The Simpsons Movie: Have Fun With The Marketing
Posted: Monday, July 23, 2007
by Stephany Springer
The marketing executives of the upcoming The Simpsons Movie are geniuses. I have never seen any cooler promotions than with this movie. As of wife of a Simpsons Fanatic, I have become quite impressed with the longest running sitcom (although please don't let my husband know). The show is hilarious and has excellent one liners that keep you rolling in the floor.
Of course, time will tell which is more impressive- the actual movie that opens up this Friday or the marketing leading up to it. I am not just talking about the trailer, either. It is hilarious! But every movie has a trailer. No, The Simpsons execs had to take marketing to the next level much like they have done with producing a show for the last 18 years.
So how is it different, you ask? I have always been impressed with Simpsons marketing mainly because it has always been in merchandising. I mean my husband owns the toys, the cereal, the gadgets, the boxer shorts and even a world's greatest dad t-shirt with Homer on the couch.
However, the marketing for this movie has blown that completely into the tire fire outside Springfield. First, the creators turned several 7-Eleven stores across the country into actual Kwik E. Marts to promote the movie.
Those stores and most of the 6,000-plus other 7-Elevens in North America will sell items that until now existed only on television: Buzz Cola, KrustyO’s cereal and Squishees, the slushy drink knockoff of Slurpees. The sitcom has long portrayed these type of stores as Indian-run stores that sell unhealthy foods. What better way to promote a movie than to take these fictional stores and make them real.
Add to that, the website http://simpsonizeme.com, which will allow users to upload a picture to be made into aSimpsons character. Skin is turned yellow and a printout is available to show all your friends.
Then, of course, the Simpson creators finally laid to rest which Springfield the show is based on, well the viewers did. The winning "Springfield" city was awarded a premiere showing in their town before the movie came out. How did they decide what city would win this honor? Well, cities submitted videos to the creators, then the fans were allowed to vote on which city they felt was Simpsons premiere worthy. The winner was Springfield, Vermont who had the whole town participate in a Simpsons parody. Check out this USA Today site to view all of the entries: http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/simpsons-contest.htm and see what you think of the best Springfield.
Simpsons creators did not stop there, either. The creators are releasing at the same time a book known as The Official Handbook of The Simpsons. It tells how each character is created or drawn and gives step-by-step instructions. Matt Groening recently was on the Today Show to share some tidbits from the book. For instance, did you know to draw Bart officially, you have to draw nine points for his hair. How cool is it to know that?
For Food Network fans, on July 25, the Food Network Challenge is Simpsons Cakes. Cake designers from across the country will compete for $10,000 designing the most creative and original Simpsons cakes. Can't wait to see what yummy creations are made!
Finally, if you have not checked out the official Simpsons Movie website it is well worth your time. The games are fabulous and provide hours of fun, but perhaps the highlight of the site is your ability to create your own Simpsons Avatar. Lots of fun to be able to add accessories and make whatever character you like. There are also cool downloads like trailers, wallpapers, icons and screensavers.
Check it out! It is sure to get you in the mood to pay out $10 for the movie!
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)After reading your article I *almost* want to see the movie.Thanks for the comment! Only almost? But so much money went into the marketing, I am sure :)
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