The Hunger Games - Part 1

[zanos]

Zanos I think that the marketing has been pretty good. It could actually be one of the few best sellers series that actually lives up to the box office hype. Only Potter and Twilight previously have.

It could beat the first Twilight for all I know but the rest of them? That's a pretty tall order. Twilight didn't need males to make 296mil for the second film, 302mil for the third film and 280mil for the fourth film. The lack of males has not hurt that series one bit.

As for Hunger Games I'm predicting something like 140mil now but I'll raise it or lower it depending on what I feel when it gets even closer.

It may make that much, but it won't be based on marketing. Let's pretend for a moment you were were attempting to get your friend to read the Hunger Games. Would you begin and end your pitch with Katniss volunteering for the games and then getting a makeover?

My problem with Battle Royale was that they just killed of random characters without fletching the characters out . You saying Hunger Games will kill off faceless characters but pretty much every character in Battle Royale was faceless

The author gave each character their own personalities so you got to know and care about them in the time they had. The context of the story doesn't allow for the complete fleshing out of all 21 characters, lol. Conversely, the Hunger Games did a much poorer job in this respect, because the story is so centralized on one singular character that you're only getting the story thru their eyes.

Yeah, the plots of Hunger Games and Battle Royale are similar, but I don't know that Collins copied the earlier concept. I don't find either story to be terribly original; they're just the Roman gladitorial games starring teens.

That may be, but I don't recall any other books centering around the same subject previous to Battle Royale. Someone enlighten me if I'm wrong.

Yeah. I also feel the fact that what Hunger Games later develops into in it's sequels is enough to shut out in comparison's that Collins totally ripped off Battle Royale.

I'm not certain it really develops into anything. The story kinds of falls apart after the first book, although I did like Mockingjay.

 

[craigdbfan]

What I don't understand is why they haven't show any of the actual games...

 

[DoomsdayApex]

What I don't understand is why they haven't show any of the actual games...

My guess is the material during the games is weak or there's only five minutes worth of the games on-screen.

 

[Sawyer]

If they're trying to keep it a surprise, I respect them greatly for that. Especially since I have this feeling of dread that I've already seen everything that will happen in TDKR through ****ing set pics.

 

[Jennifer Walters]

Most of the book is in the games so it'd be impossibly to adapt it without a majority of the movie being the games. It seems like they just want to keep the Games secrets.

And the story doesn't develop in the sequels? Did you read the same books? It goes from a simple basic Roman gladiator story with children to a full fledged rebellion against the Capitol. It definitely goes somewhere.

 

[kickass]

Rated PG-13 for Intense Violent Thematic Material and Disturbing Images.

 

[zanos]

My guess is the material during the games is weak or there's only five minutes worth of the games on-screen.

Either one of those conclusions will likely be drawn by anyone watching these trailers.

If they're trying to keep it a surprise, I respect them greatly for that. Especially since I have this feeling of dread that I've already seen everything that will happen in TDKR through ****ing set pics.

No, that's not the reason. You can show any number of footage without giving away much of anything. They are choosing to not show any bit of the games for their own reasons.

 

[Infinity9999x]

No, that's not the reason. You can show any number of footage without giving away much of anything. They are choosing to not show any bit of the games for their own reasons.

I don't think we know the actual reasons unless we asked the marketing team.

Personally I'm okay with the less is more approach. The trailer to ALIEN is still one of my favorite trailers ever. It gave you a general idea of what the movie was about, left you curious for more, and also showed literally almost no footage. I would love it if we had more trailers like that.

 

[rashad]

Especially since I have this feeling of dread that I've already seen everything that will happen in TDKR through ****ing set pics.

No you haven't.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

You'd robably know everything that happens in TDKR throught the discussion thread haha.

Anyway, I like that they don't show the combat. The draw of this movie is so supposed to be more about the emotion than the action.

