FOX's Marketing Technique: "What Happens Last/Remembered First?"

[Lightning Strykez!]

Marketing Strategy:
"What Happens Last Is Remembered First?"
Is FOX Aiming To Steal Thunder With "The Back-Door Approach?"
***


By Lightning


This Friday marks the debut of the first trailer for Bryan Singer's Superman Returns. Ironically enough, this clip is debuting a month earlier than X3's trailer (due next month), while the film comes out a month after X3's May 26th screening date. It appears that Warner Bros. is going for the "early bird" approach, in an effort to drum up as much buzz as possible for their feature. Their website is fully active, and the media has been inundated with stills from the production.

In stark contrast, the other major comic book film of 2006--X-Men 3--has had no pictures released to represent it, nor has a full-fledged website been launched. Admittedly there has been very little visibility for this tentpole production--even the plot is shrouded in secrecy. It would seem that FOX is woefully behind its competitors, considering that their project hits theatres first.

For many people, this signals an unmitigated disaster, and understandably so. Unlike Superman Returns or Ghost Rider, X-Men 3 has a powerful momentum going right now, and a gigantic mainstream audience. It has remained at the apex of 2006's most anticipated films for months now, all without any promotion. So it would seem that FOX would be smarter to capitalize on that anticipation. Instead, their silenced delay on releasing any offical pictures or details communicates to some that the studio is trying to hide a Catwomanesque-mess until the very last minute.

However, instead of writing X3 off as a failure waiting to happen--I'd like to interject another plausible reason for FOX's delaying: Could it be that they are adopting the old adage "What happens last is remembered first" for their marketing technique?

Think about it: When the trailer for Superman Returns is released there will be certain pandamonium--be it good or bad. However, when FOX strikes with their trailer next month, what will happen to that buzz? It will be diverted--and, at least temporarily, FOX will have effectively stolen its competitors' thunder. If X3's first trailer and official stills are mindblowing, the hype will reach all-time highs with an already-hungry fanbase.

Do you think this could feasibly be FOX's plan?

[bluewolv]

I think the movie is a mess...particularly the visuals/effects which at best will be rushed at this point...that is the reason why they are delaying. I really have a feeling that Juggernaut in particular is going to look like something out of Batman and Robin. X-Men 3 should do what V did and postpone for 6 months and do a Christmas 2006 release, then they can properly film/post produce/and market - they won't because they want to get out an exactly 1.5 hour rushed piece of crap that will make as much money opening weekend and then who cares after that...because they will then market the hell out of the DVD...say what you want about Bryan Singer but he was able to get X-2 to rise above the the Fox mediocrity of Daredevil/Elektra/Ffour - The best thing that can happen for the X-men franchise is that after this 3 pitcure deal is done, that Marvel moves it to a better studio

[MattC]

I think that sounds VERY likely Lightning, definately very feasible. :D

[EmmaFrost]

I will agree with Lightining on this one. Heck with a trailer attached to King Kong possibly that movie is already generating a lot of hype and that will build the momentum.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I think the movie is a mess...particularly the visuals/effects which at best will be rushed at this point...that is the reason why they are delaying. I really have a feeling that Juggernaut in particular is going to look like something out of Batman and Robin.

You mean...something like this? :p

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6d/Jeep_Bane.jpg/225px-Jeep_Bane.jpg

God, I hope not. Let us pray now. Join hands. :o


X-Men 3 should do what V did and postpone for 6 months and do a Christmas 2006 release, then they can properly film/post produce/and market - they won't because they want to get out an exactly 1.5 hour rushed piece of crap that will make as much money opening weekend and then who cares after that...because they will then market the hell out of the DVD...say what you want about Bryan Singer but he was able to get X-2 to rise above the the Fox mediocrity of Daredevil/Elektra/Ffour - The best thing that can happen for the X-men franchise is that after this 3 pitcure deal is done, that Marvel moves it to a better studio

I agree that the film should move to ensure a higher quality film is made--but we know that FOX is not going to budge. The sun will collide with the earth before that happens. :rolleyes:

Besides, Memorial Day weekend is a prime choice for Box office dividends and they are not going to give up their slot whether the "We want to beat Bryan Singer to the punch" rumors are true or not. The month of May worked very well for X2, so commercially speaking--it's the best spot outside of the July 4th weekend. Also, moving it would signal the production is really in trouble--which will only create bad buzz.

The scoopers on this board are getting very vague, non-descript replies from our sources right now. And the various websites i.e. SHH, etc. have nothing either. So FOX has put the lid on this project for a reason and at this point there are only two reasons for the delay:

A.) It's on purpose--they have a plan.

B.) It's out of necessity--they are having problems.

I'm inclined to think that it's option "A".

We've seen the cast casually shopping and out and about constantly--and that could be a sign that the lensing is going seamlessly (since the actors are not being held hostage for multiple takes). We also know that CGI and other post prod elements are being applied as they go along, so much of the SFX may already be done.

[blades_shades]

There's really only one hero in Superman and he wheres red & blue. Not really a myster and they really can't surprise us by giving him blonde hair and a silver cape. Not really any creature costumes or super powered effects in Supes either except x-ray vision and cold breath. LOL

[the a1ant]

I think if Bryan was directing X3, we'd have images and a teaser trailer out by now, because, well production would've started earlier and things would've been smoother and better planned out on his part.

I'm not bad-mouthing Ratner or the studio. I think they just need time. The process to getting X3 to film was not very easy, and Ratner signed on very late in the game. It feels like Fox is mostly having more say-so in visual promotions, right now where-as Singer sort of just went out cut a teaser together early and the studio approved it.

Fox has a set plan in how they want to promote this film, and while the fans aren't getting the things they want (images), in the larger scope of the general media, the promotion will be nothing short of amazing, and will be just fine.

Still...it doesn't hurt to reward the fans every once in a while. You keep the fans happy and excited early on and that will rub off on others, IMO. At this point, I really want them to relase something for us. I support them, but at the same time I still think too much time has gone past, without getting one single official photo.

But to answer your question, Lightnin' :p I think there is a bigger plan out there than we know, and Fox knows what they're doing. In terms of pleasing the fans early on, it seems that they may have forgotten that, but in the greater scope of things, they're going to rock everyone's socks off. ;) :D

[MattC]

I think if Bryan was directing X3, we'd have images and a teaser trailer out by now, because, well production would've started earlier and things would've been smoother and better planned out on his part.

Regardless of how much earlier the project would have started shooting I think you are right. We would probably have production diaries etc as well, he seems to be similar to Peter Jackson in his approach to film making. Bryan is uniquely public with a lot of the stuff he does, he likes to involve the fans and is excited to show them what he is doing.

[rawsugar]

No one here actually knows what or why anything is happening, so it is a little bold to make suggestions about a 2006 Christmas release. This film is huge and there is so much on the line, they are probably just making sure that the right decisions are made. Us fans can be ruthless...u know?

[the a1ant]

No one here actually knows what or why anything is happening, so it is a little bold to make suggestions about a 2006 Christmas release. This film is huge and there is so much on the line, they are probably just making sure that the right decisions are made. Us fans can be ruthless...u know?

True. They know the fans are already shaken up after Singer left...and then even more-so after Vaughn left. They know we've been put through a lot. They seem to be very protective of their 'baby' and want to make sure the images/ footage of their baby is perfect. In some eyes, maybe they're a little too protective, but what parent isn't, ya know? :D

[Lightning Strykez!]

Still...it doesn't hurt to reward the fans every once in a while. You keep the fans happy and excited early on and that will rub off on others, IMO. At this point, I really want them to relase something for us. I support them, but at the same time I still think too much time has gone past, without getting one single official photo.



I too feel this way. When it comes to marketing, FOX does a great job, and I have faith that they will spin this film into every nook and cranny of the market by time May arrives. I know for a fact that they do appreciate the fans' support and input. I also know FOX has high hopes for this film and they have big plans to promote it properly...in time.

But at the same time, I can't help but understand the cynical fans' position on this matter because it appears that the studio has lost sight of the people who will hype this film by word-of-mouth. And perception is everything.

People point to Sony or WB dropping cookies for the fans here and there as evidence that those studios "care" about the fans. :rolleyes: It's not so much that, as it is GOOD BUSINESS SENSE. It's called customer service--and moviegoers are the customers. For FOX to have not released one SINGLE still--not even of an original cast member i.e. Wolverine--seems a bit odd. I honestly can't think of any reason why they'd sit on that unless it's for a specific marketing reason.

[Triligors]

And how big FOX film trailers premiere with a TV show on Fox Channel, similar to Sith- don't quote me on this but I think it's very possible that the teaser will air with Prison Break. Kind of like how last year Sith ran with OC. Prison Break is Fox's new #1 show and will create buzz for both the series and the film.

As for market wise, it's smart to postpone anything related to the film. Often times film trailers come out almost a year before and causes hype, but by the time it comes to theaters that hype has been worned out and is now dry. But, if the timing is right- you've got yourself a hit timing and a thriving fanbase of fans and general audience that is still high by the time the film is released. It's a smart idea, I think personally as a film maker. Ratner will no doubt make a great X-Men film, I think Singer said the screenplay for the third film was great but that he rather do Superman. Ratner has done all types of films, a great family film FAMILY MAN, the scariest film I've ever saw RED DRAGON, and a great team comedy RUSH HOUR. The director can seemingly direct anything and have a hit in that genre. No doubt same will happen here. X3 will be epic, but you release information to early- by the time the buzz has heightened there's already five months until it comes to theaters, then it starts to lower. Best to strike when the buzz will be at it's highest.

[Jan Irisi]

I think we should all remind ourselves that Singer is not involved in this picture at all. So all the shoulda woulda coulda right now is moot. "If Singer was still involved, we woulda had this that and the other thing."

Right now, we have entered an entire new ballgame. Yes, if Singer was still involved things would have started sooner and had gone smoother. However, his departure, for whatever reason, temporarily derailed a great many things in regard to this film. So, in effect we/they have started "from scratch". Schedules are tight, and Ratner has stepped in to sort out the chaos as it were. We cannot expect this film to be handled like the others were when Singer was involved, because, as I said, this is a new baby.

Think of the analogy of a woman who has two children with a former husband, gets divorced, remarries and has a child with her new husband. This is X3.

[the a1ant]

I also think the reveal of the script on 'Aint It Cool News' might've affected things as well. It gave the studio more reason to be protective and quiet about things. Sure...the AICN script was an early script, but many elements from that have obviously stayed in the final script draft.

[MattC]

Think of the analogy of a woman who has two children with a former husband, gets divorced, remarries and has a child with her new husband. This is X3.

Isn't that the one where the new husband murders the mother and locks the kids up in the basement?

[MattC]

I also think the reveal of the script on 'Aint It Cool News' might've affected things as well. It gave the studio more reason to be protective and quiet about things. Sure...the AICN script was an early script, but many elements from that have obviously stayed in the final script draft.

That pisses me off to this day, I hate how it had to be spoilt for people like that. As much as we like knowing stuff, I would have preferred to not have seen any of that stuff.

[Jan Irisi]

Isn't that the one where the new husband murders the mother and locks the kids up in the basement?

:mad: No.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Think of the analogy of a woman who has two children with a former husband, gets divorced, remarries and has a child with her new husband. This is X3.

Yep. Let's just hope the "child" is cute.

[MattC]

:mad: No.

Ah, I must have got it muddled up ;) Good analogy! :D

[the a1ant]

Think of the analogy of a woman who has two children with a former husband, gets divorced, remarries and has a child with her new husband. This is X3.

:up: :up: :up:

[Lightning Strykez!]

I also think the reveal of the script on 'Aint It Cool News' might've affected things as well. It gave the studio more reason to be protective and quiet about things. Sure...the AICN script was an early script, but many elements from that have obviously stayed in the final script draft.


Yes. I think of posters who defend AICN and Harry Knowles *cough* Vileone *cough* :p, stating that their influence is next to nill on the internet, and that they aren't truly responsible for the bad buzz that surrounds some of Marvel's films...and I just point to this situation.

AICN played a KEY role in drumming up bad internet publicity on this production, just as they did for Fantastic 4. Now, with Fantastic 4 FOX released still after still to fans. In fact, within 3 weeks of filming we got our first look at The Invisible Woman in costume, and the others followed shortly afterward. But the whole way through Harry Knowles & Co. continued to rip apart each release, fanning flames of negativity. Then they started the cycle afresh with that nasty write-up on that X3 rough draft--which spawned all kinds of bad buzz.

