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This week I’m joined by film Marketing Guru Jim Fredrick whose incredible body of work includes Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Fantastic Beasts. Jim’s career spans some of the biggest blockbuster franchises, and in our conversation, he shares his insights on everything from cutting an unforgettable trailer to marketing your movie when you don’t have a studio-sized budget. We also dive into practical advice for indie filmmakers looking to break through in a crowded market. It’s an honest, insightful, and seriously useful chat you won’t want to miss.
Check out Jim's book Opening Weekend: An Insider's Look at Marketing Hollywood's Hits and Flops
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Opening-Weekend-Insiders-Marketing-Hollywoods/dp/1496853385#:~:text=In%20a%20world%20where%20movie,the%20realm%20of%20movie%20marketing.
After starting his career in 1983 as a trailer editor and producer at famed advertising boutique Intralink, Jim Fredrick went on to serve as president of marketing at Castle Rock Entertainment; senior vice-president of creative advertising at Warner Bros.; and executive vice-president of marketing at Sony Screen Gems. In 2011, he founded his own company, Jim Fredrick Motion Picture Marketing.
I was also brave enough to pitch The Apocalypse Box to Jim and find out how he would market it.
Listen to the full episode then come back for Jims thoughts below on The Apocalypse Box trailer:
Here's The Apocalypse Box Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7usA6qBjvk
Here's what Jim had to say:
Based on our conversation--and how audiences today react to trailers that are different--I'd suggest something more like the TOGETHER teaser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb9tln--Ajs
Try getting away from the typical music used in horror trailers. Find a piece of music that is unexpected. It might even be counterpoint (ie. funny!) Limit dialogue. Maybe the only line is "What's in the box?" Then your title. By telling the consumer less, you'll raise curiosity, anticipation and your film will feel bigger in doing so.
Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
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