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This Story Has a 97.6% Chance of Success
Maybe the only cultural phenomenon that can compete with the summer Olympics in Rio is, you guessed it, intergalactic space battles.
That’s why NBC and Lucasfilm Ltd. timed the release of the official trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to premiere during prime time Olympics coverage last night. In a wise tactical move, the trailer was teased all week for this Thursday, but never given an exact time. Promos throughout the week cleverly combined Olympians and their special moments and gold medal triumphs throughout this first week’s competition with the trailer music and quick dramatic cuts from the initial Rogue One teaser trailer for a uniquely inspirational and entertaining cross-promotion. Ladies and gentlemen, this is how you develop and execute a successful television marketing strategy that seamlessly transitions into the digital sphere of instant viral video status.
12 Hours Later: Nearly 3.5 million views on the Star Wars YouTube channel and 60,600 Retweets and 63,600 Likes on the Star Wars Twitter account.
During a week that’s resulted in many, many complaints from American viewers of NBC’s Olympics coverage, fans of the beloved franchise (and even non-Star Wars fans) were treated to a movie preview with exciting settings, thrilling action sequences, a strong heroine and a catch-your-breath moment of nostalgia.
Rogue One won’t arrive in theaters until December, but this Star Wars story could very well be given the Olympics treatment:
Individual high points for various elements of the film, as well as applause heard all-around your cinema as the credits roll.
A Resurgent Warning
Never underestimate the impact of a movie’s soundtrack.
Independence Day: Resurgence hits theaters on June 24th. The original is a classic. The 1996 science-fiction smash hit is as American as apple pie. Considering the multiple trailers and special videos involved in the viral video-driven marketing strategy of movie studios these days, resisting the hype for this highly-anticipated sequel has been difficult. Ideally, a little taste from just the first trailer will best allow for maximum surprises when sitting on the edge of my seat in the theater the opening Friday night.
Listening to the isolated trailer music helps quench my thirst until the premiere.
The sequel must get here faster.
Fourth Be With You May It
What day is today?
Yoda knows.
In 1977, George Lucas (still forgiving him the best we can for Episodes I, II and III) unleashed his imagination to the world with an out-of-this-world space operatic adventure that redefined cinema and the culture in too many ways to identify and describe.
Need a little proof?
May 4th is officially regarded as Star Wars Day. To be more precise, we celebrate today with, “May the 4th Be With You.”
The movie and subsequent franchise that changed everything was born out of something less certain and more fluid than some may realize. George Lucas, as heard in the clip below, describes the inception of Star Wars and a few of its leading characters. For any fan, and even the 17 non-fans out there, listening to how the man behind the amazing creation of this epic saga realized his galaxy far, far, away is compelling.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to turn on my lightsaber and let The Force be with me.
And may it also be with you.
Happy Monday!
“We’ve always defined ourselves by the ability to overcome the impossible.”
Not only did this teaser trailer solidify all my hopes for Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar back in late 2013, but this 2-minute video serves as inspiration with a side of chills for every occasion.
Every occasion, including a rainy Monday.
Go ahead, watch it again…and again.
Have an Awe-Inspired Week!
Jimmy's Daily Planet 