I know FOX was taking note, because now we get...nothing. :(

[Mistopurr83]

The script review from AICN is not the only thing that got audiences concerned about X3. Another thing that may have an affect on this was when Avi Arad called us users "idiots." Some people here think that might've affected the F4 movies' outcome. :down

[Lightning Strykez!]

The script review from AICN is not the only thing that got audiences concerned about X3. Another thing that may have an affect on this was when Avi Arad called us users "idiots." Some people here think that might've affected the F4 movies' outcome. :down


If my memory serves me correctly, he said that after F4 hit theatres. At any rate, Fantastic 4 did gross $330 million so it didn't affect that outcome too badly.

[the a1ant]

Avi Arad was crazy for calling some of the fans "idiots". I know he was ticked off (I would be too), but as a man of business, he should've watched his words. That wasn't the first time he threw an insult to the fans either.

[fazeforce]

But at the same time, I can't help but understand the cynical fans' position on this matter because it appears that the studio has lost sight of the people who will hype this film by word-of-mouth. And perception is everything.



I understand it as well - but when it is mis-(or in this case, un-) informed "ooh, rumor is it's in trouble, let's jump on that bandwagon and bash it" cynicism, it irks me. (that sentence may make sense...:O)

Like reading that review of from the R2 Project about the FF DVD, and when they mention the X3 first look, they call it "A desperate piece of PR cheerleading for a movie that is in serious trouble."

Eff that. Setbacks? Yeah, that has happened - changing directors will do that. Of course the film would benefit from more time. All films would. I don't think anything that has happened with the film so far would indicate that it is in "serious trouble", and I think most people on this board would agree with me, even the concerned ones.

This "serious trouble, it's destined to fail" snowball that AICN started (and they did) just makes me want to strangle somebody. NOBODY is sure that is the case, and assuming/presuming doesn't count.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Avi Arad was crazy for calling some of the fans "idiots". I know he was ticked off (I would be too), but as a man of business, he should've watched his words. That wasn't the first time he threw an insult to the fans either.

Indeed. Yet another asinine statement from an salesmen. If it weren't for these "idiotic" fans, these comics wouldn't have become popular enough for these studios to WANT to make films out of them.

I still think he should issue a formal apology to Marvel fans--he was out of line.

[Lightning Strykez!]

This "serious trouble, it's destined to fail" snowball that AICN started (and they did) just makes me want to strangle somebody. NOBODY is sure that is the case, and assuming/presuming doesn't count.

I wholeheartedly agree with you; good point. Hopefully these very same detractors will have the humility to admit their failure prophecy-spewing was misdirected.

Then again, I would hope that those of us who are supporting the film are objective enough to admit we were wrong if in fact the final package is "the suck." :o

[fazeforce]

Then again, I would hope that those of us who are supporting the film are objective enough to admit we were wrong if in fact the final package is "the suck." :o

Absolutely. 95% of board conflict comes down to the simple, universal division of optimism and pessism; it depends on each person's nature.

Okay, I'm starting to sound like an ass...:O

[Lightning Strykez!]

Absolutely. 95% of board conflict comes down to the simple, universal division of optimism and pessism; it depends on each person's nature.

Okay, I'm starting to sound like an ass...:O


Actually, if I could just refine your statement a bit: 95% of board conflict comes down to simple, universal pessimism based on the pessimism of others. :rolleyes: :p

[OobeDoobBenubi]

"Watches Spider-Man 3 Set Video of filming"

[Specter313]

Indeed. Yet another asinine statement from an salesmen. If it weren't for these "idiotic" fans, these comics wouldn't have become popular enough for these studios to WANT to make films out of them.

I still think he should issue a formal apology to Marvel fans--he was out of line.

That's the thing though, he didn't call all internet fans idiots. He only called the ones who jumped to baseless conclusions when they have half truths and ***** about anything and everything, idiots. It's not the people like us who actually have the patience and brains to see everything first that he was saying that about. It's people like the trolls and whiners that trash everything having to do with a movie just because it doesn't follow their exact vision on how it should go. *coughmistocough*

I don't want to come off as some brazen Arad supporter, cause I'm far from it, but things get out of control, and sometimes people can't hold back. Some of the morons on the internet needed to be called out like that, and he did just that. However, this does tell me one thing. The people involved with these movies do listen to us. But the problem is, the complainers and whiners tend to outweigh the people who have actual objective and worthwhile opinions, and when that happens, that does nothing but drive the big guys away from the message boards, and not even bother with us. If they don't listen to us, we only have ourselves to blame for letting things get too far out of hand for them to be able to hear the real opinions and ideas that could matter to this franchise.

[Lightning Strykez!]

That's the thing though, he didn't call all internet fans idiots. He only called the ones who jumped to baseless conclusions when they have half truths and ***** about anything and everything, idiots. It's not the people like us who actually have the patience and brains to see everything first that he was saying that about. It's people like the trolls and whiners that trash everything having to do with a movie just because it doesn't follow their exact vision on how it should go. *coughmistocough*


Ah. I see.

[Milkman95]

Fox knows what they're doing when it comes to marketing, but with the shaky start to this production, I think they're going with the strategy Cal describes, which is hitting the public later, but it should be effective due to the first two films success.

I'm also sure that the tight schedule could be causing the marketing stuff to be delayed a bit...........

[Specter313]

Ah. I see.

Does that sound better? A lot of people, particularly the kind of people who he was calling the idiots, turned it around to make it sound like he was calling all internet goers idiots. Guess it was just a case of them not wanting to be singled out.

PS: I added more the clear it up a bit.

[Electrix]

I think FOX will be giving us all Christmas presents....and they wont be socks...

To be honest I'd rather wait, if FOX want to be secretive let them be, we will get pictures and clips eventually.

These rumours of the first images in certain magazines cant come from nowhere can they? I think FOX are trying to please the fans and get the publics attention at the same time. Why release the first image online to about 100+ people when you can get a deal with a magazine and have a 10,000+ people see it?

[Triligors]

I actually, thinking about it more see it as a major possibility that Fox will release either the teaser, or the trailer or both with PRISON BREAK. Fox did a similar marketing idea with the OC last year with the Sith trailer. Prison Break is Fox's new # 1 hit show. But, also Brett Ratner is one of the creators of the show. So, it would make alot of sense if Fox was to do this advertising method again. Trust me on this, if Fox chooses one of their show's to have the trailer with it would be PB- Ratner is involved with both projects.

[fazeforce]

I actually, thinking about it more see it as a major possibility that Fox will release either the teaser, or the trailer or both with PRISON BREAK. Fox did a similar marketing idea with the OC last year with the Sith trailer. Prison Break is Fox's new # 1 hit show. But, also Brett Ratner is one of the creators of the show. So, it would make alot of sense if Fox was to do this advertising method again. Trust me on this, if Fox chooses one of their show's to have the trailer with it would be PB- Ratner is involved with both projects.

EXCELLENT point, Trili!! :up::up::up:

[Lightning Strykez!]

I didn't know that Prison Break was a Brett-Ratner-creation. Interesting.

[fazeforce]

I didn't know that Prison Break was a Brett-Ratner-creation. Interesting.

He actually directed the pilot.

[Electrix]

I heard something about that...

[Electrix]

Also, arnt FOX putting X-Men 3 on the SuperBowl?

[MattC]

The Prison Break thing isn't going to happen. Its finale airs on November 28th and it won't be back until next May/June at the earliest (they are splitting the first season into two halves). 24 will be taking over its spot.

[Milkman95]

This is a great opportunity for Ratner - I hope he delivers...........

The marketing will be there, no doubt. FF had a great campaign, so I'd guess X3 will have an even better plan.......

[bosef982]

Avi Arad should've risen above the conflict then. It doesn't excuse what he said. There is a legitimate concern in seeing a new director take over a firmly stylized and establshed franchise. He called fans idiots who were negative about Ratner, citing Ratner's experience on Rush Hours 1 & 2, Red Dragon, and his Jessica Simpson video as examples why we shouldn't. While I won't kick the fact that those three movies don't have their legitimate positives -- I wrote a case for Ratner a while back -- I certainly do not see how such a record would reassure fans who are concerned that the departure of Singer from the franchise could possibly result in sub-par material. It's a legitimate concern -- Avi called those who were being pessimistic "idiots." That is out of line. Almost as idiotic as his line about X-Men having a larger fanbase than Superman. I'm not a huge Superman fan (I'm only really interested b/c of Singer), but even I possess the comic humility to realize that Superman is a more marketable and caterable product than X-Men.

Moving on..."last remembered first." This could just as easily work against Fox as well, Lightening. Superman Returns, in the overall scheme of things, will premiere last, thus going by your logic, it will be remembered more than X3. If Fox is using that premise to handle X3, then it should be pushed back behind Superman, so they get the last word in. If not, then I'd say the premise is flawed and illogical, and the lack of anything for fans or public is a result of a very rushed production schedule.

I for one, think it's the latter. This production is in overload full-steam ahead mode. Whether that will be good or not -- who knows. Some seem to think that great work can be produced under pressure -- I make the argument that with creative arts, it cannot. Distance and some time away from it -- as Singer did with Superman -- can offer new perspectives on flaws that have been inadverntantly conditioned into the filmmakers due to their repeative exposure to the piece everyday. Trust me, I write. You'd be surprise how our minds can play trick on us or naturally fill in gaps that otherwise would be jarring.

As much as I want to believe in X3, I can't fully. I have the kind of optimism a child has on Christmas Eve hoping that his parent's got the gifts right, but knowing that if nothing else, he gets something. Overall, something bad smells over at Fox/Marvel, and I haven't placed my finger on it.

It seems that the filmmakers themselvs are in full "make everything look great" mode. Whenever this happens, this makes me nervous. It's like Fox is telling them to go out and make everyone think everything's okay -- which is basically waht they're doing. However, the logistics of production tell us otherwise. We still have no composer, we have various FX companies named every other day to the point I don't know which one's doing what, we have several people doing a single job which ordinarly would have gone to one person (i.e. editing).

This movie has two things going for it however:

1) The cast.
2) The Script. I know. I know. I hated Kinberg at first. Then I got a copy of the production draft of Fantastic Four, and although it's flawed and a bit too contemporary and dateable in places, the writing nevertheless stands firm. And on this topic...

...Fantastic Four was a less than stellar movie. However, I feel it was Tim Story and others who brought it to the mediocrity that it was. Reading the F4 script, I saw so much more potential in it than others apprarently did. I'd love to see the script for F4 handed to Bryan Singer and how different the movie would have appeared. THe script is fairly solid -- I would have edited out a few things here and there, but overall -- it's solid. So I feel Kinberg can deliver a script.

My main concern however -- and I feel this is why footage is yet to be released -- is FX. More nad more, FX takes time. With the huge advances coming, movie audiences expect a certain quality of FX and you can't "fudge it" anymore. Spider-Man 2 broke the f-ing bar with FX, not perfect, but the best yet. Superman Returns, from early reports now, is going to set the new "70s Star Wars" standard for FX. And, if what LIghtening says is true, what happens last is remembered first, then X3 will be an afterhtought in the minds of most people after seeing the return of Superman on the silver screen.

This is why I think it'd be best to push X3 into August. One, you don't have to compete with Superman and you get to spend more time making the film. Also, you get the final word on Summer movies. Last year, Spider-Man 2 was the movie that at the end of the summer, if you asked people what good movies they saw, they'd say, "Spider-Man 2". Batman Begins is sort of doing in this year, sharing a place with Star Wars, however due to the difference in quality of the actual film, Batman edges out I feel. Next year, it will be Superman Returns, POC, and X3. I feel, as things stand now, Superman Returns will be the movie that will have people talking at the end of the summer. Mainly, just because, technically speaking, it's not a f-ing sequel. It's different. New in terms of nowadays.

So, Lightening, your logic here has a dangerous reversal going on for it where it eventually spells out the forgetable nature of X3 at the end of the summer next year. Plus, as long as WB (and they're good about this) keeps releasing trailers, and with the enormous amount of media outlets available for WB and a huge pop culture icon like Superman, I doubt X3 is going to be able to top the Superman's hype. Plus, the trailer's attached to f-ing Harry Potter. Let that not go understated as well.

