Ex_Machina - Marketing

Ex_Machina was marketed using multiple different techniques that helped to build up anticipation for it during the production process. This is a list of the different techniques used:

• Websites
  
• Social Media
• Trailers / Teaser Trailers
• Posters

Websites

Three official internet sites were designed and created to market and present Ex_Machina:

• Official website // Consists of a modernistic single long page containing the trailer, reviews, a synopsis of the story, and the cast and crew; each section scrolled through enters with a contemporary animation. The opening section of the website contains animated geometric triangles that can be interacted with using the mouse pointer, also, a song from the film's soundtrack is played while the website is in use. This modern and interactive website links with the technological theme of the film.

• Ava Sessions // Opens with a short conversation with 'Ava' through text that leads to the user either selecting a photo from their computer or using the webcam to take a picture that Ava will 'draw' in a similar style to how she draws in the film. This immersive website allows the audience to feel connected with the characters in the film, therefore increasing the chance of them wanting to watch it. This website also includes a contemporary animated user interface that links with the theme of the film.

• BlueBook // Opens with the text entering by a modernistic animation, another song from the film's soundtrack, and similarly animated geometric triangles that can be interacted with using the mouse pointer. This website is supposed to represent the search engine that the character Nathan programmed and produced in the film. This website immerses the audience into the story of the film and positions them to suggest that the technological aspects of the film are genuinely possible.

Social Media

An incredible free marketing technique was used to attract attention to Ex_Machina. This technique was a Tinder campaign, where the producers of the film created a Tinder account for Ava and started using it to flirtatiously converse with a man. Due to this marketing act being performed during the popular 'indie' convention South By South West (SXSW), it attracted a lot of attention from the film's target audience. This unique marketing ploy got the film into the mainstream press.

Trailer

The official trailer for Ex_Machina was released close to the date of the official release of the film to show a sneak preview of various shots and scenes; this gave detail about the film but not enough to give away too much, therefore increasing the anticipation and audience.

Posters

Multiple posters were produced to market Ex_Machina; these posters were well designed in a contemporary and futuristic manner. This style of poster attracted a large audience as they use techniques that are included in posters created for most popular films today.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Marketing

Star Wars: The Force Awakens was marketed using many different techniques that helped to build up anticipation for it during the production process. This is a list of the different techniques used:

• Websites
• Social Media
• Trailers / Teaser Trailers
• Posters
• Chat shows
• Television Interviews
• Product Tie-ins
• Toys

Websites

An official website for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was created prior to the release of the film to attract attention through the internet by sharing information; this increased the audience massively as many people use the internet.

Social Media

Star Wars: The Force Awakens was advertised massively through the use of social media; this attracted a massive amount of people as essentially every person in every country with internet access uses social media. These two graphics present specific data based on the popularity of the film on different social media sites.

Teaser Trailers

These teaser trailers were released to share sneak previews from the film to the possible audience in an attempt to build anticipation at an early date.

Official trailer

The official trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released at a closer date to the official release of the film to show a final sneak preview of longer shots; this gave more detail about the film but not enough to give away too much, therefore increasing the anticipation and audience.

Posters

Official posters for Star Wars: The Force Awakens were released with different formats and layouts depending on which country they were released for. As shown in the two examples below, the Chinese poster attracts more attention to the stormtroopers and the spaceships in comparison to the US poster; this represents how different cultures and audiences are attracted by different aspects in films.

Chat shows

The cast and crew of Star Wars: The Force Awakens featured as guests on live chat shows and television news interviews; this shared some information about the people involved with the film with the audience, therefore increasing interest.

Product tie-ins

Disney and Lucasfilm made deals with businesses and companies of all different sizes that produce all different kinds of goods and products; these deals allowed the companies to brand their products with Star Wars: The Force Awakens advertising. This made money for these companies and it created a lot of advertising that could be seen by everyone in any part of the world.

Toys

Disney and Lucasfilm also made deals with businesses and companies that produce children's toys; these deals allowed these companies to produce toys with a relation to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This attracted a larger audience as it advertised the film to children.

Magazines

The cast of Star Wars: The Force Awakens were photographed and presented on magazine covers. This attracted the attention of teenagers and young adults as they are the most common audience of magazines.