RSSAIM Gets Part in Upcoming Movie
By Nate Mook | Published August 31, 2005, 7:39 PM
Is it a simple product placement, or a travesty of film? AOL Instant Messenger has landed a major role in the upcoming terror flick "Cry_Wolf" about a group of high school seniors whose online rumors turn into a terrifying reality. Whatever you call it, it's clear the Web is now a key player in Hollywood.
From "You've Got Mail" to "Fear.com" to racy chat sessions in "Closer," everyday Internet activity has become intertwined with our culture. AOL's connection with Cry_Wolf began after director Jeff Wadlow won the Million Dollar Film Festival, a year-long film competition sponsored by Chrysler.
AOL's AIM network was selected as the film's instant messaging service, which the students use to spread rumors about a fictional serial killer called "The Wolf." Wadlow was given $1 million to make Cry_Wolf, but the marketing perks could prove much more valuable for those involved.
AOL says it joined Wadlow to come up with a "buzz-building campaign" among teens and horror fans through the instant messaging service and the Web. AOL launched a trivia contest and has created a multi-player strategy game that involves two teams in a chat-centered duel.
Wadlow also setup a blog to discuss his trials and tribulations while making the movie.
Starting September 9, AIM users can message the buddy "AIMCryWolf" to obtain movie showtimes, vote in polls and more. AOL and Chrysler hope this interactive approach to advertising involving instant messaging and wireless communications will bring a larger audience to the cinema.
It's not clear if the killer in Cry_Wolf drives a PT Cruiser.
Who's the genius in charge of AOL marketing? Yeah freaking people out about psychopathic killers using AIM is a way to promote your product. Parents are freaked out enough about their kids using the web as it is.
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|This is retarded. It's not like AOL has a starring role, we're going to see a few nerds typing away in an AIM/AOL IM. Who cares. . .
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|dont worry, wait till microsoft hears about this. in no time you will hear about their halo movie stating that they will have windows running in their movie also.
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|it wouldn't be an AOL/Time Warner bros picture, would it?
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|LOL man, that's just evil.
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|Well....the web IS a key player in everything nowadays. If you're going to have a movie which touches or hints on something 'computer' or 'online' - you may as well have something realistic, especially if that's what the movie is aiming for. Personally, I appreciate that kind of advertising so much more than 'soda cans'. In the movie "Little Black Book", if you look at the Mountain Dew can (and she's ALWAYS drinking Mountain Dew) when she's at lunch with the other co-stars, it's placed to show Mountain Dew from EVERY camera angle. So basically, it looks like the can magically turns itself so it's logo is clearly read no matter where the camera is facing. THAT, is sad.
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|I like the movie demolition man where every restaurant is Taco Bell.
They also make a crack about Arnie being president.
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|They'll be lucky to get the kind of exposure Microsoft bought for the Xbox and MSN in 'The Island'...
Man, that is going to look so stupid in years to come, like the huge 'Atari' signs in 'Blade Runner'.
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|Just saw Hitch over the weekend and Google was mentioned and seen a few times. "The Web is becoming a key player in [everything]."
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