The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit:
All Quiet On The Warner Front...



MediaMalable
Bree


Sep 5 2013, 5:51pm


Views: 2124
All Quiet On The Warner Front...

Am I the only person not terribly impressed with Warner's promotional work for these films? We're heading into fall now, and really they haven't been active at all, with pretty much no announcements, no snazzy posters, with the trailer the only thing to really go on. Peter Jackson, all on his lonesome, has run a vastly superior promotional campaign just with his facebook page.

I'm sure as we head towards the winter season the big last minute promotional push will come, and I'm sure there will some treats there, but I don't really understand why they've done so little to keep the films alive in the public consciousness.

Maybe I'm alone in this...


(This post was edited by MediaMalable on Sep 5 2013, 5:57pm)


Thranderz
Rohan


Sep 5 2013, 5:58pm


Views: 1056
You aren't alone!

I wish we were updated every so often with a poster or a picture. Maybe reveal a single photo one bit at a time? However, I have really enjoyed PJ's blogs! Smile Hopefully we are gonna get more content as we get closer to the release. Finally, despite not being against the character, I am very annoyed that most of the promotional content we have been given seems to focus on Tauriel when I'd much rather see Thranduil or even Bilbo and Gandalf!

Like the title btw Wink

I simply walked into Mordor.


(This post was edited by Thranderz on Sep 5 2013, 6:00pm)


Arandir
Gondor


Sep 5 2013, 5:58pm


Views: 1061
It's the deep breath, before the plunge!

I'm pretty sure that once the next Vlog comes out (hopefully this month), we'll be getting quite a few exposure to DOS.

- There's the looming second (and possibly third) trailers in the upcoming months;
- The Extended Edition for AUJ will be with us early November, and I imagine the studios would want to try and promote both AUJ EE and DOS with each other, as much as possible.
- End November we'll be getting much hype and promotion for the world-premiere.
- After that, early to mid-December, we'll probably be seeing numerous 30-second tv spots that will lead-up right until the release date of the film.

Just speculation of course, but based on what has happened during the AUJ-fever, something similar will most probably follow.

Keep up your hope that one day, the marketing for DOS will be like an avalanche on the fans - and we'll soon be wanting less and less so as not to spoil ourselves and see half the movie before it's even released!Smile

'A Tolkienist's Perspective' Blog
'How Peter Jackson inches closer to making 'The Silmarillion'


Ardamírë
Valinor


Sep 5 2013, 6:04pm


Views: 1007
I'm sure it's coming

I believe the second trailer for AUJ came out in the middle of September last year, and we had plenty of additional TV spots in the following months leading up to December. I'm really not too sure about posters. I remember getting a handful of them (none very good, IMO), but I don't know when those come out. What are you expecting in the way of announcements? I'm not sure what there is to announce at this point.

'Twas in the Land of Willows that I heard th'unfathomed breath
Of the Horns of Ylmir calling - and shall hear them till my death.


Ardamírë
Valinor


Sep 5 2013, 6:05pm


Views: 1035
I hope the next vlog comes out soon.

I can't remember. When did they finish up with pickup shooting? PJ said one would be coming out after that, and it's certainly been a while since then.

'Twas in the Land of Willows that I heard th'unfathomed breath
Of the Horns of Ylmir calling - and shall hear them till my death.


MediaMalable
Bree


Sep 5 2013, 6:14pm


Views: 1013
Hmmm

I just feel like Warner Bros have failed to really emphasize what's unique about The Hobbit in their campaigns. A low point was the poster with the gazillion dwarves, which reminded me of nothing so much as the poster for the Muppets movie. The first Smaug poster is definitely an improvement on that though.

They have so much wonderful art at their disposal, it just seems weird to not use it and instead utilize relatively bland marketing. My feeling on the marketing for the first film was that Warner Bros (at least in the US) focused on quantity over quality, trusting that if people knew there was a new Tolkien movie out they would see it just for that reason.

By contrast, I felt the posters for Lord of the Rings were beautiful, and pieces of art in their own right. The trailers also seemed to me to be much better crafted, focusing more on the story and emotion of the films. I loved the first Hobbit film, and think I'll love the second one even more, but I'm just not impressed with the way Warner Bros is promoting them at all.


(This post was edited by MediaMalable on Sep 5 2013, 6:14pm)


QuackingTroll
Valinor


Sep 5 2013, 6:19pm


Views: 1029
I said this would happen last year

They want to have a large gap without promotion to avoid people getting confused. If they market film one and film two in one non-stop stream people could get the films muddled and when the second one is released people might think they've already seen it or have missed one and lose track of how many have come out.

It sounds silly, like people aren't that stupid, but really it suits the companies to keep the two separated by a large gap, just to make it as clear as possible that they are two separate films.


Arandir
Gondor


Sep 5 2013, 6:20pm


Views: 1046
July 26th

according to Peter Jackson's last day Facebook update - so quite a while now and enough time to edit a nice 10 minute feature :)

'A Tolkienist's Perspective' Blog
'How Peter Jackson inches closer to making 'The Silmarillion'


Ardamírë
Valinor


Sep 5 2013, 6:24pm


Views: 964
Ah, thank you!

I thought it had been a while. Maybe we'll get something in the next couple of weeks, and a second trailer following sometime after.

'Twas in the Land of Willows that I heard th'unfathomed breath
Of the Horns of Ylmir calling - and shall hear them till my death.


Cirashala
Valinor


Sep 5 2013, 6:25pm


Views: 944
you are definitely not alone!

I honestly was debating a post similar to yours a few minutes ago.

I have no objection to spoilers for myself at all- the more, the better! Wink

However, I am so sad that every day I log on to TORn, and still see no news on DOS at all Frown

It isn't TORn's fault at all-just wanted to clarify that!