Just think of it this way: I have never heard ABC, NBC, BBC, CBS report on the X-Men character or comic books. Twice in my life I have heard top anchors from those networks report on Superman: one when he died in the comics, two they changed his costume.

X-Men is a comic book icon, and a huge entertainment tentpole. Superman is a cultural icon. There's a huge difference there that I think has to be acknowledge. Go to any kid old enough, ask them about Superman, they'll tell you. Ask them about X-Men, probably not. I think this is largely due to X-Men being a bit more cerebral, where Superman is easily understandable.

I guess what I'm saying is, and I hate to say this cuz like I said I'm not a huge Superman fan, but Superman is more popular and bigger than X-Men. I don't think anyone can really argue that.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I guess what I'm saying is, and I hate to say this cuz like I said I'm not a huge Superman fan, but Superman is more popular and bigger than X-Men. I don't think anyone can really argue that.

I don't think anyone is except for Avi and he's paid to do so. :p

And I agree with you: this marketing technique--if that is indeed what they have planned--has the potential to backfire. Personally I don't think this is the most effective way in pushing this film but hey--I don't work at FOX so what can I say? :(

Then again, it's very plausible that X3 could turn out to be a solid film. And of course, it WILL be the standard that Superman Returns is compared to by both critics and fans--that's inevitable whether the film is good or bad. And if X3 is well-done, then it could cast a shadow over SR, much like Batman Begins did Fantastic 4 this year.

[fazeforce]

(bosef, this is not directed at you, but your post got me thinking :up:)

Comparing marketing tactics between the two films/companies of X3 and Superman Returns is one thing, but ever since the release dates were announced, and the widely held belief (of which I don't completely buy into) of Fox wanting to beat Singer to the punch out of spite, people seem to think that these two films can't coexist a month apart, and that because Superman has had scads of time and money, it will make more money and therefore be deemed a superior film.

Big summer movies come out 2 weeks apart during the summer months. Just because they are both comic properties doesn't mean the are competing for the same dollars - it is not an either/or scenario. They are both action/fantasy summer tentpole films. So were Fantastic Four and War of the Worlds. Both released within days. Both considered successful.

Superman Returns will make more money. That property does have wider appeal. I don't care what is released when and how much time you had - SR is going to outgross X3 in any scenario.

I guess what I'm saying is, I'm getting tired of the comparisons between these two films. I understand it, but I'm one of those people that think too much is being put upon it.

And yes, X3 would benefit from more time and money. Won't happen. I can tell you that a May release for this film will always be deemed more lucrative than August where the beancounters are concerned, and they're right, for better or worse.

The May 2006 release of X3 was decided last year. Marvel has staked out the Memorial day weekend for a few of it's releases now, and it always will.

[bosef982]

Prompted by LIghtening, I just got this wierd scenario bouncing in my head of "what if we here on the boards were the Fox Execs....?"

Oh, imagine...

[fazeforce]

Prompted by LIghtening, I just got this wierd scenario bouncing in my head of "what if we here on the boards were the Fox Execs....?"

Oh, imagine...

WOW. Well, at which point? Starting now? Starting before Singer left? It all depends...:eek:

[Star]

I'm not responding or arguing with any of the above poitns, even though I read them.

I just wanted to say that, we're doing EXACTLY what fox wants us to. I don't think this strategy of marketing was a mistake or because of problems, it was planned from the beginning and it is GOING exactly as planned: rabid fans.

[fazeforce]

I'm not responding or arguing with any of the above poitns, even though I read them.

I just wanted to say that, we're doing EXACTLY what fox wants us to. I don't think this strategy of marketing was a mistake or because of problems, it was planned from the beginning and it is GOING exactly as planned: rabid fans.

There is definitely something to be said for that, star! :up:

[OobeDoobBenubi]

I'm not responding or arguing with any of the above poitns, even though I read them.

I just wanted to say that, we're doing EXACTLY what fox wants us to. I don't think this strategy of marketing was a mistake or because of problems, it was planned from the beginning and it is GOING exactly as planned: rabid fans.

But to what point ?

To the point where fans are starting to loose interest in this Movie with NOTHING to look at / see ? All I can say is fans just want something to see. No matter how little, how big, how small it is. Heck look at that Spider-Man 3 Set Video. It stinks but fans are HAPPY they are SEEING SOMETHING. Fans here are getting to the point where they just won't want to give a damn about this Movie.

[afmvdp]

As someone in the actual marketing field, I fully understand why they are doing what they are doing with X3.

They are waiting for everything is perfect and then they are going to pound in it every which way they can.

People keep comparing it to Superman just because they are both comic films but there is a big difference. Xmen is a public-TESTED franchise that has already been proven to work. Sure they ran into a bit of a snag and got a bit of bad press at first because of director changes and such, but that is why they have to be even that much more precise on what is released. Sure it might annoy some of the more active fanbase (read: comic fanboys) but to the majority who know very little, small things like the X3 giant posters and cardboard mockups are doing quite a bit already.

X3 doesn't NEED to whore itself out like King Kong or Superman does to the fanbase because their fanbase is already established and even those that are *****ing Marvel knows will STILL go see the movie regardless. Even if their initial desire is to try to debunk it.

From the small ammounts we know, this already is appearing to be a very massive film and unless they do something completely absurd, I seriously doubt it's going to do any worse than the other x films. If anything, I'm pretty certain it'll even do better.

Besides, look at the negatives that kong and blue boy had the deal with by releasing early shots where Kong looked cartoony and Superman looked like an 80s aerobics instructor.

I'd much rather they wait and release a packed trailer and press images that are perfect and refined and really knock the socks off people.

[Electrix]

:up: afmvdp

[OobeDoobBenubi]

As someone in the actual marketing field, I fully understand why they are doing what they are doing with X3.

They are waiting for everything is perfect and then they are going to pound in it every which way they can.

People keep comparing it to Superman just because they are both comic films but there is a big difference. Xmen is a public-TESTED franchise that has already been proven to work. Sure they ran into a bit of a snag and got a bit of bad press at first because of director changes and such, but that is why they have to be even that much more precise on what is released. Sure it might annoy some of the more active fanbase (read: comic fanboys) but to the majority who know very little, small things like the X3 giant posters and cardboard mockups are doing quite a bit already.

X3 doesn't NEED to whore itself out like King Kong or Superman does to the fanbase because their fanbase is already established and even those that are *****ing Marvel knows will STILL go see the movie regardless. Even if their initial desire is to try to debunk it.

From the small ammounts we know, this already is appearing to be a very massive film and unless they do something completely absurd, I seriously doubt it's going to do any worse than the other x films. If anything, I'm pretty certain it'll even do better.

Besides, look at the negatives that kong and blue boy had the deal with by releasing early shots where Kong looked cartoony and Superman looked like an 80s aerobics instructor.

I'd much rather they wait and release a packed trailer and press images that are perfect and refined and really knock the socks off people.

Just to let you know those Press Images are 100 % done / refined & ready to release as said by a1ant & various others why FOX is holding back is anyone's guess. But like said according to various others were told by the FOX Publicist that the pics are READY & have been ready for a LONG LONG time now & no before anyone thinks & tried to put words in my mouth that I did not say or just assume. I am NOT whining about the pics not being released Im just telling this guy FOX has stuff ready to be put out.

[panzertank]

I think fox is doing a great job, in this day and age nothing has been leaked. Beast has been stolling around the set and we still haven't see him, I mean this has to be the most secretive movie ever considering how rabid the fan base is. Now for the release date, keep it, I'm sure they can finish the movie in time, and there has been nothing from the set that says they are having problems. Look at War of the Worlds, that things started production at the beginning of 05 and still got out in the summer and it was a huge hit.
This thing has been worked on for a while now, it already has characters developed that we care about, and anyone that disses the change in directors, just look at Prisoner of Askaban, and what looks like Goblet of Fire, the new directors came in to much criticism, but did a great job. Lets wait until we actually here anything to let the flaming begin.

[Electrix]

The pictures will be out when the time is right...

[OobeDoobBenubi]

The pictures will be out when the time is right...

I know that jeez I was just telling the guy damn

[TheVileOne]

Just a little FYI. WB tried this whole marketing approach Lightning is talking about with CINO. They even had a trailer during Spider-man 2.

This marketing strategy could backfire because its alienating the fans. Filmmakers like Jackson and Singer are showing us material because they want us to get more excited about it. Even Lucasfilm took a more open approach for Episode III and that's been the biggest movie of the year so far.

I remember a studio tried the whole secrecy thing with Godzilla (1998) as well...and they kept everything secret for a reason. IT F'N SUCKS!

If Fox had more faith in their own material I think we'd be seeing something already.

I'm just going to say, the most successful movies don't take this ridiculous backdoor approach.

[Retroman]

Edit.

[Electrix]

I know that jeez I was just telling the guy damn

Ok :D

[Mr Sensitive]

Absolutely. 95% of board conflict comes down to the simple, universal division of optimism and pessism; it depends on each person's nature.

Pas d'accord, mon ami.

The conflict happens (when it is a real one) when you have objective concern (and not pessismism) against "faith" in how "awsome" will be some movie (and not optimism), still in the making.

One should use his brains whenever he feels like doing it, even if the answer is just a chorus of uneducated common moviegoers saying: "I enjoyed it, damm the critics".

That's no optimism: it is simplism.

[TheVileOne]

The pictures will be out when the time is right...

I say there's no time like the present.

[Electrix]

I dont know what everyone is fussing about....there are 6 months till we see this movie...that is 6 months in which we can get to see everything needed and for the audience to know about it....just because we are going through a dry patch doesnt mean FOX are trying to hide anything...

[Electrix]

I say there's no time like the present.

You havent got a multi million dollar movie in your hands which will make millions more...

[OobeDoobBenubi]

I dont know what everyone is fussing about....there are 6 months till we see this movie...that is 6 months in which we can get to see everything needed and for the audience to know about it....just because we are going through a dry patch doesnt mean FOX are trying to hide anything...

Yeah they are actually

Otherwise they would let leaked cast pictures & leaked pictures of ANYTHING stay on the net that were taking by fans on the Set

If its one thing you can NOT say is that they are NOT hiding anything WHEN THEY 100 % are hiding things

[Electrix]

They arnt showing us things...they dont want our first image of Beast to look like a Furby...that doesnt mean they are hiding it....that means they are waiting till everything is 'perfect'

[OobeDoobBenubi]

They arnt showing us things...they dont want our first image of Beast to look like a Furby...that doesnt mean they are hiding it....that means they are waiting till everything is 'perfect'

Then that means FOX must think Fans are idiots or something

NO Fan should 100 % judge things from a pic taken WHILE FILMING as everyone would know its not 100 % how someone or thing will look

I can understand why FOX are being sensitive but they are also insulting fan's intelligence & basically saying f**k you to all fans

They are 100 % hiding things

[TheVileOne]

I dont know what everyone is fussing about....there are 6 months till we see this movie...that is 6 months in which we can get to see everything needed and for the audience to know about it....just because we are going through a dry patch doesnt mean FOX are trying to hide anything...

Spider-man 3 is yet to start filming and we've already seen an official image of the villain. That movie doesn't come out for a year and a half.

So many other movies aren't being shown for 6 months but we are still seeing a lot more than X-men 3.

All I'm asking for from the folks at Fox is proof that they are not going to screw this up and that they are not rushing it (when rush seems to be the first word to come out of the mouth of most of the people working on this movie). This sneak peak on the Fantastic Four DVD would've been the perfect time to do it, instead its just more hyperbole from Avi Arad.

[OutcryX]

They have started fimling on Spiderman 3...just not principal photography...it does suck tho that they already have pics out and we have....nothing...well the wolvie in the woods and the wolvie, storm and prof x shot...but thats all

[OobeDoobBenubi]

They have started fimling on Spiderman 3...just not principal photography...it does suck tho that they already have pics out and we have....nothing...well the wolvie in the woods and the wolvie, storm and prof x shot...but thats all

Don't forget the Spider-Man 3 Set Video Recently Leaked

Sure it stinks but nice to know things are going good & that it has begun :up:

[Retroman]

Do you think this could feasibly be FOX's plan?
Possible. I hope thats what they're aiming for and i hope they won't fall flat on their face when the pics and trailer are released.
FOX are handling things very differently with the marketing of X3 compared to the that of the first 2 X-Men movies and their other recent blockbusters (I, Robot, Mr. and Mrs.Smith to name a few). It's unusual and i can only hope they're doing because they believe they have something that can match the likes of Superman Returns.

