Facebook (no offense to my many friends and relatives who do play it).


At the very least, try the game out so you check out the bonus clips. I don’t want to ruin the fun by posting them here. Let us know what you think of the game in comments below!


G.I. Joe releases on DVD, Two-Disc DVD, and Blu-ray on November 3rd and is available for pre-order

Filed Under: Social Networks, Viral Marketing Tagged With: , ,

Buy Avatar Toys, Get Some Content

October 24, 2009 By

A funny thing happened on my latest trip to Target. During my obligatory perusal of the store’s toy aisle to check out the latest Star Wars offerings, I stumbled upon an entire section devoted to Avatar. Figures, ships, playsets, and more took up a substantial portion of the aisle. What caught my eye though was a graphic on each package referencing a website called Avataritag.com.     


If avtr.com is the viral immersed within the Avatar world (an RPG of sorts), then avataritag.com is a viral meant to drum up attention and help sell toys in ours. The idea behind this is that each Mattel Avatar product comes with a corresponding “i-TAG” (because “iPOD” was taken) which is roughly the size of a security badge. If you go to a computer with a webcam and download some software, you’re in for a treat. Just wave your i-TAG at the camera and it will generate a three dimensional rendering of the character or vehicle that you can control and learn more about. There’s a cool demo on the site that better explains this, so if you’re interested, check it out.       


Avatar



This is undoubtedly an original concept from Mattel, and I’m curious to see the response this gets from the rest of the internet. I’m also curious to see if anyone actually buys the toys and heads to the site. This is a brand new franchise, and I wonder who Mattel is targeting with this promotion. Are they hoping kids will get their parents to buy them Jake Scully figures so they can go online to a webcam enabled computer to see some 3D graphics? Or is the plan to have adult collectors shell out ten bucks a pop this stuff? I question their expectations, although I give them credit for creativity. Try it for yourself by getting one of the toys.


In other Avatar news, the newest trailer is debuting in theaters this weekend and will go online next week. I actually just saw a bootleg taken from someone’s cell phone on another film site, and it gave me chills. That’s right, a cell phone bootleg gave me chills. Check back soon for hopefully more Avatar news, and start counting the days until December 18th.

Filed Under: Viral Marketing Tagged With:

NBC Viral Round-Up: The Office and Community

October 23, 2009 By

We all know that NBC has the most consistent viral presence among the broadcast networks (with ABC coming in second), and they seem to favor Thursday shows. With The Office and Community airing last night, we have a few updates on their virals.


First off, the webisodes are back for The Office, which I know will excite a lot of fans. The newest web series from the members of the Scranton branch will be launching next Thursday, as Dunder Mifflin’s Kelly (Mindy Kaling) and Erin (Ellie Kemper) join forces to form the girl group Subtle Sexuality. With musical help from Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) and Andy Bernard (Ed Helms), they put all the “male prima donnas” on notice with their scorching hot music video. The new webisodes and music premiere Thursday, Oct. 29th on NBC.com. As the premiere approaches we’ll have more information for you, but for now, check out a behind-the-scenes look at Subtle Sexuality:





In other NBC news, as we reported earlier this month, NBC’s rookie show Community has a website for the fake community college at the center of series. Now The Greendale Community College website has published an article about the new mascot, the “Human Being,” after the character Pierce created it last night. I imagine this “Greendale Weekly” will become a regular feature, so keep an eye out on this.


The Office and Community air Thursday nights on NBC. Check your local listings for times.

Filed Under: Viral Marketing Tagged With: ,

Confused by the 2012 Viral? Sony Creates an Official Guide

October 23, 2009 By

Once again Unfiction pulls through with another update for the 2012 viral campaign. The campaign has taken a big turn in past few months. With several new websites, storylines, characters, and activities, it can be tough to keep up and make sense of it all.


The marketing team for the Sony Pictures feature seems to know that, since they’ve already had Charlie Frost post a couple of recap blogs to explain the situation at least from an in-world perspective. Apparently they don’t feel that’s enough, because they created an actual guide to the 2012 viral campaign.


The website, YourPartnerInTheFuture.com, uses the IHC’s slogan for its name, and you can tell it’s an official website from Sony, especially since it has the new header on top that a few of the blogs have implemented (not to mention the domain is on the Sony Pictures servers). This new blog is basically just a guide to keep you up to date (albeit with a day or two delay) on all the viral news for 2012. There are links to all the sites, brief descriptions of the main characters, and even a concise three minute video they posted this week that gives an overview to their ARG. Once we have an embeddable version, we’ll post it.


I have mixed feelings about this official guide. While it’s nice to have a source for such a complicated ARG, it takes some of the fun out of it. Sony has a notorius track record of taking the guessing game out of viral campaigns, but I hope this doesn’t catch on, because we’ll be out of a job. I understand they feel the need to make sure non-ARG followers can keep up, but how many of them are really going to bother read a guide anyway? Viral marketing is a niche category with a niche audience. If you don’t accept that, than your campaign will fail.


What do you think of the new official guide from Sony? 2012 opens nationwide November 13th.

Filed Under: Viral Marketing Tagged With:

Even More District 9 Concept Art Revealed!

October 23, 2009 By

On Wednesday, we brought you some cool concept art from District 9 that will be on the DVD. Now, we have even more from the Weta Workshop themselves. Weta, a special effects company founded by the film’s producer Peter Jackson, designed the aliens and machinery that when into District 9. You may remember we interviewed Greg Broadmore from Weta last month on the weapons he designed for the film. Now the company has posted several images of their concept art for the aliens, weapons, machines, and even the little “pet lobster” fighting aliens as the drawings call them. Check out the page for yourself, there’s definitely some cool things. Here is what Iain, who wrote the original article, had to say about it:

Since Wednesday even more concept art has been revealed. Thanks to Deadpool from the forums for the heads-up. Most interesting among them is some examples of signs for the movie/marketing campaign, examples of the alien language, a “ferro fluid dongle” and the most interesting of all, a “open mouth” predator style headshot. We didn’t see this open mouth action in D9, so you have to wonder, was it because of the predator comparisons that would be raised, or is it because they were keeping the good stuff for the next movie? The foreign posters certainly showed an army of Exo-suits, so you never know! It could be Prawn warfare!



Some of those unused alien designs were kind of silly, so I’m glad they ended up where they did. Here are a few examples of the pictures from the site. Let us know what you think!


District 9


District 9


District 9


District 9 releases on DVD and Blu-Ray on December 29th, and is available for pre-order now.

Filed Under: Movie/TV News Tagged With:
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