It is WB, for not bothering to promote the film. You would think they would, given that AUJ grossed over 1B in the box office- whether a fan success or not, it was definitely a BO success, and that's all that would matter to WB.

Conventional marketing tactics for such a marginalized, narrowed fan base film (being high fantasy as a genre over something more generic) simply would not work, especially since it's been nearly a year since the first installment of the trilogy.

You have to get as much word out there as possible to entice non-fans and non-geeks (proud to call myself both!) to get their butts into the seats this December.

Back to school has started, and there are less than 100 days to go until the movie is released. IMO, this is the perfect time to start marketing. People are beginning to slow shopping and other activities that take away from tv time in order to save up for Christmas, and the retail "autumn slump" before Christmas has already started, at least where I live. WB should be giving people snippets and tidbits to keep their appetites going so that by the time DOS comes out, they will be flocking to the theaters in droves.

Plus, if it's less than 100 days until DOS, then it is about a month less for the EE. If they want that to do well, especially with only 13 (or was it 15) minutes of extended footage and entice those who bought the theatrical to buy the EE, then they REALLY need to get their butts in gear for it so that people will buy it!


You all are right. I don't think WB understands marketing at all.

Race is meaningless. We all bleed red-no matter who or what we are. What matters is the heart. For each race has those with good hearts and those with bad hearts. You have a good heart. You do not deserve to die.


Ardamírë
Valinor


Sep 5 2013, 6:28pm


Views: 965
Agreed about the muppets/dwarves poster

That thing was awful. It made the movie look like five-year-olds movie from the dollar bin at Wal-mart. I'm not sure who is in charge of the marketing, but apart from the very first AUJ trailer, I haven't been impressed with the quality.

'Twas in the Land of Willows that I heard th'unfathomed breath
Of the Horns of Ylmir calling - and shall hear them till my death.


Cirashala
Valinor


Sep 5 2013, 6:30pm


Views: 939
gap

I am fairly certain that a 9 month gap is sufficient Tongue

If babies can be conceived, grow, and born in nine (oft forgetful if those of you, like me, have been through it lol!) months, then a film can be "forgotten" by the general public by then!

At the very least, it has been 6 months since the theatrical release came out, so even that is sufficient time.....

Of course, for us diehard fans, we will never forget AUJ (for good or ill Tongue)

I am more concerned that if people HAVE indeed forgotten about AUJ after so long, those ignorant (like my sister, who was extremely confused when the movie ended-she didn't know it was a trilogy or even more than one movie!) of just how many movies are in this installment might forget DOS even existed! (I sure hope people aren't that stupid, but WB has to take that into consideration)

Race is meaningless. We all bleed red-no matter who or what we are. What matters is the heart. For each race has those with good hearts and those with bad hearts. You have a good heart. You do not deserve to die.


MediaMalable
Bree


Sep 5 2013, 6:31pm


Views: 960
Reminds me of John Carter

John Carter was a decent movie with the worst marketing campaign I've ever seen, bland, characterless, lame. It undercut everything appealing about the film. That movie crashed and burn because it came from obscure source material most audiences didn't know.

I honestly think the marketing for Hobbit has been similar, but everyone knows the book and that the filmmakers involved are great so they showed up anyway. But the marketing itself has been pretty lousy.


Darkstone
Immortal


Sep 5 2013, 6:42pm


Views: 917
Seems okay

Second trailers for blockbusters usually come out two months before the film, so we're looking at mid-October. Studios tend to aim marketing strategy at producing big numbers on opening weekend, so a late media blitz can be expected.

The big film marketing trend now is social media, and, as you say, Jackson seems to be doing an exceptional job. (That is, Warner is doing an exceptional job. You don't think Jackson is paying for all that himself, do you?)

Finally, too early can be just as bad as too late. Backlash from over-saturation can actually lose potential viewers. Snakes On A Plane (2006) is considered a classic case of a film receiving so much promotion that people became bored with it before it was ever released.

TL;DR: All seems to be working as intended.

******************************************
“That hobbit has a pleasant face,
His private life is a disgrace.
I really could not tell to you,
The awful things that hobbits do.”


Lieutenant of Dol Guldur
Gondor


Sep 5 2013, 6:44pm


Views: 1001
A missed chance... Just look at the Bridge Direct toys...

I already critized the bad marketing campaign for AUJ. When I remember the time just before FOTR came out... You couldn't escape Middle-earth. Books, magazines, posters, action-figures and all this merchandising stuff was everywhere. Today? You really have to look for it. A thing that really annoys me is The Bridge Direct. These guys have the great opportunity to make soooo much money with toys. The Hobbit films are released during the christmas time. THE PERFECT TIME FOR TOYS. Why do they release their only wave of action figures in November? This year again. Only one new wave is planned and instead of creating new characters... they give us Legolas, Bolg, Thorin, Gandalf, Tauriel, Yazneg (who SPOILER obviously died in the first movie SPOILER END) and Bilbo again. This is mad, isn't it?

This is why I loved Star Wars action figures when I was a child. You had so much different characters, so many opportunities... some where only in the background and you could invent their backstories. With the Toy Biz LOTR toys it was similar. They made all the main characters but also a lot of supporting or backstory ones. My first figure was the Orc Overseer from Isengard and he's still one of my favorites although I still can't find him in the movie but on a lot of different PR material and even as a halloween mask.

This year with DOS it is the same. Nothing except for Peter Jackson posting the trailer, a few cool images from the set or his one vlog. Yes it's fall now and some books are going to be released and I also noticed a few magazine covers with Legolas, Tauriel and Thranduil... but nothing more. Can't wait for Disney's "Star Wars Episode VII". The "galaxy from far, far away" will be everywhere just like in old times. It seems that Warner learned nothing from their mistakes last year... Too bad.


"There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power."

(This post was edited by Ataahua on Sep 5 2013, 7:35pm)


MediaMalable
Bree


Sep 5 2013, 6:52pm


Views: 900
Good post Lt.