[Electrix]

Spider-man 3 is yet to start filming and we've already seen an official image of the villain. That movie doesn't come out for a year and a half.

So many other movies aren't being shown for 6 months but we are still seeing a lot more than X-men 3.

All I'm asking for from the folks at Fox is proof that they are not going to screw this up and that they are not rushing it (when rush seems to be the first word to come out of the mouth of most of the people working on this movie). This sneak peak on the Fantastic Four DVD would've been the perfect time to do it, instead its just more hyperbole from Avi Arad.

They released that picture because the fans wanted to know which villians were going to be in Spiderman 3. They have a 2 year wait so they gave them that picture as a little 'something'.

Those other films need all the publicity it can get. X-Men 3 however, has had 2 filmed already get people interested. The X-Men movie franchise has its fans.

Well if the 'sneak peak' on the F4 isnt good enough then the teaser trailer with footage from the film, that will be released a few days later, should be enough...

[RedIsNotBlue]

Spider-man 3 is yet to start filming and we've already seen an official image of the villain. That movie doesn't come out for a year and a half.

So many other movies aren't being shown for 6 months but we are still seeing a lot more than X-men 3.

All I'm asking for from the folks at Fox is proof that they are not going to screw this up and that they are not rushing it (when rush seems to be the first word to come out of the mouth of most of the people working on this movie). This sneak peak on the Fantastic Four DVD would've been the perfect time to do it, instead its just more hyperbole from Avi Arad.

For once we are on the same page. It just irks me to pretty much every other comic book film with a set date after X3 is getting more publicity. With every day that passes it kind of builds up the possibility of disappointing people because people are thinking "Hey if they are taking this long to release photos it HAS to be amazing." I am just worried.

[RedIsNotBlue]

They released that picture because the fans wanted to know which villians were going to be in Spiderman 3. They have a 2 year wait so they gave them that picture as a little 'something'.

Those other films need all the publicity it can get. X-Men 3 however, has had 2 filmed already get people interested. The X-Men movie franchise has its fans.

Well if the 'sneak peak' on the F4 isnt good enough then the teaser trailer with footage from the film, that will be released a few days later, should be enough...

Yeah yet we still don't know the main villain for X3. :O

[OobeDoobBenubi]

They released that picture because the fans wanted to know which villians were going to be in Spiderman 3. They have a 2 year wait so they gave them that picture as a little 'something'.

Those other films need all the publicity it can get. X-Men 3 however, has had 2 filmed already get people interested. The X-Men movie franchise has its fans.

Well if the 'sneak peak' on the F4 isnt good enough then the teaser trailer with footage from the film, that will be released a few days later, should be enough...

You have to admit it is POSSIBLE at any given rate that FOX can be also WORRIED that fans will NOT LIKE what they see because everything is well rushed with this Movie ?

[Lightning Strykez!]

Possible. I hope thats what they're aiming for and i hope they won't fall flat on their face when the pics and trailer are released.
FOX are handling things very differently with the marketing of X3 compared to the that of the first 2 X-Men movies and their other recent blockbusters (I, Robot, Mr. and Mrs.Smith to name a few). It's unusual and i can only hope they're doing because they believe they have something that can match the likes of Superman Returns.


This is my point. Having followed a few of these comic-film adaptations I can say that this particular marketing technique is unprecendented for a Marvel film.

X-Men 3 marks Marvel's first trilogy--so this is not some origin film. It's also the second most successful Marvel franchise behind Spiderman--and I'd even go so far to say it's arguably more successful than anything WB has released recently.

Yet for as high-profile as this tentpole project is, we've nothing to show for it yet. So I truly hope they know what they're doing.

[TheVileOne]

They released that picture because the fans wanted to know which villians were going to be in Spiderman 3. They have a 2 year wait so they gave them that picture as a little 'something'.


Or maybe they just have an organized production as well as crew and aren't rushing the movies like Fox did X-men 3.


Those other films need all the publicity it can get. X-Men 3 however, has had 2 filmed already get people interested. The X-Men movie franchise has its fans.


And you mean to tell me that Spider-man 2 has NOT had 2 filmed already to get people interested? And that it doesn't have its fans either?

Superman as a movie franchise has its fans as well. And so did Star Wars.


Well if the 'sneak peak' on the F4 isnt good enough then the teaser trailer with footage from the film, that will be released a few days later, should be enough...

Then why don't they just put the teaser trailer on the DVD? Give something to people who are actually paying for it.

[Hunter Rider]

You make a good point Lightning,i think the key now is in the quality of the teasers,if the SR teaser is as good as it's supposed to be then Fox better deliver a great X3 teaser because if not the reaction could be that of "it was weak compared to the SR teaser" by going second

[afmvdp]

I really wish people would stop saying that this movie is rushed. A majority of movies that are released these days are built around similar time tables and out of those that do have longer waits, you'll see that the filming and production only took a smaller portion of the time and that it was the marketing and studios that held off the release in order to pump up potential numbers.

I also wish that people would stop saying that not releasing images is alienating fans. It isn't doing anything of the sort. It's annoying fanboys, that's all. The rest of us don't need to put our lives on hold waiting for new images to be released. And the majority will make their decisions and become aware of the movie once the final trailers hit tv sets end of march. No one is being alienated. And even those that are whining the most are STILL going to see the movie regardless. Doesn't sound too alienated to me.

[OobeDoobBenubi]

I really wish people would stop saying that this movie is rushed. A majority of movies that are released these days are built around similar time tables and out of those that do have longer waits, you'll see that the filming and production only took a smaller portion of the time and that it was the marketing and studios that held off the release in order to pump up potential numbers.

I also wish that people would stop saying that not releasing images is alienating fans. It isn't doing anything of the sort. It's annoying fanboys, that's all. The rest of us don't need to put our lives on hold waiting for new images to be released. And the majority will make their decisions and become aware of the movie once the final trailers hit tv sets end of march. No one is being alienated. And even those that are whining the most are STILL going to see the movie regardless. Doesn't sound too alienated to me.

This Movie is 100 % rushed

If it wasnt then FOX would have waited for Singer then Singer would be directing X3. Just an examble of how they rushed to get things going. I have 100 % no problem with Ratner directing so you guys dont put words in my mouth or assume anything.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I'm not responding or arguing with any of the above poitns, even though I read them.

I just wanted to say that, we're doing EXACTLY what fox wants us to. I don't think this strategy of marketing was a mistake or because of problems, it was planned from the beginning and it is GOING exactly as planned: rabid fans.


http://www.taylorstrategicmarketing.com/images/pawn.jpg

Are you saying the studio considers us to be the above? ^^^ :p

All I know is that when HNR released that pic of Logan, Storm, Charles and Erik this forum had nearly a 1,000 people clogging it every hour for a week. Now THAT'S some serious rabid fandom. :eek::up: My thing is....don't overstay your welcome with it--and don't waste or abuse it--it's not something to be taken for granted.

Not every layman-fan understands the intricate details on these productions, so some will not be as understanding as others. That's why I say spill something--anything--just to quench curiosity and possibly alleviate some fears.

The promo stills for the main characters are completed now, by the way. So FOX has them to release if they choose to. At this point it's totally up to their timing.

[Electrix]

This Movie is 100 % rushed

If it wasnt then FOX would have waited for Singer then Singer would be directing X3. Just an examble of how they rushed to get things going. I have 100 % no problem with Ratner directing so you guys dont put words in my mouth or assume anything.


Just because FOX didnt want to put a franchise and the cast on hold for a total of 5 years just because of ONE person, doesnt mean it is rushed.

[Jan Irisi]

FOX knows that there is an entire community out here who will pounce on anything they officially release, especially now that it "appears" this production is in such "trouble". They is a portion of that community who will jump on, chew up and spit out whatever they put out, and God help them if a pic is 110% perfect. They must make absolutely certain that what they give out is flawless, fantastic, and kick a**, otherwise they are doomed before they even leave the gate.

The images that come out and the trailers must be remarkable enough to take the wind out of any disenter's sail. They have had an uphill battle to wage ever since Singer left, and it is apparent a good number of fans are not so inclined to be forgiving at this point.

[Lightning Strykez!]

You make a good point Lightning,i think the key now is in the quality of the teasers,if the SR teaser is as good as it's supposed to be then Fox better deliver a great X3 teaser because if not the reaction could be that of "it was weak compared to the SR teaser" by going second

That's true. As VileOne said, it has the potential to backfire. Seriously.

But something tells me it must have something to it, because FOX wouldn't be investing nearly $2M on a Superbowl spot if it was utter crap. They've NEVER done that for a comic/film adaptation. Ever. :eek:

That money could be better spent on SFX if the visuals already "sucked so bad". And like I've said before, the film has a $195 million budget anyway.

[OobeDoobBenubi]

FOX knows that there is an entire community out here who will pounce on anything they officially release, especially now that it "appears" this production is in such "trouble". They is a portion of that community who will jump on, chew up and spit out whatever they put out, and God help them if a pic is 110% perfect. They must make absolutely certain that what they give out is flawless, fantastic, and kick a**, otherwise they are doomed before they even leave the gate.

The images that come out and the trailers must be remarkable enough to take the wind out of any disenter's sail. They have had an uphill battle to wage ever since Singer left, and it is apparent a good number of fans are not so inclined to be forgiving at this point.

The first Trailer BETTER BE DAMN GOOD

[Electrix]

AICN and its negatives will have a go if one fur on Beast's body is out of place...

[TheVileOne]

Fox got a TV super bowl spot for Daredevil. I don't know how much the spot cost, but they did shell out for it in 2003. On the same note, they did NOT get one for X-men 2, which was superior to the mediocre Daredevil on every level and was significantly more successful.

[Electrix]

And like I've said before, the film has a $195 million budget anyway.

:eek: When was that confirmed?

[Lightning Strykez!]

Just because FOX didnt want to put a franchise and the cast on hold for a total of 5 years just because of ONE person, doesnt mean it is rushed.


I'm with you. Thank god they didn't wait for Singer. If they did I'm certain that Storm wouldn't be getting the fuller development she is getting this time.

[OobeDoobBenubi]

Well FOX has ALOT riding in terms of Fans on the first Trailer

Lets HOPE they don't Screw it up

[Lightning Strykez!]

Fox got a TV super bowl spot for Daredevil. I don't know how much the spot cost, but they did shell out for it in 2003. On the same note, they did NOT get one for X-men 2, which was superior to the mediocre Daredevil on every level and was significantly more successful.

They did? I recall sitting through all the commercials for the 03' 'bowl and I don't remember seeing anything. :confused: Oh well. Hopefully it will do a lot for this franchise.

[Lightning Strykez!]

:eek: When was that confirmed?

:cool:

[Hunter Rider]

That's true. As VileOne said, it has the potential to backfire. Seriously.

But something tells me it must have something to it, because FOX wouldn't be investing nearly $2M on a Superbowl spot if it was utter crap. They've NEVER done that for a comic/film adaptation. Ever. :eek:

That money could be better spent on SFX if the visuals already "sucked so bad". And like I've said before, the film has a $195 million budget anyway.

I didn't know about that but what about this teaser with Kong ?

[OobeDoobBenubi]

:eek: When was that confirmed?

Don't believe everything you read without the proof & the facts bud

:up:

[Genosha]

Fox really needs to rally their X-Men fanbase.
This is what is shocking to me so far. Usually successful franchise movies like this start off by providing the fans of the series something to get behind. I really don't see Fox making much of an effort so far.

I don't blame the X-Men fans for getting frustrated. Fox/Marvel really hasn't done anything for us to rally behind them.

I still have high hopes for X3, but for some strange reason I feel that the X-Men franchise, as a whole, has been grossly mistreated by Fox and Marvel.

Out of all the comic-based film franchises, X-Men has got the hightest-quality product with the less support.

