Marketing Film

Movie trailers have grown to become very standardized, and one of few ways to promote new films. However, in this trailer something different caught my eye. Magnolia Pictures, a film company, has released many popular films with star cast members like Chris Rock, Orlando Bloom, Morgan Freeman, and Seth Rogan. The company also has released popular documentaries like Jesus Camp and Cocaine Cowboys.

What is so special about Magnolia Pictures? Subtly rolled with the credits of the trailer, Magnolia Films offers their movies On Demand before they are released in theaters. This marketing genius is sure to motivate film fanataics to view these movies from the comfort of their homes, and to generate a good word about the company's production. Surely On Demand sales will rise with the availability of pre-release films. These days, the cost of movie tickest is through the roof, even without the twelve dollar bucket of popcorn.

The movie industry needs to be reinvented. It is failing, and although our love for good films has not changed, the price of tickets is so outrageous that people seldom find the urge to go out when movies are released. Instead, we wait patiently for DVD releases, Netflix availability, or illegal downloads. Is it possible that in the future the only big screens to be found will be in our living rooms?

Magnolia is one of few companies to start the transformation necessary to keep the industry growing. There is a lot of money in Hollywood, but this will mean nothing if there is no new scheme to draw crowds in. Perhaps On Demand will be the next big thing for new material. It has many possibilities; pre-releases, exclusive behind the scenes material, commentary, and even live screenings could all be used to generate a new income for the film industry.