I agree with you, I think the peripheral stuff has been pretty tacky in terms of branding. I also think it's dissapointing to see the same recycled, poorly shot promotional images showing up on the magazines. Warner Bros being so stingy with promo materials just means we end up seeing the same stuff over and over again, and it's not even great stuff to begin with.

They could definitely learn a lot from Disney. Disney's handling of the marketing and branding for the Marvel franchise has been flawless. I'm sure they'll work wonders with Star Wars too.

I feel like WB's marketing on Hobbit has treated the film like a run of the mill fantasy blockbuster, rather than the mega epic global event that it is. This is a billion dollar movie, not Jack the Giant Killer or Percy Jackson.


Lieutenant of Dol Guldur
Gondor


Sep 5 2013, 7:07pm


Views: 899
Quality is another thing...

... well I don't want to start again and compare the lesser qualitiy of the AUJ figures to the better and more detailed LOTR ones ;)

"There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power."


Faleel
Rohan

Sep 5 2013, 7:09pm


Views: 878
I dont..

I don't care about figures, I just want the Hobbit version of Sting in toy form ;)


nhui06
Rivendell

Sep 5 2013, 7:14pm


Views: 867
It will be okay

I too want more Vlogs and a new trailer, but we are just in the beginning of September right now. Things will pick up in November closer towards the release date. We will have the AUJ EE, and more promotional stuff near the end of Fall. We just need to be patient. Early fall is usually a slow time for the film industry in general.


Lieutenant of Dol Guldur
Gondor


Sep 5 2013, 7:15pm


Views: 871
I just took them as a symbol. I also could have taken...

... books, magazines, games... was there already a pc game for AUJ? I can't remember. Where ever you look... they missed chances.

"There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power."


MediaMalable
Bree


Sep 5 2013, 7:31pm


Views: 878
Speaking of video games

EA made a series of very successful and high quality video games for LOTR. I can't imagine there aren't big companies clamoring to make high quality games for the billion dollar Hobbit.

But what have we got? I think there was one really low quality cheapo MOBA game for consoles, and some cheapo mobile stuff no one wants to touch.


Metal Slug
Rivendell

Sep 5 2013, 9:26pm


Views: 779
Need, content!

I need to see stuff to psych me up so that I can be terribly, terribly dissapointed again. Smile


Arannir
Valinor


Sep 5 2013, 11:35pm


Views: 703
This is worth its own thread.

Why are "Battle for Middle-earth" and "LotRO" the only two major games with either movie or book license that really used the potential at least for some time to some extent?! Some relatively okay action games - that was it.


Skyrim in Middle-earth. Why is nobody doing that? Why did this project "The White Council" never get out of the conceptual stage?


So, rant over and back to topic ;)



As for marketing: I am glad they take their time. I think DoS had quite some danger of over-marketing and people getting fed up.



“A dragon is no idle fancy. Whatever may be his origins, in fact or invention, the dragon in legend is a potent creation of men’s imagination, richer in significance than his barrow is in gold.” J.R.R. Tolkien

Words of wisdom that should be remembered - both by critics, purists and anyone in between.


Ziggy Stardust
Gondor


Sep 6 2013, 12:05am


Views: 688
You're not alone

I've noticed this too. It could be we'll be getting material soon, but I also wonder if Warner know how to market these films properly. It seems like they need work in that department.


Salmacis81
Tol Eressea


Sep 6 2013, 12:28am


Views: 691
Video games

There was also a game called "The War in the North".I don't know too much about the game, but from the little I do know, it was mostly non-canon with a smattering of canon stuff.

I'd LOOOVE for Bethesda to take a stab at a Middle-earth-based RPG, I think they are the only ones, besides maybe Bioware, who could really do it justice.


DwellerInDale
Rohan


Sep 6 2013, 1:36am


Views: 899
"Press Junkets" for DOS have begun

The photo below is from a "press junket" for DOS on August 27th, so hopefully we fans will see the results of these junkets some time soon.



Don't mess with my favorite female elf.




Arandir
Gondor


Sep 6 2013, 6:14am


Views: 758
They will probably be in the next vlog

to tie-in the end of pick-ups with the press junkets together ... perhaps

'A Tolkienist's Perspective' Blog
'How Peter Jackson inches closer to making 'The Silmarillion'


Patty
Immortal


Sep 6 2013, 7:23am


Views: 709
This sounds very likely to me.

"I imagine the studios would want to try and promote both AUJ EE and DOS with each other, as much as possible."

Permanent address: Into the West






AinurOlorin
Half-elven


Sep 6 2013, 7:46am


Views: 764
Sorry for the odd look,. A bizzare copy and paste of my reply in a similar thread. Here are my expectations.


I would expect the vlog this month, the trailer next month, and November to be dominated by EE promotion with lots of Desolation segues, and maybe a scene on the Extended.

the one other major tangential add blitz will come
the mightiest of the cable premiums, Game of Thrones abode HBO. The majority of cable subscribers in the states have that movie channel, it remains far and away more viewed and awarded than the others (look at their budget for Thrones and True bld alone). I am pretty certain they have the rights to The Hobbit as per their agreements with Warner Brothers. They did big ad blitzes leading up to their cable premiers of the Potter films, and I am certain that, sometime in October, we will start seeing a ton of HBO adds for An Unexpected, which will probably start airing on HBO sometime in late Autumn just before Desolation o Smaug is released. Confirmation, An Unexpected begins airing on HBO on the 12th of October at 8pm, and you can be certain HBO will be hyping it alot prior to airing it. They always tout their big movie premiers.



The only thing bugging me is Dinosaurs and 47 Ronin. Some of my fellow Americans (in non Rings related years I am included in this lol) enjoy movies with Japanese or Chinese legend, martial arts and magic. I am hoping that christmas release doesn't mess with Smaug's expeceted hoard.