 

[dark_b]

If they're trying to keep it a surprise, I respect them greatly for that. Especially since I have this feeling of dread that I've already seen everything that will happen in TDKR through ****ing set pics.

but every movie in the last 5 years is proof that this just can not be true. the studios risk to much if they dont show the best parts of the movies. i like it when trailers dont show the best shots. but i am talking now about the studio.
i really think that the games are a small part of the movie. or its a big part of the movie and they changed a lot from the book.

i am sorry but here i will have to use ''common sense''. this movie is 4 weeks away and they dont show the action in tv spots. something is not right.

t:

 

[kickass]

You guys are worried for nothing. There are thousands of special effects shots that are being polished for the film as we speak. It's been rated PG-13 for "Intense violent thematical material and disturbing images involving teens". You guys are just impatient and want to see what happens, really.

We know the Tracker Jackers are in this because they've been mentioned a few times by Josh Hutcherson and Gary Ross. But think about it; we have yet to see what they look like. We haven't even seen any of the CONCEPT ART for them or even the Mutts! All the interviews, articles, stills, and making of books - we haven't seen a single glimpse of what these things look like on screen. Trust me, it's intentional.

Lionsgate doesn't feel the need to exploit the actual "violence" of the movie because the book already has a devoted fan base built in. One of the top people at Lionsgate has even said this in an interview. They're selling this film more on its drama and emotional depth rather than the action.

We have yet to see any of the sub-plot involving Peeta's affection for Katniss, either. But it's in the movie. Lionsgate could have made this look like the next Twilight in order to sway more girly girls into wanted the next big romance. Instead, they've focused on the drama and uncertainty of this terrified girl -which is the very heart of what the first book is about.

Speaking of Twilight, Variety reports the advanced ticket sells could put this past the first Twilight film and Fandago reports that 85% of their midnight shows have already sold out in the 2 days they've been on sale.

The quality of the film is the only thing left to worry about at this point - not its marketing or lack of interest.

 

[dark_b]

1. they are not working on the effects. the movie comes out in 3 weeks. its finished
2. i am not worried. i am trying to have a debate why they dont show the games
3.

 

[zanos]

but every movie in the last 5 years is proof that this just can not be true. the studios risk to much if they dont show the best parts of the movies. i like it when trailers dont show the best shots. but i am talking now about the studio.
i really think that the games are a small part of the movie. or its a big part of the movie and they changed a lot from the book.

i am sorry but here i will have to use ''common sense''. this movie is 4 weeks away and they dont show the action in tv spots. something is not right.

t:

Maybe they're still shooting those scenes

You guys are worried for nothing. There are thousands of special effects shots that are being polished for the film as we speak. It's been rated PG-13 for "Intense violent thematical material and disturbing images involving teens". You guys are just impatient and want to see what happens, really.

We know the Tracker Jackers are in this because they've been mentioned a few times by Josh Hutcherson and Gary Ross. But think about it; we have yet to see what they look like. We haven't even seen any of the CONCEPT ART for them or even the Mutts! All the interviews, articles, stills, and making of books - we haven't seen a single glimpse of what these things look like on screen. Trust me, it's intentional.

Lionsgate doesn't feel the need to exploit the actual "violence" of the movie because the book already has a devoted fan base built in. One of the top people at Lionsgate has even said this in an interview. They're selling this film more on its drama and emotional depth rather than the action.

We have yet to see any of the sub-plot involving Peeta's affection for Katniss, either. But it's in the movie. Lionsgate could have made this look like the next Twilight in order to sway more girly girls into wanted the next big romance. Instead, they've focused on the drama and uncertainty of this terrified girl -which is the very heart of what the first book is about.

Speaking of Twilight, Variety reports the advanced ticket sells could put this past the first Twilight film and Fandago reports that 85% of their midnight shows have already sold out in the 2 days they've been on sale.

The quality of the film is the only thing left to worry about at this point - not its marketing or lack of interest.

I see. So they don't feel the need to show either the games, or romance, and to what end, might I ask?
What you're describing has essentially rendered the trailers completely ineffective. One of the first scenes in the trailer is Primrose being selected for the Hunger Games before we even know what they are, thereby eliciting absolutely no drama whatsoever. Why not cut out the scene of her running into the forest with Gale and show a scene of her family watching a previous Hunger Games tournament? Ok, fine, you say, we'll see what they are by the end of the trailer and everything will make sense. This doesn't happen, instead we only told what will happen via some generalized dialogue here and there, thus creating a still blurry and ineffectual image in people's minds regarding the games and the rest of the story. It is at this point the whole trailer falls part completely. Trailers are almost like tiny films that tell a story: there's a beginning, middle, and end. Their job is to leave a lasting impression with the viewer while also letting them know what the film is about as best they can. The selection and preparation for the games is easily the dullest part of the Hunger Games book, and the studio has somehow determined that this is what they will leave the best impression with the audience?

