What medium has the most impact on your desire to see a movie?

Question

I manage a movie theatre and one of the issues that's always coming up is promoting movies. From my perspective, I don't see much value in other forms of advertising besides running the previews and displaying the posters (and other theatre advertising materials). I mean the various media stunts you see for movie can be cool, but do they really drive people to theatres. Also, when it comes to cross promotions with places like McDonalds, I see a bigger upside for the partner than for the movie theatres.

I'm just curious to hear any thoughts on what has the most impact on your desire to see a movie and if any of the extra stuff makes any difference.

Answer 1

Yeah, it's the trailers that hook me.

Answer 2

I find M. Night Shymalan's coming attractions...for his movies...outstanding...
That is what will get me to put out ten dollars and change to go see something.
Less is more.
When I am bombarded by stunts of all kinds...I usually shy away.
Coming attractions are supposed to be just that...attractions.
I do not need to know the movie before I go sit in the theater. Tease me. Flirt with me and my wallet. Don't give me a strip tease. Let my imagination take the little you give me and run with it. Let me create a hunger to see the movie...in my own mind.
Okay. Back to the way things are. There are exceptions.
I remember going to see Stephen King's Dreamcatcher here in New York. The coming attractions came and went...the lights began to dim...and this computer generated movie began to play. before i could say what the bleep...I was engaged. Sucked right in. Flight of the Osiris. The first vignette of the Animatrix...done for the Matrix.
Leaping Lizards! i was stunned. The main attraction began but I don't remember much of the movie. I had been blindsided. Now that's a stunt.
Too bad the Matrix sequels were infected with Lucas-itis...plenty flash bang...with story going right out the window. But the stunt got me to plunk down nine bucks.
But tht's the exception...rather than the rule.

Answer 3

I'd have to agree with you that previews and trailers and movie posters definately have the most impact on me when deciding which movie to see. Whether it be on tv or before the movie begins a good trailer usually sucks me in more so than cross-promotional tactics like Happy Meal toys etc.

Answer 4

A trailer is really the lynchpin of promoting a movie. That said a good one will draw me in, but for many movies (especially Will Farrell type comedies) the trailers will actually convince me to stay away from the theaters (sorry) because I realize 90% of the funny parts have been over exposed in the trailers and tv adverts/radio sound bites.

I do agree with you totally on the cross promotions with fast food joints. I've never gotten a happy meal for my kids and then said "DAMN I NEED TO GO SEE THAT!"

Answer 5

I usually go off word-of-mouth and the filmmakers' previous work. The trailers do help too.

When I was a kid though. If I got toys from McDonald's or some place that came from a movie, I had to see that movie. Mainly though, it was because I've always had a strong aversion to promoting something I've never seen (like wearing t-shirts for a band I've only heard one song from. I hate that)

Answer 6

Trailers can make any movie look good. And half of them seem to give away key plot points!

I usually rely on word of mouth or reading various movie critic's reviews. You can usually get a pretty good sense if a movie is a total dud by all the 1 stars and thumbs down, so you can at least avoid the stinkers.

I don't go out to the movies too often any more, so when I do go, I want to make sure it is at least worth the hassle and expense.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I like old fashioned previews that didn't give away too much.

Knowing who's in it makes a big difference whether I will see something or not.

I'll read a little about the plot. Once I think I've read enough, I stop reading so I don't get to any spoilers.

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Answer 9

Before i decide on a movie i make sure i know what it is all about and who is the actors involved and o i hate those silly commercials