Warner Brothers SHOULD put all their efforts into the film. An Unexpected was easily one of their top cash flows last year, and DOS will almost certainly be their biggest draw this year, if properly marketed.

It is also possible (though not certain) that HBO may air some manner of Smaug preview, as they used to for Warners Potter movies.

"Hear me, hounds of Sauron, Gandalf is here! Fly if you value your foul skins, I will shrivel you from tail to snout if you step within this circle!"

"Do not be to eager to deal out death in judgement. Even the very wise cannot see all ends."

(This post was edited by AinurOlorin on Sep 6 2013, 7:50am)


Arannir
Valinor


Sep 6 2013, 10:39am


Views: 669
Yes.

I loved the idea of the "White Council" RPG.

I thought the idea made sense within the unisverse to be some form of agent/messenger etc. of the Council... one could have started somewhere between the timeline of TH and LotR and even could have milked it from a financial point of view by starting with, let's say, the landmass of Eriador and Rhovanion (parts that is) and than add Rohan and Gondor via expansion packs.



“A dragon is no idle fancy. Whatever may be his origins, in fact or invention, the dragon in legend is a potent creation of men’s imagination, richer in significance than his barrow is in gold.” J.R.R. Tolkien

Words of wisdom that should be remembered - both by critics, purists and anyone in between.


Glorfindela
Valinor


Sep 6 2013, 10:52am


Views: 743
Who's that woman at the side?

Could DEFINITELY do without her. Now if it was Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage or Sir Ian McKellen, that might do something for me. As it is, it simply irritates me.


DwellerInDale
Rohan


Sep 6 2013, 12:23pm


Views: 722
No sooner said than done!

Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, and Sir Ian McKellen...sounds like page 41 of the DOS Annual 2014! Here you go!




but page 40 is even nicer! Wink



Quote
Now if it was Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage or Sir Ian McKellen, that might do something for me.


Don't mess with my favorite female elf.




Glorfindela
Valinor


Sep 6 2013, 12:36pm


Views: 695
Oh, no.

I think page 41 is MUCH nicer. Tongue


Kendalf
Rohan


Sep 6 2013, 1:29pm


Views: 639
Two solid developers there but...


In Reply To
I'd LOOOVE for Bethesda to take a stab at a Middle-earth-based RPG, I think they are the only ones, besides maybe Bioware, who could really do it justice.



Personally, I'd prefer Polish developer CD Projekt. Their two existing Witcher games are, quite frankly, sensational and the next one looks (due next autumn) like blowing the Elder Scrolls and Dragon Age right out of the water Crazy

"I have found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."


Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Sep 6 2013, 7:54pm


Views: 607
Agree


In Reply To
I already critized the bad marketing campaign for AUJ. When I remember the time just before FOTR came out... You couldn't escape Middle-earth. Books, magazines, posters, action-figures and all this merchandising stuff was everywhere. Today? You really have to look for it. A thing that really annoys me is The Bridge Direct. These guys have the great opportunity to make soooo much money with toys. The Hobbit films are released during the christmas time. THE PERFECT TIME FOR TOYS. Why do they release their only wave of action figures in November? This year again. Only one new wave is planned and instead of creating new characters... they give us Legolas, Bolg, Thorin, Gandalf, Tauriel, Yazneg (who SPOILER obviously died in the first movie SPOILER END) and Bilbo again. This is mad, isn't it?

This is why I loved Star Wars action figures when I was a child. You had so much different characters, so many opportunities... some where only in the background and you could invent their backstories. With the Toy Biz LOTR toys it was similar. They made all the main characters but also a lot of supporting or backstory ones. My first figure was the Orc Overseer from Isengard and he's still one of my favorites although I still can't find him in the movie but on a lot of different PR material and even as a halloween mask.

This year with DOS it is the same. Nothing except for Peter Jackson posting the trailer, a few cool images from the set or his one vlog. Yes it's fall now and some books are going to be released and I also noticed a few magazine covers with Legolas, Tauriel and Thranduil... but nothing more. Can't wait for Disney's "Star Wars Episode VII". The "galaxy from far, far away" will be everywhere just like in old times. It seems that Warner learned nothing from their mistakes last year... Too bad.


I agree entirely. There's just something about it. I can't put my finger on it. WB seems distant and uninvolved. When LOTR rolled (all 3 movies) there was a lot of chatter from New Line, they participated with the fan community and made an effort to involve the fans and gin up the interest. It just doesn't seem to be happening here. I don't buy that it's a pre planned gap. I think they think it's going to make money no matter what so why bother with a bunch of pre promotion.

They just seem disengaged. Before FOTR an the other films New Line was out there and you had SideShow collectibles marketing all kinds of stuff, the toys, the posters etc. All of that generates interest in the film. That is happening much less now.

I will not be surprised at all if there is no trilogy screening before TABA. Not at all.

Also, you can see WB's hand in the gutting of the LOTRO development staff over at the game as well. Staff have been laid off, development (in spite of the Helms Deep expansion pack upcoming) has been lackluster for sometime with Turbine left to flounder with the current game and resources pulled in other directions. There is just no committment.

I will say this. WB knows TORN is going to promote the heck out of this (and rightly so) and are literally utilizing the free marketing they are getting off the TORN staff etc. That's all well and fine and I am thankful for TORN's dedication in that regard. I just wish WB was more interested than they are. In the end, New Line were fans (thank you Mark). WB is just a large behemoth corporation that only sees dollar signs. it's sad to me but it's just the way it is.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13

(This post was edited by Ham_Sammy on Sep 6 2013, 7:56pm)


Salmacis81
Tol Eressea


Sep 7 2013, 2:27am


Views: 537
Agree

I remember when EA's The White Council was confirmed as an idea they were expanding on, and I couldn't wait. I think that was around the time that Oblivion was the hottest rpg on the market, and even when that first released, I thought a Middle-earth version of that would have been amazing. One minute it was in development, the next thing you know it was being postponed. And now it's pretty much dead. No chance of it happening now, which is a shame. Wish I knew the circumstances surrounding that.