[OobeDoobBenubi]

Fox really needs to rally their X-Men fanbase.
This is what is shocking to me so far. Usually successful franchise movies like this start off by providing the fans of the series something to get behind. I really don't see Fox making much of an effort so far.

I don't blame the X-Men fans for getting frustrated. Fox/Marvel really hasn't done anything for us to rally behind them.

I still have high hopes for X3, but for some strange reason I feel that the X-Men franchise, as a whole, has been grossly mistreated by Fox and Marvel.

Out of all the comic-based film franchises, X-Men has got the hightest-quality product with the less support.

100 % Agreed

[spark627]

they know this film will do well no matter what. however they need to keep morale up and provide the fans and public with something new to keep them interested.

i hate that the lack of images equals a doomed movie, that is annoying. i think the movie will do fine. sadly, brett will be blamed for any little problem the movie might have which sucks for him

i think they are waiting to 'wow' us with something and trying to keep us guessing for as long as possible

[the a1ant]

That money could be better spent on SFX if the visuals already "sucked so bad". And like I've said before, the film has a $195 million budget anyway.

Hey Lightnin'! Do you know if that is including marketing costs, or is that just the production budget alone??? :confused:

[OutcryX]

This is my point. Having followed a few of these comic-film adaptations I can say that this particular marketing technique is unprecendented for a Marvel film.

X-Men 3 marks Marvel's first trilogy--so this is not some origin film. It's also the second most successful Marvel franchise behind Spiderman--and I'd even go so far to say it's arguably more successful than anything WB has released recently.

Yet for as high-profile as this tentpole project is, we've nothing to show for it yet. So I truly hope they know what they're doing.


Blade was actually Marvel's FIRST trilogy

[Lightning Strykez!]

Hey Lightnin'! Do you know if that is including marketing costs, or is that just the production budget alone??? :confused:

EDIT

Check your PMs Ant.

[cookiva]

Dude, Lightning, I just read your first post for the first time just now. I agree completely with the last statement. I really now think that by not showing pics, releasing trailers, etc.... they are trying to steal some of SRs hype later on in March and April

[LMason]

So $195 million is the new number? I got you beat! :-) After mentioning Brett Ratner as Serena Williams' ex, The Palm Beach Post had the following: "He's currently directing the most expensive flick ever, the $250 million X-Men 3, due out next summer. I'm told Williams, 24, and Ratner ditched their two-year relationship last fall when their careers got in the way."

[Karategirlx2001]

That's true. As VileOne said, it has the potential to backfire. Seriously.

But something tells me it must have something to it, because FOX wouldn't be investing nearly $2M on a Superbowl spot if it was utter crap. They've NEVER done that for a comic/film adaptation. Ever. :eek:


Didn't Van Helsing have a trailer that played during the Superbowl? :cool:

Not that I am negative about X3, but I have to say that all FOX's silence on the matter has begun to give me some doubts.

I'm still grasping onto the ideal that this is a marketing plan, as it very well may be. If so, I believe we will see some pics as soon as the trailer comes out with King Kong. At least, I hope so...

[Lightning Strykez!]

Blade was actually Marvel's FIRST trilogy

Well technically speaking you're right. I've never seen the Blade films...and to be quite honest like a lot of people, I don't quite "count" them...just like I don't "count" Swamp Thing... :cool:

[cookiva]

So $195 million is the new number? I got you beat! :-) After mentioning Brett Ratner as Serena Williams' ex, The Palm Beach Post had the following: "He's currently directing the most expensive flick ever, the $250 million X-Men 3, due out next summer. I'm told Williams, 24, and Ratner ditched their two-year relationship last fall when their careers got in the way."

I kinda doubt its 250mil dude.

[RedIsNotBlue]

Dude, Lightning, I just read your first post for the first time just now. I agree completely with the last statement. I really now think that by not showing pics, releasing trailers, etc.... they are trying to steal some of SRs hype later on in March and April

That's good point...if they were actually competing. :o X3 is nowhere near Superman Return's release so their really isn't a need to "steal" anything.

[Lightning Strykez!]

So $195 million is the new number? I got you beat! :-) After mentioning Brett Ratner as Serena Williams' ex, The Palm Beach Post had the following: "He's currently directing the most expensive flick ever, the $250 million X-Men 3, due out next summer. I'm told Williams, 24, and Ratner ditched their two-year relationship last fall when their careers got in the way."


*looks over at Ant*


Hmmmm....I never got a specific breakdown on that figure. So maybe the $195 number IS strictly prod budget after all, with the $55 million difference being devoted to promo? :confused:

[cookiva]

That's good point...if they were actually competing. :o X3 is nowhere near Superman Return's release so their really isn't a need to "steal" anything.

I didnt mean towards release dates. I meant that hype between fans. You know that the Superman fans have been all over the place saying that they have all of their stuff. What I meant to say is that we shouldnt put it past Brett Ratner (a comic book fan) and fox (who doesnt really like Singer that much anymore) to try to swing hype away from SR.

[TNC9852002]

I kinda doubt its 250mil dude.
Hmmm...doesn't seem that farfetched to me..

-TNC

[Electrix]

The production and marketing could come to $250 million....

[RedIsNotBlue]

I didnt mean towards release dates. I meant that hype between fans. You know that the Superman fans have been all over the place saying that they have all of their stuff. What I meant to say is that we shouldnt put it past Brett Ratner (a comic book fan) and fox (who doesnt really like Singer that much anymore) to try to swing hype away from SR.

I think fans of Superman and X-Men are going to be hyped no matter what.

[Lightning Strykez!]

That's good point...if they were actually competing. :o X3 is nowhere near Superman Return's release so their really isn't a need to "steal" anything.


I'm talking about the marketing battle leading up to release fellas. Ever heard of the term "one-upping"? :cool:

[cookiva]

I think fans of Superman and X-Men are going to be hyped no matter what.

Hahah, true.

Thanks for actually reading that. I have a tendency to ramble.

[RedIsNotBlue]

I'm talking about the marketing battle leading up to release fellas. Ever heard of the term "one-upping"? :cool:

I would get it if they had closer release dates. I really don't see the need for a marketing battle with such a gap.

[TNC9852002]

*looks over at Ant*


Hmmmm....I never got a specific breakdown on that figure. So maybe the $195 number IS strictly prod budget after all, with the $55 million difference being devoted to promo? :confused:
I started thinking that too...

-TNC

[Specter313]

Didn't Van Helsing have a trailer that played during the Superbowl? :cool:

Van Helsing was a Universal movie, not Fox.

[cookiva]

Hmmm...doesn't seem that farfetched to me..

-TNC

Ill say this. It could be 250mil if we have the "mutant war". I mean, a saving private ryan kinda opening scene war. All out action.

[Karategirlx2001]

The production and marketing could come to $250 million....

That would make sense to me...I haven't heard of any exact figures, though.

[GNR]

I totally agree LS.

[Karategirlx2001]

Van Helsing was a Universal movie, not Fox.

Was it? *sigh* I had forgotten. :o :O

[Lightning Strykez!]

The production and marketing could come to $250 million....


It's definitely feasible. If memory serves me right, X2 made over $400M worldwide, and I know it hit at least $200M domestically. So investing $200 to 250 for the final saga makes sense.

Besides, since they've had to procure an entirely new production team (since Singer took his whole camp with him) and considering the time constraints on this project, much of that budget may be spent on getting the best quality technicians, designers and lensers in place. We already know that they've hired some Oscar-calibre talent (i.e. Judianna Makovsky, and the new cinematoagrapher--his name escapes me right now).

They are also filming in several locations concurrently and that costs $$$. Then you have things like this Superbowl Trailer being planned. So they're definitely throwing some money at this one.

[X-Maniac]

I think we are all stumbling and fumbling in the dark, reaching out for something... in the absence of anything official.

Is filming still going on? Is it finished? I hope I don't sound ignorant here, but would the Canadian winter (short days, darkness, cold, wet, snow, ice) mean outside filming would now have to stop or be put on hold if it didn't require a winter setting?

[cookiva]

I think we are all stumbling and fumbling in the dark, reaching out for something... in the absence of anything official.

Is filming still going on? Is it finished? I hope I don't sound ignorant here, but would the Canadian winter (short days, darkness, cold, wet, snow, ice) mean outside filming would now have to stop or be put on hold if it didn't require a winter setting?

The interview with Vinnie Jones said that he would have to stay in Canada longer, until past xmas, to film.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I think we are all stumbling and fumbling in the dark, reaching out for something... in the absence of anything official.

Is filming still going on? Is it finished? I hope I don't sound ignorant here, but would the Canadian winter (short days, darkness, cold, wet, snow, ice) mean outside filming would now have to stop or be put on hold if it didn't require a winter setting?

I don't believe it has wrapped filming. I think we still have next week for principal. Can someone confirm this?

[cookiva]

I don't believe it has wrapped filming. I think we still have next week for principal. Can someone confirm this?

Jones said he had till past X-Mas

[newwaveboy87]

filming wraps in December

[Neto Magnus]

Is FOX Aiming To Steal Thunder With "The Back-Door Approach?"



Lol, I'm not even going to touch that one. :O

[newwaveboy87]

Lol, I'm not even going to touch that one. :O
i didn't even notice that....oh my god....haha... :eek: :) :up:

[Electrix]

...dirty....

[green]

the new cinematoagrapher--his name escapes me right now).



Phillipe Rousselot, the man is brilliant. :up:

[newwaveboy87]

Phillipe Rousselot, the man is brilliant. :up:
i'll second that notion.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Lol, I'm not even going to touch that one. :O

:confused:

Color me stupid, but...I'm missing the joke?

[newwaveboy87]

:confused:

Color me stupid, but...I'm missing the joke?
it's an anal sex joke - "Back-Door"

[Lightning Strykez!]

it's an anal sex joke - "Back-Door"

I see.

That was corny by the way. :o

[Slim_X]

I just want a god damn pic. The only thing keeping me sane right now is that we'll get a trailer in a month :D.

[tedw]

They have a month left of filming, if not over it.

[Electrix]

I heard it was the 15th December...they were finishing....they could go over...

[Neto Magnus]

speaking of Phillipe Rousselot, does anyone know if X\|/ will be shot on 35mm film or HD digital?

[narrows101]

Was it? *sigh* I had forgotten. :o :O

Yes Van Helsing was Universal, not Fox (hence all the Universal characters in the movie - Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman) and it did have a full trailer at the Super Bowl.

[narrows101]

I heard it was the 15th December...they were finishing....they could go over...

They must have different finishing dates - I know Hugh will be in Australia on December 26 for some charity function and he starts filming The Prestige the second week of January - but I guess he can go back and forth like he did in VH if he's not done.

[bosef982]

I see.

That was corny by the way. :o


You are so dirty, Lightening. I need to go find someone to spank you! Bad poster!

[MattC]

speaking of Phillipe Rousselot, does anyone know if X\|/ will be shot on 35mm film or HD digital?

Phillipe isn't doing X3...

http://www.thexverse.com/news/0145.shtml

[newwaveboy87]

damn i forgot about that

[Lightning Strykez!]

You are so dirty, Lightening. I need to go find someone to spank you! Bad poster!


:confused: What did I say that was so dirty?

[Pickle-El]

I didn't know that Prison Break was a Brett-Ratner-creation. Interesting.


Same thing Singer did with 'House', he is also an executive producer for the show....don't know if Ratner is for Prison Break.

[green]

Phillipe isn't doing X3...

http://www.thexverse.com/news/0145.shtml



Darn :mad:

[MattC]

Same thing Singer did with 'House', he is also an executive producer for the show....don't know if Ratner is for Prison Break.

He is ;)

[Pickle-El]

That's true. As VileOne said, it has the potential to backfire. Seriously.

But something tells me it must have something to it, because FOX wouldn't be investing nearly $2M on a Superbowl spot if it was utter crap. They've NEVER done that for a comic/film adaptation. Ever. :eek:

That money could be better spent on SFX if the visuals already "sucked so bad". And like I've said before, the film has a $195 million budget anyway.

Are you sure? The budget for X2 was 110$Million.....This is Fox we're talking about. I have trouble seeing them just add another 85 Million into the X3 pot. (Unless they have partners like SR and BB did)

[Lightning Strykez!]

