I hope the movie is as much fun as the commercials.

With the launch of the final Hobbit movie rapidly approaching (December 17) partner videos are beginning to appear. 

So far I have only seen Air New Zealand's safety video.  As with their tie-in to the previous release, it not only makes me want to see the movie, it makes me want to visit New Zealand.  And it's lots of fun.  If you haven't seen it yet, you can check it out now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO6al0rglD0

Watching it makes me wonder why other advertisers don't step forward to make sponsor safety videos.  It's a rare instance with a captive audience that might actually be grateful for your efforts.

Also on board for the launch, Greyhound has announced that they will be partnering with the movie in their first ever cinema campaign.  Kim Plaskett, VP of Marketing, points out that cinema is a great way to reach people (i.e. young men) who are difficult to reach through traditional media.  And of course the timing is perfect. (Baar, 2014)

But I have to admit that I am rooting for a even weirder tie-in to emerge, something like Denny's hobbit inspired menu of 2012.   Of course it will be hard to top Gandalf's Gobble Melt and Bilbo's Berry Smoothie.  But here's hoping someone is up to the challenge.

(2014, December 4) Baar, A. Greyhound Takes Movie Audiences To Middle Earth.  mediapost.com. 

Retrieved December 5, 2014, from http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/239461/greyhound-takes-movie-audiences-to-middle-earth.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline&utm_campaign=78462

(2012, October 25) You Shall Not Fast!  adelaidenow.com.au.  Retrieved December 5, 2014, from

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/movies/you-shall-not-fast-dennys-hobbit-menu-takes-movie-tie-ins-to-weird-level/story-e6freeuc-1226503066119?nk=aa73dad2f00e992f47f132df7f5a4831

 

Did the online video featuring Amy Poehler convince you to eat at Denny’s?

5/26/11
In an effort to attract Gen Y consumers, Denny’s has been airing a series of online videos called Always Open.
http://www.collegehumor.com/videos/playlist/6442159/alwaysopen

Each video features a celebrity interview conducted by David Koechner. Interviewees include Will Forte, Kristen Bell and Sarah Silverman. While the interviews take place in actual Denny’s locations, food is not the topic of conversation.

The goal of the videos is to portray Denny’s as a comfortable and welcoming place where people can enjoy good food and open conversation. (Corr, 2011)
That’s an interesting idea. But, it suggests that twentysomethings are more interested in the atmosphere of the restaurants they frequent than the food that’s served. Do you think this is true? And did you see the videos before you clicked on the link above?

Corr, A. (2011, April 11) To Attract Younger Demo, Denny’s Online Series Lets Comics Talk Freely. mediapost.com. Retrieved May 25, 2011, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=148405