Salmacis81
Tol Eressea


Sep 7 2013, 2:39am


Views: 649
Haven't played any of The Witcher games...

...but I must say the preview I saw of it looks good. I've never played anything by CD Projekt, but I've played many Bethesda and Bioware games. The last rpg I played that wasn't by one of those developers was Two Worlds, which I think was also a Polish developer. And that game was flat-out broken. Great concept, but poorly executed. I will give The Witcher a try though, it looks pretty good, and frankly I'm surprised I've never thought to at least try that series out.

However, GTA V is out in a few weeks, and that's definitely going to be taking up most of my (limited) gaming time for the foreseeable future...


Glorfindela
Valinor


Sep 7 2013, 11:07am


Views: 556
I have to say that what Warner have shown is rather putting me off the upcoming film.

It is having the opposite effect on me to the one intended. What we are seeing is principally promotion – including via this site – of two individuals that have nothing to do with the book, and seem to me to be alien to the story. Where are the Hobbit, Thorin and Gandalf, not to mention Beorn, Smaug and Thranduil? The policy of promoting the two afore-mentioned individuals is quite possibly going to backfire against the upcoming film. I, for one, having loved AUJ, am losing interest. Perhaps the first film in the trilogy will be my favourite, as FOTR is in the LOTR trilogy?

Additionally, the LOTR films were heavily promoted throughout the whole period before they were released. This was done internationally, in territories ranging from Japan (beautifully designed items), Singapore, the UK, France, Brazil, Mexico, to the Scandinavian and central European countries. There were wonderful promo items with branded products. There was the Decipher game, which had many sets and hundreds of cards with interesting images. There were the Topps card sets, and their Japanese equivalents (the Japanese foil set for FOTR is the most beautiful set of cards I've ever seen). There was a LOTR fan club with a really good magazine that included articles on the characters and actors (none of which were unrelated to the books), by the director, and about all the wonderful costumes and sets. For those interested in figurines, there were the WETA products, as well as the small lead figurines by Eaglemoss, and some plastic-looking figures in boxes. There were also superbly designed and produced DVDs. All this engaged people, so that many could not wait to see the next film in the trilogy.

For The Hobbit, meanwhile, there is very little to engage you (the two 'elves' certainly do not and appear to be aimed at the teenage market, though the two characters are actually too old to appeal to it, and 'Legolas' is likely to attract huge criticism purely because of his looks). The UK EE DVDs at least do not sound promising in terms of the packaging, which I think in the case of these films is important – something that Warner appear to have failed to recognise. (The DVDs were really cheap and nasty, especially when compared with what was produced for LOTR.)

My one hope is that that what has been shown in relation to DoS is a kind of cover-up for much good stuff to come that has little to do with 'elves', but a lot to do with The Hobbit book and its characters. I'm hoping all this extraneous stuff is being shown because they don't want to release spoilers of Thranduil, Beorn, Smaug and others actually relevant to the book story.


In Reply To
I agree entirely. There's just something about it. I can't put my finger on it. WB seems distant and uninvolved. When LOTR rolled (all 3 movies) there was a lot of chatter from New Line, they participated with the fan community and made an effort to involve the fans and gin up the interest. It just doesn't seem to be happening here. I don't buy that it's a pre planned gap. I think they think it's going to make money no matter what so why bother with a bunch of pre promotion.

They just seem disengaged. Before FOTR an the other films New Line was out there and you had SideShow collectibles marketing all kinds of stuff, the toys, the posters etc. All of that generates interest in the film. That is happening much less now.

I will say this. WB knows TORN is going to promote the heck out of this (and rightly so) and are literally utilizing the free marketing they are getting off the TORN staff etc. That's all well and fine and I am thankful for TORN's dedication in that regard. I just wish WB was more interested than they are. In the end, New Line were fans (thank you Mark). WB is just a large behemoth corporation that only sees dollar signs. it's sad to me but it's just the way it is.



(This post was edited by Glorfindela on Sep 7 2013, 11:14am)


tolktolk
Lorien

Sep 7 2013, 12:25pm


Views: 504
I agree too

The marketing so far on this film has been weird and severely lacking - in fact I saw someone say the other day that DoS has no box office buzz at all, which is not surprising as there has been no real build up.

This time last year there was lots of excitement about AUJ, with a constant stream of video blogs,new images including that giant banner and the panel and first footage shown at Comic Con in July.

Like you Glorfindela, my interest in this film dwindles a bit more every time we see yet more elf overload and extraneous invented plotlines which have nothing to do with the source material.

I know they are beginning to set things in motion - the photographer Sarah Dunn has been doing promotional pictures with ten main actors, and there are interviews and chat shows being set up, but it all seems a bit slow off the mark and as Ham Sammy says, disengaged.


Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Sep 7 2013, 6:50pm


Views: 451
Yep

And it's not only Dos. Since WB's takeover of Turbine the LOTRO game has not been the same. They show the same lack of engagement there as well, laying off staff, lackluster development, almost like the game is on autopilot. Sure they put out expansions but they don't have the same great Lore development the original Turbine staff had and the game is beginning to show signs of wear and lack of development and imagination.

I think WB is just a huge, vacuous corporation. All they care about is $$. In their eyes, DoS will make enough money I think they just don't get the whole being engaged with the fanbase. They aren't Tolkien fans (Ordesky on the other hand was). New Line back in the day was all in.

After all New Line and their reps all showed up at the end of Trilogy Tuesday enthusiastically handing out film frame collectibles. You wont see WB doing that. All they care about really is ticket sales.