 

[I SEE SPIDEY]

I think that the trailer is okay but they really should have released one that showed snippet of the games.

 

[DJ Kornphlake]

I can't help but notice a sense of... irony(?) about everyone wanting to see footage of the actual games.

 

[kickass]

Maybe they're still shooting those scenes



I see. So they don't feel the need to show either the games, or romance, and to what end, might I ask?
What you're describing has essentially rendered the trailers completely ineffective. One of the first scenes in the trailer is Primrose being selected for the Hunger Games before we even know what they are, thereby eliciting absolutely no drama whatsoever. Why not cut out the scene of her running into the forest with Gale and show a scene of her family watching a previous Hunger Games tournament? Ok, fine, you say, we'll see what they are by the end of the trailer and everything will make sense. This doesn't happen, instead we only told what will happen via some generalized dialogue here and there, thus creating a still blurry and ineffectual image in people's minds regarding the games and the rest of the story. It is at this point the whole trailer falls part completely. Trailers are almost like tiny films that tell a story: there's a beginning, middle, and end. Their job is to leave a lasting impression with the viewer while also letting them know what the film is about as best they can. The selection and preparation for the games is easily the dullest part of the Hunger Games book, and the studio has somehow determined that this is what they will leave the best impression with the audience?

I understand your frustration but what you're clearly not realizing is that frustration is what's going to put your ass in that seat come March 23rd. We see a little bit of action here and there with the kids at the Training Center, then we see the countdown and all the adrenalin leading up to the games as the kids start making a run for it. And then BAM! It's over.

What are they running to? What are they running from? What happens just after? What are the games actually like? These are the question non-Hunger Games readers are wondering, questions you yourself are even bringing up. The mystery and curiosity of the games is what's going to lead many general audiences to want to see this film.

You may think the beginning is the most dullest part of the book - but I don't agree with that at all. If they're reporting the film to be on track to make a lot of money, doesn't that reality completely slap your argument right in the face? It looks like the marketing has worked thus far. I could understand if the interest for this film was low and they weren't showing any of the games in the trailers but that isn't the case. They haven't shown any of the games in the trailers and yet interest is high - both from general audiences and fans alike.

Like I said, the focus of the film and it's marketing is the drama and emotional depth of what these characters are going through. They don't want to show much of the games because they don't want to nor do they need to. The movie is said to be 2h20min long. I'm willing to guess the games won't begin until a good hour or so into the movie. We have so much to look forward to and the mystery surrounding the games is an intentional effort to get curious people into the theater.

I highly doubt you not seeing the games in the trailer is going to stop you from seeing this film. The marketing for this film has been on point not to spoil any of the games or deaths. Audiences who haven't read the books are going to be in for a real treat. And that will propel word of mouth tremendously.

 

[kickass]

I can't help but notice a sense of... irony(?) about everyone wanting to see footage of the actual games.

That's the point! We've very much taken on the roles of the Capitol citizens anticipating the Hunger Games

 

[zanos]

I understand your frustration but what you're clearly not realizing is that frustration is what's going to put your ass in that seat come March 23rd. We see a little bit of action here and there with the kids at the Training Center, then we see the countdown and all the adrenalin leading up to the games as the kids start making a run for it. And then BAM! It's over.

What are they running to? What are they running from? What happens just after? What are the games actually like? These are the question non-Hunger Games readers are wondering, questions you yourself are even bringing up. The mystery and curiosity of the games is what's going to lead many general audiences to want to see this film.

You may think the beginning is the most dullest part of the book - but I don't agree with that at all. If they're reporting the film to be on track to make a lot of money, doesn't that reality completely slap your argument right in the face? It looks like the marketing has worked thus far. I could understand if the interest for this film was low and they weren't showing any of the games in the trailers but that isn't the case. They haven't shown any of the games in the trailers and yet interest is high - both from general audiences and fans alike.

