So what makes this film so different in the way it’s been marketed so far to the public? Two words: social media. So far MGM has utilized the four big guys: Facebook, Twitter, blogs and YouTube.
MGM’s marketing team created a strategic marketing campaign that utilized social media to help promote not only the movie but the numerous free movie screenings in major cities across the country. Their main goal: create a big buzz. The hit movie The Hangover did such an excellent job creating this for itself that the Hot Tub Time Machine is confident following in it’s footsteps.
Red band trailers, which contain more profanity than “green band” trailers, were released to a number of movie blogs. On Facebook, they’ve made their page very interactive with games and videos that fans can watch. They’ve also created a “Host It” tab to play up the free movie screenings. Twitter was also used to play up the free movie screenings.
One of the biggest successes was the integration of MTV’s hit show “Jersey Shore” in their promo trailer. Demographically, they’ve hit their target market right on by making the hot tub reference to the show. I’d say they’ve created a great “situation”.
Since The Hangover did not disappoint me after hearing all the word-of-mouth hype, I hope that me and my favorite pack of wolves can get together and enjoy the Hot Tub Time Machine coming up in March.
So are you going to “Host It?” We want to hear stories!