And they totally use the fanbase to sell their movie. It sort of ticks me off. I don't mind them using TORN and it's all part of the interest and fun but in this case I truly don't think they're a partner. They are just interested in getting the money and getting out.

Everyone elses's view may be different of course. That's my view anyway.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13


Rembrethil
Tol Eressea


Sep 7 2013, 7:31pm


Views: 442
I tend to agree

Businesses are not getting more friendly. As tough financial times come down, they increasingly limit anything that doesn't factor into the bottom line. Now we, I should say I, cannot blame them. They want to stay in business and maintain a status quo, and manner of lifestyle. There might be those in the business who want to do such things, but others are more penny pinching. I don't understand the inner workings of the companies, but I do know that a lot, A LOT of them have been bought, or are controlled, by an invesent group or consortium. These people are a far cry from the Mon and Pop ownership of years past, having little direct interest in their business, and more in the profit margin. One day they will find that penny pinching doesn't garner any goodwill, and they will fall into obscurity when the business closes in shambles. When they're in trouble, no one will have a kind word to say, or think of organizing support for a company that showed little interest in the customers. What goes around comes around.

A short story. One day I was at work and had a bit of trouble finishing my job on time. My fellow workers, and those under me actually took the time, off the clock, to pitch in, just because they "like me". I felt very blessed to have such good colleagues! They stayed for quite a few hours, until it was done. You take care of your workers/customers they will take care of you, I guarantee it!

One day......


Glorfindela
Valinor


Sep 7 2013, 10:42pm


Views: 425
I think Warner Bros. actions with regard to this film are likely to backfire on them,

with the future films not earning them what they hoped they would. The marketing strategy in terms of the non-Hobbit book characters that they have been promoting, and the other factors mentioned above, has been truly dreadful, especially when you compare it with that for the LOTR films. In the end what it has generated for me is a growing indifference. They simply don't understand the film and its market.

I do think you are right about big corporations. There is no passion for the product, and a lack of individuality and experimentation in such places, which tend to hit on a formula and want to continue with the same thing until it fails (often crashing the company as it does).

With smaller creative companies there is much more in the way of actual creativity, and often a real passion for the work – that's been my experience, too, when I've worked until midnight on photo sessions, or on texts to meet deadlines, etc.

You can't really blame it all on 'tough financial times', because things actually used to be much tougher, and the West is generally a far richer place than it was, say, 20 years ago. I think it has a lot to do with human greed – especially of the people at the top who could not care less for the people who work for them.


In Reply To
A LOT of them have been bought, or are controlled, by an invesent group or consortium. One day they will find that penny pinching doesn't garner any goodwill, and they will fall into obscurity when the business closes in shambles. When they're in trouble, no one will have a kind word to say, or think of organizing support for a company that showed little interest in the customers. What goes around comes around.

A short story. One day I was at work and had a bit of trouble finishing my job on time. My fellow workers, and those under me actually took the time, off the clock, to pitch in, just because they "like me". I felt very blessed to have such good colleagues! They stayed for quite a few hours, until it was done. You take care of your workers/customers they will take care of you, I guarantee it!

One day......



(This post was edited by Glorfindela on Sep 7 2013, 10:46pm)


TheCoon
Lorien

Sep 8 2013, 12:32pm


Views: 397
uh.......


In Reply To
I already critized the bad marketing campaign for AUJ. When I remember the time just before FOTR came out... You couldn't escape Middle-earth. Books, magazines, posters, action-figures and all this merchandising stuff was everywhere. Today? You really have to look for it. A thing that really annoys me is The Bridge Direct. These guys have the great opportunity to make soooo much money with toys. The Hobbit films are released during the christmas time. THE PERFECT TIME FOR TOYS. Why do they release their only wave of action figures in November? This year again. Only one new wave is planned and instead of creating new characters... they give us Legolas, Bolg, Thorin, Gandalf, Tauriel, Yazneg (who SPOILER obviously died in the first movie SPOILER END) and Bilbo again. This is mad, isn't it?

This is why I loved Star Wars action figures when I was a child. You had so much different characters, so many opportunities... some where only in the background and you could invent their backstories. With the Toy Biz LOTR toys it was similar. They made all the main characters but also a lot of supporting or backstory ones. My first figure was the Orc Overseer from Isengard and he's still one of my favorites although I still can't find him in the movie but on a lot of different PR material and even as a halloween mask.

This year with DOS it is the same. Nothing except for Peter Jackson posting the trailer, a few cool images from the set or his one vlog. Yes it's fall now and some books are going to be released and I also noticed a few magazine covers with Legolas, Tauriel and Thranduil... but nothing more. Can't wait for Disney's "Star Wars Episode VII". The "galaxy from far, far away" will be everywhere just like in old times. It seems that Warner learned nothing from their mistakes last year... Too bad.


where have u been star wars is supposedly filming in january for a release in December 2015 at the absolute latest and we dont even know the full cast yet

(This post was edited by Altaira on Sep 15 2013, 6:14pm)


Lieutenant of Dol Guldur
Gondor


Sep 8 2013, 1:03pm


Views: 387
No, where have YOU been? ;-)


Quote
where have u been star wars is supposedly filming in january for a release in December 2015 at the absolute latest and we dont even know the full cast yet

Where is your problem? I'm very well informed about Episode VII by the way. I'm a huge fan and watch every step they made and will make. Filming is confirmed to start in January 2014 yes. This is almost two years before the planned release in late 2015. I think it is enough time. Just (I know it's off-topic but I want to clear this) look at the latest three movies:

Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Filming: June-September 1997
Release: May 1999
Time: 23 months

Episode II: Attack Of The Clones
Filming: June-September 2000
Release: May 2002
Time: 23 months

Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith
Filming: June-September 2003
Release: May 2005
Time: 23 months

Episode VII: unkown title
Filming: January-April/May 2014
Release: December 2015
Time: 23 months

There has always been a (almost) 2 year period between start of filming and release of the movie. So sorry that I didn't get your point. Sorry to the admins for this short off-topic journey.