Like I said, the focus of the film and it's marketing is the drama and emotional depth of what these characters are going through. They don't want to show much of the games because they don't want to nor do they need to. The movie is said to be 2h20min long. I'm willing to guess the games won't begin until a good hour or so into the movie. We have so much to look forward to and the mystery surrounding the games is an intentional effort to get curious people into the theater.

I highly doubt you not seeing the games in the trailer is going to stop you from seeing this film. The marketing for this film has been on point not to spoil any of the games or deaths. Audiences who haven't read the books are going to be in for a real treat. And that will propel word of mouth tremendously.

No, and I'll tell you why. Many films have tracked very well in the past only to fall victim to huge second and third week drop offs and so on. The fact that the Hunger Games is tracking so well is likely due to it's huge fanbase. This has absolutely nothing at all to do with it's awful trailers pulling in ticket buyers.

You say the trailer focuses on emotional drama, but what precisely has led you to believe this? After the selection process you were shown scenes of them making Katniss pretty, talking a little, and then a couple of quick training scenes. I gave you an example of what you're describing could have been achieved effectively at the beginning of the trailer, but they didn't do that or anything else coming close to it. What they did do was clumsily edit some scenes together that did nothing to draw the audience in, nor did they elaborate to the audience what the Hunger Games really were. You say frustrating the audience is supposed to draw interest, but you're confusing trailers for teasers. Teasers are supposed to draw interest without revealing too much, but as the premiere of the film draws near continuing to tease the audience becomes counterproductive and serves absolutely no purpose. If anything it has probably lost potential movie goers who have never read the books.

 

[danoyse]

It may make that much, but it won't be based on marketing. Let's pretend for a moment you were were attempting to get your friend to read the Hunger Games. Would you begin and end your pitch with Katniss volunteering for the games and then getting a makeover?

I'm still not sure what commercials you've been watching.

In the ads:

-Before Prim is selected, Katniss is hugging her clearly distressed sister and assuring that she won't be picked because her name is only in there once.

-Prim is picked, screaming and crying follow, and Katniss is pushing through armed guards volunteering as tribute.

-Dialogue follows with Katniss explaining that only one person survives the "game" she just volunteered for. And she looks scared. In the most recent trailer, she's crying to Gale to make sure her family doesn't starve without her.

-She "gets a makeover", but certainly never looks happy about. It's fairly clear enough that she and Peeta are being paraded about for show.

-The other tributes are seen practicing - one is seen throwing a spear at a human-shaped target.

-An ominous countdown closes out the trailer, with people you've seen throughout the earlier parts of the trailer looking distressed as to what happens.

I think the biggest problem here is that you're perceiving them incorrectly. Trailers with screaming and crying kids, and talk about games where people die do not entice families with small children into thinking these are family films. And even though the games aren't shown (which, having read the books, I'm fine with waiting to see)...there's certainly an ominous tone to the trailers and TV spots so far showing that what's going to happen will not be friendly.

You're stressing yourself out about this far too much.

 

[Project862006]

Fandango was pleased to announce today that the first-day ticket sales for The Hunger Games have broken the advance ticket-seller record held by The Twilight Saga: Eclipse on Friday, May 14, 2010. Despite the film not opening for another month, hundreds of showtimes in advance of the upcoming March 23 release date have already been sold out.

Rick Butler, Executive VP and General Manager of Fandango, comments, "The Hunger Games is off to a fantastic start. Yesterday we saw the biggest first day advance ticketing sales in our company's nearly 12-year history – which is especially impressive for a March release and a non-sequel."

Theater owners are already in the process of adding new showtimes.

 

[DJ Kornphlake]

Wow nice.

 

[SuperBatman]

Wow that is huge/

 

[ComicChick]

Yeah. I also feel the fact that what Hunger Games later develops into in it's sequels is enough to shut out in comparison's that Collins totally ripped off Battle Royale.

i agree

 

[Poetic Chaos]

I planned to show up 3 hours early for my midnight show but I wasn't expecting Twlight-like crowds. I may have to do 6 hours like I did for the last 3 Harry Potter movies.