The Intersection of Social Media and Cinema: A New Age of Film Promotion
Howdy, fellow film enthusiasts! Have you ever noticed how cinema and social media have been intertwined lately? Spoiler alert! That’s what we’re gonna dive into today in this cozy chat of ours.
Social Media and Cinema: More than Friends?
Let’s rewind a bit. Remember the time when film posters and trailers were the only promotional stunts cinema had up its sleeve? I admit, I’m definitely showing my age here. These days, things have changed significantly. If you were around for the Avengers: Endgame hype, you get it. Teasers, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes sneak peaks – social media platforms are blowing up with content long before the actual premiere takes place. It’s a different game altogether.
The Power of the… Post?
Now, on one hand, we have cinema, a century-old form of art and storytelling. On the other hand, there’s social media, a digital newbie that’s dominating the communication scene. But what happens when you smash them together? Pure, electrifying synergy.
A ‘Tweet’ or a ‘Share’ may seem inconsequential, but don’t be fooled. TechJury found that 49% of consumers depend on influencer recommendations on social media for their purchases. Imagine being able to reach all those people with carefully crafted film promotions. The potential is massive!
Reality Check: The Good, The Bad and The Meh
Being a film enthusiast first, a social media munshi second, I was delighted (and a tad jealous) when Netflix’s Bird Box phenomenon blew up overnight, purely based on well-spun social media intrigue and some well-placed memes. Following the ‘Bird Box Challenge’ memes, the film garnered a massive 45 million views within its first week on Netflix. Now, isn’t that some powerful stuff?
However, if not done right, social media promotion can blow up in your face. Remember the disaster that was, ‘The Hunt’? After a whirl of controversy on social media inflamed by political influencers and misinterpretation of its marketing content, the movie was temporarily shelved.
And the Winner is…
So, who benefits the most from this powerhouse partnership? It’s the spectators, the consumers, the movie-goers like you and me. The cinema industry gets to strip down the formal veil and interact with us on a personal level – thanks to social media. We, in turn, get to help shape the films that are made, who makes them, and how they’re shared with the world. It’s a whole new era for cinema, and honestly, I’m here for it.
Well, that’s all I’ve got for now. Grab your popcorn, sit back and let’s continue to watch how social media continues to evolve cinema. Will chat soon with more industry gossip!