"There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power."


Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Sep 8 2013, 7:01pm


Views: 331
Very nice indeed

That you had co worker's helping you. That is awesome. Love that little story and something I'm sure you will always remember.

I think for me the thing is it's just not as much fun this time around with the films. With LOTR it was fun because the studio was involved and largely in my opinion due to Ordesky and some of the other folks at New Line. This time the films are great, don't get me wrong, I love them and Freeman is one of my favorite actors. And yet it just seems like something is lacking. It's just not as much fun anymore. I'll still go to the films and all but it seems kind of devoid of the emotion that was there for LOTR. This is what happens when companies focus on the money and not the product.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13


dormouse
Half-elven


Sep 8 2013, 9:57pm


Views: 308
Yes, I agree you do have a point there....


Quote
This is what happens when companies focus on the money and not the product.


The sad thing about it, I think, is that I'm certain that in New Zealand the people actually working on the films haven't changed. For them the product is still what counts, and the glimpses of what they do that have filtered through to us have that same atmosphere. It's our window on them that seems to be different. When they can get through that window it is as much fun, at least to my mind, as it was before - things like Peter Jackson's series of FB posts on the last day of filming, and the v-logs. The cast and crew experience seems much as before, and when they share it, it's fun. But there doesn't seem to be as much getting through.


glor
Rohan

Sep 9 2013, 12:15am


Views: 311
Don't understand the film or..

..do and realise that over saturation is a bad idea.

A decade ago we didn't have social media, facebook, Tumblr, twitter etc, viral marketing was only an emerging idea. An over promoted film, marketed in the traditional way, in todays world smacks of desperation, it screams Turkey and puts people off. Heavily marketed films tend today, to be the kind of movies with both feet firmly in the blockbuster catergory, films that are not in the running for critical acclaim and awards.

Also, too much marketing has a reverse effect, where the film is over promoted to the point where the public feel they have seen the movie before it's released and therefore stay away from the box office.

The problem for Warners is getting the balance right. The Hobbit trilogy is one of, if not THE most over scrutinised movie in internet land, the more Warners reveal through promotion, the more there is to complain about and the less intrigue there is surrounding the film, intrigue gets paying bottoms in cinemas, over promotion and over familiarisation via marketing begats free downloads.

I don't think this is just a Hobbit vs Warner problem, it's a general industry problem at this moment, the internet with it's social media, kazillion homemade critics, and paid for downloading plus, easy access pirating has changed drastically how films are marketed, how films make money and how they are perceived.

The marketing for DOS that we have seen so far, seems to be aimed at the nagging $$$, the younger audience without their own cash to spend.


Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Sep 9 2013, 12:44am


Views: 299
Great point

That is a really good point Glor and something I had not thought about. I will have to mull that over. You make a really good case there about no social media really 13 years ago vs. now. We had it to some degree, but not like it is now. And you are right about expectations.

It still makes it not quite as much fun. But I do see your point about how the film is marketed and also about avenues of marketing and how to apply those.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13


glor
Rohan

Sep 9 2013, 1:43am


Views: 289
Thanks. I also think, it's unfair to compare TH to LOTR

in marketing terms. LOTR needed to win over Tolkien fans, it's marketing had to be uber classy to show that this was a grown up film, not some Disney live action fairy tale for kids, so that the public would be interested. This was a fantasy film in a world where fantasy films were a joke, a genre almost full to the brim of bad films, with cheap special effects, naff sets, terrible scripts and really bad acting and before one frame of film was ever publicly released the marketing had to challenge that and set the tone for what as to come.

Even during the release of the trilogy, the marketing had to re-enforce the idea that although this was fantasy, these were grown up films that were critically acclaimed. The marketing was tasteful and classy because that's what was needed to achieve New Line's goal of getting big Box Office and awards.

The Hobbit doesn't need to challenge that, that notion of fantasy films as largely awful is well, over thanks to LOTR. We now live in a world where the biggest and most acclaimed Tv series on the planet is Fantasy, so how do you market the Hobbit, if you can't market it like LOTR becomes there is no need or point?


Jim
Rivendell


Sep 9 2013, 2:56am


Views: 287
It's been underwhelming....

The marketing on these Hobbit movies are no where near the amount of coverage that was given to the Lord of the Rings movies when they were in production. I remember in those days fans could watch videos on the official website about all the different Middle Earth locations, the individual characters and the races. Also they introduced some great screensavers and desktop pictures which I uploaded onto my computer. Looking at current Hobbit movies, there hasn't been anything like that with WB. Since the release of AUJ I only ever had one screencap from the movie as my desktop, since they didn't release any official desktop images for the movie apart from the picture of Bilbo looking out of Bag End.

It's been pretty substandard and its a shame really seeing these movies getting so little coverage, is it because WB are counting on the success of the LotR movies? I don't know but the only one thing I can say they've surpassed the LotR marketing strategy on was the idea of the vlogs, they've been fantastic but you just feel they can do so much more for the sake of the story and the movies.


Glorfindela
Valinor


Sep 9 2013, 4:07pm


Views: 245
I agree with you

And I do think it is a shame that AUJ is not receiving more exposure, and that the promotion it is receiving is – I think – generally poor. Apart from the zombified Legolas and the general elf overload (leaving out Thranduil from the criticism), the trailer was excellent, but otherwise I cannot say I've seen anything that fills me with enthusiasm. I guess I'm also a bit miffed that there are few collectables out there of the type that I like (though that is actually very good for my financial situation!).