Are you sure? The budget for X2 was 110$Million.....This is Fox we're talking about. I have trouble seeing them just add another 85 Million into the X3 pot. (Unless they have partners like SR and BB did)


Fox is not as cheap as fanboys would like to believe. They have only proven to be cautious with their origin comic films. But as shown with F4, they WILL step to the plate and shell out more $$$ if necessary. I don't see where there is cause for doubt in this case. Consider:

X-Men 1: Budget-$75 million

X2: X-Men United: Budget-$110 million

X3: Budget: $200 million-plus

As you can see the production budget has swelled as each film has been released. The X-Men franchise is HUGE. Fox knows they'll make their money back, so it's a savvy investment. Besides, this is the Return Of The King for this series--it deserves to go out with a bang.

[aaron]

hes sure, lightning knws his stuff ;)

[Lightning Strykez!]

hes sure, lightning knws his stuff ;)

Thanks Kol. But I'm only passing on what I've read and have been told, nothing more. I don't work for the studio so I can only go by what I hear.

[Pickle-El]

ps. I think FOX is the one that really needs to get the upper hand early in the marketing technique. Very simply because Superman Returns STILL has 1 full MONTH of advertising after the premeire of X3. And Superman WILL most likely blitz that final month, while all this time (now till X3 opens) let out the word about SR.....Basically, it's almost like X3 is being sandwiched, the way it comes down to it is like this

<SR trailer/X3 Trailer/(Probably more SR stills, blogs/and first X3 stills)X3 Premieres/SR Premeires>

I personally think X3 had better jump the gun in April/May. Just like FF, except this will film will have a bigger opening and gross of course.

[Pickle-El]

Fox is not as cheap as fanboys would like to believe. They have only proven to be cautious with their origin comic films
But as shown with F4, they WILL step to the plate and shell out more $$$ if necessary. I don't see where there is cause for doubt in this case. Consider:

X-Men 1: Budget-$75 million

X2: X-Men United: Budget-$110 million

X3: Budget: $200 million-plus

As you can see the production budget has swelled as each film has been released. The X-Men franchise is HUGE. Fox knows they'll make their money back, so it's a savvy investment. Besides, this is the Return Of The King for this series--it deserves to go out with a bang.


I have trouble believing that budget....I don't believe Fox has ever had a film with that type of budget. And considering the source (Rothman) I just don't see it. I would think it's close to 150 (not including marketing)

I could definately be wrong, but Fox has given me no reason to think otherwise. I'm sure the Hollywood Reporter or Variety will know soon enough.

[borinquenknight]

As long as its not another Blade Trinity.

[borinquenknight]

I have trouble believing that budget....I don't believe Fox has ever had a film with that type of budget. And considering the source (Rothman) I just don't see it. I would think it's close to 150 (not including marketing)

I could definately be wrong, but Fox has given me no reason to think otherwise. I'm sure the Hollywood Reporter or Variety will know soon enough.

Wasn't Spidey2's budget about 200mil?

[Hunter Rider]

Is the teaser still ijn December ? as well as the Superbowl spot in Feb

[ljr]

The teaser is attached to king kong and yes apparently it will be shown on the superbowl.

[RedIsNotBlue]

For the Superbowl I think they will show the new trailer.

[ljr]

Oh that's what I mean't the full trailer.

[Angamb]

The teaser is attached to king kong and yes apparently it will be shown on the superbowl.

On the Superbolwl it's the full trailer what will be shown! :up:

[ljr]

Yeah I know I must have been correcting myself while you where writing this.

[Neto Magnus]

Fox's new X3 campaign AD:

grow up

--Joseph_Freefall

[N_z0]

"Watch X3 Instead"

I think i will. :D

[nosebleed.]

One guy comes here and bashes SR and you can't be mature enough to overlook it. Instead you bash the SR movie and say, "X3 vs SR"? Really mature on your part. No one wants a flame war over what uzazil did so please take the picture down and move on.

[Hunter Rider]

OMG!!!! that Pic!:eek:

[Neto Magnus]

One guy comes here and bashes SR and you can't be mature enough to overlook it. Instead you bash the SR movie and say, "X3 vs SR"? Really mature on your part. No one wants a flame war over what uzazil did so please take the picture down and move on.

It wasn't just one guy. Alot of the Superman fans have been flaming us and X3. We're not gonna sit back and just take it.

[Joseph_Freefall]

We're not gonna sit back and just take it.

How gung ho for the X3 cause...

People come into the X3 forum to cause ****? Go to a mod. You do not act like a "hero" and start the same **** in "their" forum.

[Lightning Strykez!]

*scratches head*

What happened? :confused:

[Downhere]

I must say I'm getting a little tired of the SR fanboys (And I have nothing against Supes) coming in here and starting some flaming. It's annoying.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I must say I'm getting a little tired of the SR fanboys (And I have nothing against Supes) coming in here and starting some flaming. It's annoying.


But we haven't even had that many though and the occurences have been far and inbetween.

The worst flame wars I think this site has seen in a while was between the some Batman fans and the Fantastic Four fans--and it was mostly fueled and sustained by the former all the way up to the films' respective release dates. I haven't seen anything to that magnitude of stupidity repeated here yet.

[Downhere]

I know Lightning...I was a lurker back in the summer and I always read both forums and it was a mess. What bother's me is that it's going to get worse as both release dates get closer. It is starting now...and I get annoyed because it's going to escalate.

[Joseph_Freefall]

*scratches head*

What happened? :confused:
I edited and deleted most of it. So nothing happened now.

[the a1ant]

I edited and deleted most of it. So nothing happened now.

You sneaky, sneaky mod. ;)

[MoPlaYa43]

lol

[CapBeerCino]

I'm not sure that's the plan. In December with all of the oscar hype I think the Buzz will be stolen by "Brokeback Mountain", "Memories of a Geisha" ang "King Kong". Maybe because the production started late everything is delayed?

[Halcohol]

I'm not sure that's the plan. In December with all of the oscar hype I think the Buzz will be stolen by "Brokeback Mountain", "Memories of a Geisha" ang "King Kong". Maybe because the production started late everything is delayed?

You really think KK is going to be promoed for an Oscar? If anything, it's probably got a chance at special effects, but that's about it... from what I've seen.

[Specter313]

You really think KK is going to be promoed for an Oscar? If anything, it's probably got a chance at special effects, but that's about it... from what I've seen.

No, early Oscar buzz has King Kong as a front runner for some awards, including Best Picture.

http://usaweekend.com/05_issues/051120/051120oscars.html

[CapBeerCino]

I'm sure it will be nominated for something. Anyway it will be up there with his "eyecandy" catagorie. So the best time to promote x-3 would seem to be now, but nothing happens...

[RedIsNotBlue]

You really think KK is going to be promoed for an Oscar? If anything, it's probably got a chance at special effects, but that's about it... from what I've seen.

Well considering Lord of the Rings got like 11 Oscars I wouldn't be surprised if King Kong was considered for a couple categories.

[-Æ-]

Yeah, im sorry but I cannot give that much credit to FOX on thinking about doing there marketing startegy like this. Usually by know we would have seen silohetted Xmen movie posters of our favorite heroes with atleast 1 extra character to boot. Yet with the amass of characters that are joining up in this movie is very MK:A like im sorry I said it, once again.

There is no short of stick of speculation that will either agree or diisagree to FOX pursuit on making us probably some of the craziest fanboys/girls in this era. Yet, let me derrive on Superman Returns amass of goodies, its nice yet theres a reason why I keep coming back to the X-3 boards more than SR.

So, the hype is there, the anticipation is waining. Yet, there comes a time in every fans life that, we have just waitied to patiently enough. Now it is time time give us what we need. We need are X-3 fix. We want it at all means!


On that not, we cue to theme music.


(insert song here)

[RedIsNotBlue]

See this is the thing. People probably think that all I care about is me when I am upset about not seeing anything released. Not true at all. I also care about the general public. Because right now not a whole lot of them know about X3. The more that know that X3 is coming the more that are going to go see it...it is that simple. Hopefully this "what is seen last is remembered the most" technique will work but right now I just don't like it. FOX should be spreading the word everywhere that a new X-Men film is coming by releasing things.

[narrows101]

Bryan Singer held at chat at the first in a series at Princeton called the Christopher Reeve Lecture Series. AICN reported on it here:

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=21873

Of course it's about Superman, but some X-Men stuff in here - the first thing shows that not a lot of people know the movie is coming out!!

- They started off by touching on how Bryan got started in movies, eventually leading to The Usual Suspects, Apt Pupil, the X-Films and finally Supes. Somewhere in there Mayor Reed asked Bryan if we could expect an X-Men 3. Bryan assured him there would be an X-Men 3 (to a small chuckle from the geeks in the crowd), but that he will not be involved. The mayor innocently told Bryan that he would have to get out sometime before there was an X-Men 8, 9, 10.

- Bryan had pitched his idea to the Donners in a hotel several years ago when he was working on the X-Men films if he ever were to make a Superman movie. Richard Donner loved the idea and the idea of Bryan doing a Superman movie, which really gave Bryan the confidence to pitch it to Warner Bros. years later when the opportunity presented itself.

- The crew of X-Men 1 religiously watched Superman: The Movie during the production of the movie to decide how to base their superheroes in a reality based movie.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I suspect that FOX is holding off to gauge reaction to the teaser trailer from their biggest competitor (Warner Bros.' SR). Now that they can see that the film appears to be taking a more passive route, they can effectively counter-program with the trailer for X3.

[Downhere]

I suspect that FOX is holding off to gauge reaction to the teaser trailer from their biggest competitor (Warner Bros.' SR). Now that they can see that the film appears to be taking a more passive route, they can effectively counter-program with the trailer for X3.

Interesting thought. But hasn't Fox been working on the trailer before the SR trailer came out?

[OobeDoobBenubi]

Just because the FIRST thing for a movie like Superman Returns turned out bad does NOT mean everything else will. It is NOT about who releases anything first but how it is done & the way FOX is doing things now is not good intentional or not. They better HOPE anything they release is none less then perfect & will make fans happy or things wont look good for this Movie & just because they are taking their time & waiting does NOT mean things are guaranteed to come out Perfect.

For FOX's sake I REALLY hope they know what they are doing just because they are waiting there is NO guarantee everything will be "Perfect"

[Downhere]

Just because the FIRST thing for a movie like Superman Returns turned out bad does NOT mean everything else will. It is NOT about who releases anything first but how it is done & the way FOX is doing things now is not good intentional or not. They better HOPE anything they release is none less then perfect & will make fans happy or things wont look good for this Movie & just because they are taking their time & waiting does NOT mean things are guaranteed to come out Perfect.

For FOX's sake I REALLY hope they know what they are doing just because they are waiting there is NO guarantee everything will be "Perfect"

I think Fox knows what they are doing. We can all speculate on if they are doing things wrong or not but they see the bigger picture. They are being secretive at the moment due to the early bad buzz the film had going. Just have a little patience.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Interesting thought. But hasn't Fox been working on the trailer before the SR trailer came out?


They scrapped the F4 teaser trailer. I'm not sure where they are at in terms of their current project. I do know from the sources I spoke with that Brett Ratner is savvy when it comes to the internet, so he's aware that it can be a powerful publicity tool. I also know that the studio has been given early access to green screened footage, so there should be a substantial amount of finished SFX even at this point.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I think Fox knows what they are doing. We can all speculate on if they are doing things wrong or not but they see the bigger picture. They are being secretive at the moment due to the early bad buzz the film had going. Just have a little patience.

I agree. Even if everything kicks off in December, that's still six months of non-stop promotion...and these three months of drought will be a distant memory, trust me.

[Downhere]

They scrapped the F4 teaser trailer. I'm not sure where they are at in terms of their current project. I do know from the sources I spoke with that Brett Ratner is savvy when it comes to the internet, so he's aware that it can be a powerful publicity tool. I also know that the studio has been given early access to green screened footage, so there should be a substantial amount of finished SFX even at this point.

Sounds good. Hmm, Ratner internet savvy? Good grief, I hope he doesn't let the negativity affect him. If he's internet savvy I'm sure he's stopped by the SHH boards.

[OobeDoobBenubi]

I just hope FOX doesnt go ahead & start using rock music all of a Sudden in the X3 teaser. Id want to kill myself if I hear "Let The Bodies Hit The Floor"

:p

[Downhere]

I just hope FOX doesnt go ahead & start using rock music all of a Sudden in the X3 teaser. Id want to kill myself if I hear "Let The Bodies Hit The Floor"

:p

That would be scary. lol.

