Market Points by Jason Kaplan:
I wasn't quite sure what kind of ending this movie would
have in store, but I decided a Memento / One Hour Photo feel
would be the best sell. Being obsessed with the
"perfect life" and taking lots of pictures probably wouldn't
appeal to the average moviegoers and therefore a platform
release would do this film the most justice. Although
no cast was specified, Sam Rockwell seemed a good match for
the eccentric loner and dreamer while Katie Holmes fit the
girl-next-door simple beauty description.
I would aim for getting attention at film festivals rather
than expensive TV and print ads.
There is no question that this movie will eventually be
made. It is just a matter of time and of
direct-to-video or Theaters. I don't think this pitch
as is would be enough to make a theatrical sequel, but with
all the money and records the first one broke, kids
would probably still beg just to watch Nemo swim around for
90 minutes. However, for kids movies especially, it is
important to keep things familiar and not to alienate the
huge fan base. Just keep it fresh enough for the
adults.
For a theatrical release, an all out advertising
blitz from Disney should do the trick. For a DTV deal,
targeted ads on Nick, Disney and other kids channels will
get all the attention the movie needs.
There is a strong healthy market for religious thrillers
such as Omega Code and Time Changer. I doubt this
movie would be successful in wide release, so it would be
important to study the release strategy of other movies with
a similar subject matter and that completely
self-financed their theatrical release.
This movie seems to address the growing concern from many
religious groups that the government is trying to ban
religion from public life. Given the strong feelings
on both sides of this issue, controversy surrounding the
movie could grow and help propel the movie into the national
spotlight and translate into box office dollars.