Glor raises some interesting points, though. He says that 'a decade ago we didn't have social media, facebook, Tumblr, twitter etc'. These are mediums I dislike so much that I ignore them unless directed by someone to a specific topic, so I don't really consider them as part of any promotion. Physical things that you can touch, handle and store are what do it for me.

I do agree with this statement: 'The Hobbit trilogy is one of, if not THE most over scrutinised movie in internet land, the more Warners reveal through promotion, the more there is to complain about and the less intrigue there is surrounding the film, intrigue gets paying bottoms in cinemas, over promotion and over familiarisation via marketing begats free downloads.' So bearing this in mind, perhaps it is best to see less than too much in the way of promotion – for instance, I do not want to see spoilers of Beorn or Smaug. However, I do think the Elf spam is very off-putting (and I'm not talking about Thranduil here either).

I too remember the screensavers for LOTR – I still have one of Shadowfax on my old computer.


In Reply To
The marketing on these Hobbit movies are no where near the amount of coverage that was given to the Lord of the Rings movies when they were in production. I remember in those days fans could watch videos on the official website about all the different Middle Earth locations, the individual characters and the races. Also they introduced some great screensavers and desktop pictures which I uploaded onto my computer. Looking at current Hobbit movies, there hasn't been anything like that with WB. Since the release of AUJ I only ever had one screencap from the movie as my desktop, since they didn't release any official desktop images for the movie apart from the picture of Bilbo looking out of Bag End.

It's been pretty substandard and its a shame really seeing these movies getting so little coverage, is it because WB are counting on the success of the LotR movies? I don't know but the only one thing I can say they've surpassed the LotR marketing strategy on was the idea of the vlogs, they've been fantastic but you just feel they can do so much more for the sake of the story and the movies.



Old Toby
Grey Havens


Sep 9 2013, 5:26pm


Views: 218
LOL! Love your phrase...

"Elf spam"!!!

And I also agree with everyone here that WB is just not promoting The Hobbit well enough. Merchandise! Give us merchandise, like they did for LOTR! Aside from the beautiful but often expensive items coming from Weta, there isn't near the same level of promotional material out there. Talk about missing the proverbial boat.

"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)


Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Sep 9 2013, 10:01pm


Views: 182
collectibles

I am most disappointed with this aspect of the marketing. I bought all of the sidewshow collectibles back in the day. I have 2 morgul lord statues, a fel beast, frodo, gandalf, shelob, Minas Morgul, Gandalf on shadowfax, in addition to other collectible stuff in including framed posters of all three movies signed by the cast. i loved the stuff. I also loved the interaction New Line had with the fans. I guess it's just different now. Not nearly as much fun (although I am better off for it I guess financially which is something to consider).

Still I wish there was more out there. It's just a movie now, not an experience.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13


Glorfindela
Valinor


Sep 10 2013, 11:10am


Views: 164
My taste was more for ephemera

I collected cards from around the world (there are some beautiful sets, some of which were incredibly difficult to source and complete). I especially liked the promo items such as the wonderful Japanese cards that came with a chocolate product of some sort, a large Brazilian set, which I think came with chewing gum, Spanish Popitas cards, tiny Polish Lays cards and so on. It is interesting to see how the designs varied for the different countries.There were also some lovely phone card sets, including gorgeous ones from New Zealand (the FOTR set was particularly difficult to source and in fact the company concerned sent me one for free after I pestered them, for which I was very grateful!).

In a way, I'm quite glad that there isn't all this stuff for The Hobbit, because I am absolutely out of space now (I have albums full of this stuff).

I would, however, really like it if the DVDs at least were up to the standard of the LOTR ones (for the UK)…


In Reply To
I am most disappointed with this aspect of the marketing. I bought all of the sidewshow collectibles back in the day. I have 2 morgul lord statues, a fel beast, frodo, gandalf, shelob, Minas Morgul, Gandalf on shadowfax, in addition to other collectible stuff in including framed posters of all three movies signed by the cast. i loved the stuff. I also loved the interaction New Line had with the fans. I guess it's just different now. Not nearly as much fun (although I am better off for it I guess financially which is something to consider).

Still I wish there was more out there. It's just a movie now, not an experience.



Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Sep 10 2013, 10:45pm


Views: 147
that's so cool Glorfindela!

That sounds totally awesome all those card sets. I bet you have tons of albums with them. Very cool indeed. And yes, I am better off financially since they aren't putting out the stuff for The Hobbit LOL so I guess I can be thankful for that. I dropped a ton of cash on LOTR related stuff. The Weta statues, posters, I have a trilogy Tuesday banner, you name it I bought it (not the cards though so that's cool that someone like yourself collected those!

The DVD's I'm sure will be great. The thing is the one thing I want on them isn't there: The cast commentary. Not sure I'll be getting it this time around. But if that's not such a big deal to someone they are certainly worth getting I suppose. The commentary tracks though I loved more than anything because I loved the cast perspective on the whole movie and the making of it.

Oh well, can't have it all I guess.

Thank you for your questions, now go sod off and do something useful - Martin Freeman Twitter chat 3/1/13


Glorfindela
Valinor


Sep 11 2013, 10:44am


Views: 139
I've just counted my albums

I have more than 20, and they are jam-packed with cards (mostly the size of Topps cards, or smaller or a bit larger). I've used Topps albums, some very nice Japanese albums (blue cloth effect with gold lettering and symbols), and also a few Brazilian albums with images from the films. I have the New Zealand stamp collections, by the way, including the ones for AUJ, and also some nice cinema tickets. I did branch out a bit into things like bookmarks, but those are in separate boxes.

I wish someone would catalogue all this stuff, because I fear the info. will be lost. I did start to do this, but ran out of time. I have labelled most of the cards with the country name/associated product (if relevant)…

My beef with the DVD and EE DVD is to do with the quality of the packaging more than anything else (especially for the UK). I'll just have to wait and see exactly what is available before I commit any money towards buying the EE.