[Lightning Strykez!]

I just hope FOX doesnt go ahead & start using rock music all of a Sudden in the X3 teaser. Id want to kill myself if I hear "Let The Bodies Hit The Floor"

:p

What if they did? Singer used Rock music in his too.

[Downhere]

What if they did? Singer used Rock music in his too.

Wasn't it more like techno music?

[OobeDoobBenubi]

What if they did? Singer used Rock music in his too.

He did ? Then I guess it wasnt anything annoying lol

Oh yeah he used

"Chinese Burn" - Curve - Lunatic Calm Remix

Thats Techno not Rock

[Lightning Strykez!]

Wasn't it more like techno music?

Techno, shmechno. :o

[OobeDoobBenubi]

It was in the VERY FIRST X Men Teaser

right after Storm says "Hold On To Something"

Yeah thats Techno & NoT rock

[OobeDoobBenubi]

Techno, shmechno. :o

rocko smocko

[Downhere]

LOL. Techno usually has an interesting sound so it doesn't bother me that much in a trailer.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Have any comic film trailers featured rock music per se? What about Daredevil?

[Downhere]

I can't say I remember any with Rock Music. Daredevil might have had a trailer with rock music but I'm not sure.

[OobeDoobBenubi]

Have any comic film trailers featured rock music per se? What about Daredevil?

That had AWESOME Rock Music "Bring Me To Life" Rock Music is an exception if its something GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD

Not crap

But big Action Movie like X-Men Im expecting them to use Music along the lines from Immediate Music to name one

[Downhere]

I'd say they will use something similar to what Singer put in the X2 teaser.

[OobeDoobBenubi]

Nah they need to use Tracks among the lines of

With Great Power - Immediate Music (War Of The Worlds Trailer)

Fury - Non Stop Music (Dungeons & Dragons Trailer)

Lacrimosa - Immediate Music (Spider-Man 2 Trailer)

Gothic Power - X Ray Dog (Terminator 3, War Of The Worlds, Fellowship Of The Ring Trailers)

Something along those lines

[Electrix]

Those tracks fitted well for the film...

[Lightning Strykez!]

Nah they need to use Tracks among the lines of

With Great Power - Immediate Music (War Of The Worlds Trailer)

Fury - Non Stop Music (Dungeons & Dragons Trailer)

Lacrimosa - Immediate Music (Spider-Man 2 Trailer)

Gothic Power - X Ray Dog (Terminator 3, War Of The Worlds, Fellowship Of The Ring Trailers)

Something along those lines


No. Just....no. :p

[OobeDoobBenubi]

No. Just....no. :p

Well then lets see your list. If you can't come up with one then HUSH

[RedIsNotBlue]

No. Just....no. :p

Just put him on ignore like I did it did wonders. :up:

[Milkman95]

No rock music - it cheapens the product IMO............but then again, what do I know.......

[RedIsNotBlue]

No rock music - it cheapens the product IMO............but then again, what do I know.......

Oh come on. You know the SR teaser would have been ten times better with Foo Fighters - My Hero. :O

[OobeDoobBenubi]

Just put him on ignore like I did it did wonders. :up:

If that's sarcasm then that's the worst try at sarcasm yet

[Star]

im not sure he was being sarcastic?

[Genosha]

Man, this forum has been dead for awhile.

Its nice to see that Fox really knows how to rally their X-Men fanbase!:rolleyes:

[TNC9852002]

This forum hasn't been dead since January.. :p

-TNC

[Downhere]

This forum hasn't been dead since January.. :p

-TNC

True that, we just have a couple of slow spots is all.

[Cyclops]

This forum hasn't been dead since January.. :p

-TNC

No, it's just been utterly pointless.

It's all "Clever Catchphrase: The Official Character Discussion Thread", or "What do YOU think something something something?"

[Lightning Strykez!]

No, it's just been utterly pointless.

It's all "Clever Catchphrase: The Official Character Discussion Thread", or "What do YOU think something something something?"

Not all of the catchphrases have been clever though. :p

[Cyclops]

Okay, how about, "Would-Be Clever Catchphrase"?

[Lightning Strykez!]

Okay, how about, "Would-Be Clever Catchphrase"?

LMAO...

It's my fault actually. I started that whole concept with the threads I launched back in 2004 on the Fantastic Four forum. I brought the same style with my threads here. I honestly didn't expect others to copy it and make it some sort of standard. Now everything has a catchphrase and an original thing has suddenly become nauseating.

"Toasted Sugar & Vanilla:" The Official Rogue Discussion Thread

:rolleyes:

[th3shadowcat]

Oh come on. You know the SR teaser would have been ten times better with Foo Fighters - My Hero. :O
RIIIIIIIIIGHT.

Sorry Rock band lovers, but I gotta say anything from linkin Park, Foo Fighters, urh.. and other rock bands will just not match any "big hit" movies anymore. It's just something that they dont do, and if they did, it just seems.. how do i put it.. cheap?

Some "fun" movies may feature a few rock songs, but for X-Men, Superman Returns, and any other comic book movie release will not go with any "band" rock music. What I mean about this, is that it will not feature any song in particular from a popular rock band. This doesnt mean they wont put rock music in it, but like stated, not from any popular music.

You dont see them putting things like Jessica Simpson or Delta inplacements for slow songs, no. You see them make their own and fit it to the film. Thats what I expect if they ever do, which hopefully not, put rock music in it.

Flame me all you want, it's just an opinion, and I'm sticking too it.

[Halcohol]

^^^I truly agree. Motion pictures, at least the good ones that are trying to tell you something, should include unique pieces of music, specifically crafted by a composer for each film.

The mainstream rock music is best left to American Pie and the new National Lampoon movies.

Though it occurs to me that Underworld had a pretty awesome soundtrack... but none of that was really mainstream.

[th3shadowcat]

Just before someone states it, yes, I do know Daredevil had a few rock music. This is becuase this film is one upon many suited for Rock music. However, from the previous two X-Men films, I doubt X-Men 3 will have a time that a song like, Black Betty, Bring me to Life, Linkin Park music or anything else (im not a big rock fan, so Im not too sure what else there is :p) would fit into that situation.

Opinion.

[RedIsNotBlue]

RIIIIIIIIIGHT.

Sorry Rock band lovers, but I gotta say anything from linkin Park, Foo Fighters, urh.. and other rock bands will just not match any "big hit" movies anymore. It's just something that they dont do, and if they did, it just seems.. how do i put it.. cheap?

Some "fun" movies may feature a few rock songs, but for X-Men, Superman Returns, and any other comic book movie release will not go with any "band" rock music. What I mean about this, is that it will not feature any song in particular from a popular rock band. This doesnt mean they wont put rock music in it, but like stated, not from any popular music.

You dont see them putting things like Jessica Simpson or Delta inplacements for slow songs, no. You see them make their own and fit it to the film. Thats what I expect if they ever do, which hopefully not, put rock music in it.

Flame me all you want, it's just an opinion, and I'm sticking too it.

You know I was being sarcastic, right?

[Lightning Strykez!]

I seriously doubt that FOX will employ any secular music for the trailers this time. By all descriptions I'd expect them to go for orchestral scores to denote a bigger, more epic-level picture.

[N_z0]

I seriously doubt that FOX will employ any secular music for the trailers this time. By all descriptions I'd expect them to go for orchestral scores to denote a bigger, more epic-level picture.

What descriptions? :confused: :p

Unless your connections have informed you of details that none of us here know about.

[Lightning Strykez!]

What descriptions? :confused: :p

Unless your connections have informed you of details that none of us here know about.


No, actually I was referring to the descriptions of scenes that have been filmed and of course the details from the AICN script leak that have proven true--it just sounds like it's going to be a serious and darker film.

[Mr Sensitive]

Linkin Park and Foo Fighters rock bands?

Nah... that's teen pop and sub grunge. No rock at all.

Anyway: movies with this sort of thing become dated in no time. You start listening and go: " Awww.. crap! teen pop from the beginning of the decade!"

That Spiderman 1's disgrace at the end of the movie, for instance.

So much for the suspension of disbelief.

[Lightning Strykez!]

The last 5 days have taken just about all of us by total surprise.

So considering that we were blitzed on all media levels simitaneously (in print with USA Today, on-line marketing with the trailers, pix and expanded site, and on television with Access Granted and Extra) do you guys think Fox's strategy worked?

[Downhere]

The last 5 days have taken just about all of us by total surprise.

So considering that we were blitzed on all media levels simitaneously (in print with USA Today, on-line marketing with the trailers, pix and expanded site, and on television with Access Granted and Extra) do you guys think Fox's strategy worked?

I think so...especially when the trailer will be on most prints of Kong.

[zanos]

Marketing Strategy:
"What Happens Last Is Remembered First?"
Is FOX Aiming To Steal Thunder With "The Back-Door Approach?"
***


By Lightning


This Friday marks the debut of the first trailer for Bryan Singer's Superman Returns. Ironically enough, this clip is debuting a month earlier than X3's trailer (due next month), while the film comes out a month after X3's May 26th screening date. It appears that Warner Bros. is going for the "early bird" approach, in an effort to drum up as much buzz as possible for their feature. Their website is fully active, and the media has been inundated with stills from the production.

In stark contrast, the other major comic book film of 2006--X-Men 3--has had no pictures released to represent it, nor has a full-fledged website been launched. Admittedly there has been very little visibility for this tentpole production--even the plot is shrouded in secrecy. It would seem that FOX is woefully behind its competitors, considering that their project hits theatres first.

For many people, this signals an unmitigated disaster, and understandably so. Unlike Superman Returns or Ghost Rider, X-Men 3 has a powerful momentum going right now, and a gigantic mainstream audience. It has remained at the apex of 2006's most anticipated films for months now, all without any promotion. So it would seem that FOX would be smarter to capitalize on that anticipation. Instead, their silenced delay on releasing any offical pictures or details communicates to some that the studio is trying to hide a Catwomanesque-mess until the very last minute.

However, instead of writing X3 off as a failure waiting to happen--I'd like to interject another plausible reason for FOX's delaying: Could it be that they are adopting the old adage "What happens last is remembered first" for their marketing technique?

Think about it: When the trailer for Superman Returns is released there will be certain pandamonium--be it good or bad. However, when FOX strikes with their trailer next month, what will happen to that buzz? It will be diverted--and, at least temporarily, FOX will have effectively stolen its competitors' thunder. If X3's first trailer and official stills are mindblowing, the hype will reach all-time highs with an already-hungry fanbase.

Do you think this could feasibly be FOX's plan?


LOL. This is wishful thinking at best. The reason why they haven't released anything till now is because they're rushing the film as it is.

[Downhere]

LOL. This is wishful thinking at best. The reason why they haven't released anything till now is because they're rushing the film as it is.

At least the actual footage doesn't appear to be rushed. Everything is looking good.

[MattC]

Super what?

[Pickle-El]

The last 5 days have taken just about all of us by total surprise.

So considering that we were blitzed on all media levels simitaneously (in print with USA Today, on-line marketing with the trailers, pix and expanded site, and on television with Access Granted and Extra) do you guys think Fox's strategy worked?


I think it worked on a certain level, allow me to explain.

This 'blitz' capatilized on ALL the pent up (whether good or bad) energy people have had towards its production. It came all at once. People are posting like crazy here right now. That's the product of not giving any info out the previous 6 months. Also, even if people disagreed with how the pics looked Sunday night, Monday morning there was a teaser w/lots of action awaiting in case there was an uproar to shut them up. (Great move for a worst case scenario)

The thing I don't agree with is this:

I think they gave away quite a bit of the surprises. We got to see the things that would be incredibly cool to see for the first time on-screen during the filming. (Such as the funeral or Angel,, Juggernaut, Beast) Not only that, but this quick 'blitz' was a one time thing. It was an explosion over 2 days. The next trailer can only improve so much on the action....(Like I said earlier, they should of held back at least Angel and Jean being alive)

It raised the action bar on the SR front, that's for sure. However, the SR teaser was a 'teaser' to the dot. Now, they have an idea at what X3 looks like, and how to react. And I'll bet the next SR teaser is packed full of action to counter the X3 trailer. While I think the next X3 trailer will have more characterization and looks at the psyche of it's storyline.

