Summer 2023 is well on its way, and things are shaping up to be an exciting time for film studios and production companies. With more and more movie theaters reopening and eager audiences ready to return to the big screen, it’s looking like it’s going to be a great time for the film industry. But making sure blockbuster success is within reach is going to require a bit more work than in years past.
The first major change has come in the form of marketing. Blockbusters need to be marketed like the events they are, and the marketing effort begins long before theatrical release. Studios are now relying heavily on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu to reach a wider audience, and they are creating strategic marketing plans that leverage influencers to help market their films to potential viewers. Social media campaigns and targeted advertising serve as vital components in this marketing strategy, and they can help build hype before a film hits theaters.
But the marketing needs to go beyond just selling tickets. Audiences need to be engaged with the film and characters they will experience in the theater. Studios are now employing novel tactics like gaming apps, filming behind-the-scenes footage and creating promotional items (like limited edition bags, T-shirts and more) to create a real-world connection with the movie. This keeps the movie top of mind with audiences and helps contribute to its success.
The other big change for blockbusters is the focus on overall entertainment value. Studios want to provide more than just thrills and special effects; they want to provide audience with something they will remember and talk about long after they’ve left the theater. To achieve this, they are expanding and deepening story lines and characters, creating more immersive worlds, and incorporating elements from outside the film world (design queries, music, interactive events, etc.) to draw in more people.
In the age of streaming, consumers have more choice than they ever have before and they expect a higher level of quality from the movies they view. This is driving studios to create films that are more engaging, memorable, and truly a cinematic experience for moviegoers. Summer 2023 is definitely going to be an exciting and innovative time for blockbusters. If studios continue to focus on marketing and entertainment value, they should have no problem making blockbusters reach their full potential and financial success.