So, they both did their jobs perfectly. Just in completely different forms.

[Lightning Strykez!]

LOL. This is wishful thinking at best. The reason why they haven't released anything till now is because they're rushing the film as it is.

How do you come to that conclusion?

They had enough footage for a teaser for nearly 2 months now.

The character photo stills have been finished for about 2 months as well.

The film is no more "rushed" than the prior films, and the last one was done on an even shorter time schedule and yet we recieved pix and footage much earlier in the process.

When you consider that the filming crews work independently of the studio's marketing group it's pretty obvious that FOX sat on all of this for a reason.

They were biding their time.

[RedIsNotBlue]

The last 5 days have taken just about all of us by total surprise.

So considering that we were blitzed on all media levels simitaneously (in print with USA Today, on-line marketing with the trailers, pix and expanded site, and on television with Access Granted and Extra) do you guys think Fox's strategy worked?

Well if you are comparing it to Superman Returns marketing X-Men 3 blew it out of the water. So far everything I have seen for X-Men 3 has pumped me up alot. And while I am still looking forward to SR and wish the best for it I have yet to recieve this feeling from SR.

Fox took a big chance by building up X3 and they haven't disappointed me at all.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Well if you are comparing it to Superman Returns marketing X-Men 3 blew it out of the water. So far everything I have seen for X-Men 3 has pumped me up alot. And while I am still looking forward to SR and wish the best for it I have yet to recieve this feeling from SR.

Fox took a big chance by building up X3 and they haven't disappointed me at all.


Well, it's all about counter-programming. But now Warner Bros. has the opportunity to do the exact same thing. If there are any jaw-dropping action sequences/effects in SR, now would be the time to show them. I'm thinking their next trailer will be a bit more riveting. Then again, since Bryan is more into character development and storytelling, it might not.

[bosef982]

I wouldn't count the chicken's people. This is why I feel the teaser could backfire against Fox. This trailer has inflated people's expectations and hype for this film to an absurd degree. It was good, yes. However, people need to contain their excitement. If they create this much hype, the film may be its own worst enemy (i.e. Matrix, Star Wars Prequels).

Singer is a very low-key director. I wouldn't expect big, actiony trailers from him anytime soon. I mean, he's probably just sighing in relief that Fox/Ratner didn't toally **** things up -- yet...

However, I don't know how many of you took a peek at the promotion schedule for Superman Returns...It's going to be crazy. And I doubt Fox nor Marvel has time to organize what they have. I mean, you're looking at --

Barbara Walters interview
Times Cover
Newsweek Cover
Olympics tie-in as well as Routh being a torch runner
60 Minutes Making Of Special
US Today Cover Article
People Magazine Cover Article


At this is only about a third of it. I mean, I'm not hating on X3 at all, however they do not have the name power that Superman has. Singer may not have to hype his movie on action trailers alone, by the looks of all those features, EVERYONE in EVERY DEMOGRAPHIC, will know that Superman is back. And in terms of countering the X3 hype, look what's going on while X3's coming out:

-May 2006:
*TIME MAGAZINE front cover
*Advertisements for CHRYSLER,LAYS POTATO CHIPS,_______, VERIZON WIRELESS, NESTLE, GATORADE, and PANATRONICS ELECTRONICS begin to air on television.
*Picture advertisments with GATORADE, LAYS,______,and NESTLE are attatched to products
*Music videos and singles from KELLY CLARKSON and THE FOO FIGHTERS in endorsment for the movie are relased.
*60 MINUTES "making-of" special
*Kate Bosworth REVELON HAIR PRODUCTS ADVERTISEMENTS air
*MTV MOVIE AWARDS 2006 spoof
*12 televised trailers begin airing on prime time channels
*Brandon Routh interview with BARBRA WALTERS
*Merchandise release
*Theatrical Poster relased
*World wide billboard campaign with posters
*Theatrical trailer #2 airs with POSIEDON

No comic book movie in history has gotten the media exposure that Superman Returns is going to get. There's no arguing that. During May, there's going to be a media war going on -- yes -- between SR and X3. However, SR will have more outlets, X3 will have their actually movie released. Yet, as Lightining said, what's remembered first was last -- and SR is released last. So...

I think X-Fans could be a bit bigger and not piss on their comic book cousins, and realize that they too have a great movie in their fields as well. I hate it when people try to make something better by making its comparison worse off. It's irrational first of all, and it's unfair.

I will say this

[Lightning Strykez!]

I wouldn't count the chicken's people. This is why I feel the teaser could backfire against Fox. This trailer has inflated people's expectations and hype for this film to an absurd degree. It was good, yes. However, people need to contain their excitement. If they create this much hype, the film may be its own worst enemy (i.e. Matrix, Star Wars Prequels).


There are 982 people viewing this board right now, so yes the hype is strong. However, while the possibility of the plan backfiring is there, what if the film actually delivers? This too is a distinct (and likely) possibility.


Singer is a very low-key director. I wouldn't expect big, actiony trailers from him anytime soon. I mean, he's probably just sighing in relief that Fox/Ratner didn't toally **** things up -- yet...

However, I don't know how many of you took a peek at the promotion schedule for Superman Returns...It's going to be crazy. And I doubt Fox nor Marvel has time to organize what they have. I mean, you're looking at --

Barbara Walters interview
Times Cover
Newsweek Cover
Olympics tie-in as well as Routh being a torch runner
60 Minutes Making Of Special
US Today Cover Article
People Magazine Cover Article


At this is only about a third of it. I mean, I'm not hating on X3 at all, however they do not have the name power that Superman has. Singer may not have to hype his movie on action trailers alone, by the looks of all those features, EVERYONE in EVERY DEMOGRAPHIC, will know that Superman is back. And in terms of countering the X3 hype, look what's going on while X3's coming out:

In my opinion, FOX is more than competent when it comes to marketing (remember just how thoroughly they blanketed the world with Fantastic 4 this past summer--it was literally EVERYWHERE).

The promo schedule for WB looks sweet, and it's great to see them push Brandon Routh. However, let us not forget that FOX has just as many connections and outlets and they have an entire TV NETWORK to manipulate. Plus, while WB pushes an unknown actor like Routh, do you honestly think FOX is not going to promote their major critically acclaimed stars like Ian, Patrick, Halle, and Hugh?

This is a $225 million dollar project--they aren't going to let it go out silently. So don't count out FOX when it comes to marketing--they are just as effective...and in my opinion have serious aces to work with.



No comic book movie in history has gotten the media exposure that Superman Returns is going to get. There's no arguing that. During May, there's going to be a media war going on -- yes -- between SR and X3. However, SR will have more outlets, X3 will have their actually movie released. Yet, as Lightining said, what's remembered first was last -- and SR is released last. So...

The process still works, because for better or worse, X3 will be the standard that everything else will be measured against. It's amazing how critics compared F4 to Batman Begins and Sin City constantly--even though the films were nothing alike. There is obvious benefit to X3 striking first...unless the final product sucks. :p



I think X-Fans could be a bit bigger and not piss on their comic book cousins, and realize that they too have a great movie in their fields as well. I hate it when people try to make something better by making its comparison worse off. It's irrational first of all, and it's unfair.

I will say this

Actually, this is not meant to be a pissing thread. It's a discussion on marketing and counterprogramming.

[Milkman95]

Fox knows how to market their films, that's for sure. Like Cal said, FF was all over the place and I believe it's the main reason that film succeeded despite it's critical failure. Also Bosef, BB struck first and ended up grossing more than FF, so the whole "striking last" thing is never a sure thing........

[Lightning Strykez!]

^^^ Exactly...but that was because Begins was the better film.

And at the end of the day, that golden rule will still apply: If both films are good quality and strike a chord with the fans both will do well. But it's important that both of those areas are hit because a high quality film can still flop (i.e. Hulk) just as a low quality one can Elektra. It has to resonate with the fanbase...that's almost the most important thing.

And speaking of fanbase: There's 1,117 people viewing this board! Cripes!!! :eek::up:

[Pickle-El]

There are 982 people viewing this board right now, so yes the hype is strong. However, while the possibility of the plan backfiring is there, what if the film actually delivers? This too is a distinct (and likely) possibility.

Very possible. However, if FOX hadn't delivered something truly inspiring with that teaser after the waiting the X-Audience did.....I shutter to think what this place would be like. That was one BIG gamble by FOX.



In my opinion, FOX is more than competent when it comes to marketing (remember just how thoroughly they blanketed the world with Fantastic 4 this past summer--it was literally EVERYWHERE).

That's the kind of promo X-Men 3 needs. Nothing more, nothing less. FF-type of marketing IS a step up from X2.



The promo schedule for WB looks sweet, and it's great to see them push Brandon Routh. However, let us not forget that FOX has just as many connections and outlets and they have an entire TV NETWORK to manipulate. Plus, while WB pushes an unknown actor like Routh, do you honestly think FOX is not going to promote their major critically acclaimed stars like Ian, Patrick, Halle, and Hugh?

The biggest difference is that one has the aura of being the 'new' one. There will rationally be a more curious eye put on that particular production. (Though if FOX is smart, they'd put Jackman on every show possible)



This is a $225 million dollar project--they aren't going to let it go out silently. So don't count out FOX when it comes to marketing--they are just as effective...and in my opinion have serious aces to work with.

We've seen the kind of marketing FOX is capable with (FF). I personally think that rivaled the Spider-Man movies in that dept. The movie itself is what didn't quite push the BO to the next level.




The process still works, because for better or worse, X3 will be the standard that everything else will be measured against. It's amazing how critics compared F4 to Batman Begins and Sin City constantly--even though the films were nothing alike. There is obvious benefit to X3 striking first...unless the final product sucks. :p

Personally, SR has it's own battle. Chris Reeve and Superman:The Movie. Remember, that is still THE most beloved actor and movie of this genre. (30 years later) The focus will be on that, hopefully people don't get too cynical. Fans are the ones that will turn this into a X3 vs SR thing.




Actually, this is not meant to be a pissing thread. It's a discussion on marketing and counterprogramming.

Word. I'm outta here, gotta go to work.

[zanos]

How do you come to that conclusion?

They had enough footage for a teaser for nearly 2 months now.

The character photo stills have been finished for about 2 months as well.

The film is no more "rushed" than the prior films, and the last one was done on an even shorter time schedule and yet we recieved pix and footage much earlier in the process.

When you consider that the filming crews work independently of the studio's marketing group it's pretty obvious that FOX sat on all of this for a reason.

They were biding their time.


Yeah sure.... whatever you say.

[Lightning Strykez!]

Yeah sure.... whatever you say.

Okay.

What do you say?

[RedIsNotBlue]

Well the Superman Returns marketing schedule thread was removed. Was it a fake?

[Lightning Strykez!]

Well the Superman Returns marketing schedule thread was removed. Was it a fake?


Who knows? I wasn't exactly sold on some of the stuff I read but I doubt it was fake. Interestingly enough, SHH took it down from the front page as well.

[RedIsNotBlue]

I am hoping the Clarkson and Foo Fighters bit was fake at least. :o

[Lightning Strykez!]

Heh...me too. :p

[bosef982]

Well, I'd say X3 is behind...by a lot.


http://www.kal-el.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/filmreview1wn.jpg


http://www.kal-el.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/superman2.jpg

http://www.kal-el.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_WZ172-SUPERMAN.jpg

http://www.kal-el.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_500x650.jpg

All in one week these are released. Yeah...

[Visionary]

And SUPERBOY on every cover, no wonder X-Men 3's teaser trailer was deemed the best over Supes' by fans/members of SHH!...and basically everywhere.:cool:

[bosef982]

And SUPERBOY on every cover, no wonder X-Men 3's teaser trailer was deemed the best over Supes' by fans/members of SHH!...and basically everywhere.:cool:


Superman has a new teaser coming out in a few weeks.

[WorthyStevens]

I really wouldn't worry about the marketing just yet.

Sure Superman is getting all this publicity now. Aside from Superman fanboys, the movie needs to capture as much interest as possible from moviegoers, since it's been over 20 years since the last Superman came out.

The X-movies aren't too old, so they're still fresh in audiences' minds. As long as X3 gets good enough promotion, it'll be a big hit.