In today's world of new media described in our readings and lectures the impact on such forms of traditional media cannot be overlooked. One of the most important demographics for any marketing project is the notorious 18-34 year old group. This segment of the population is of great importance for any product or service but especially to the entertainment industry. I came across an interesting article today while using stumbleupon. According to David Jenkins, film and television production companies are beginning to blame their slipping ratings on the Internet and video game usage. Mr. Jenkins linked back to the original article in Advertising Age by Claude Brodesser-Akner. The articles state that many industry executives have blamed the poor box office sales of the new Ben Stiller Comedy "The Heart Break Kid" on the release of the Xbox 360 video game Halo 3. According to film industry executives the 18-34 year old demographic is being lured away from the theaters by video games. I envision two possible outcomes of this new marketing reality; more films based on video games will be produced or this completion will force the industry to produce better films. Let's keep our fingers crossed for the latter.
2 comments:
While I am not for sure about games being the cause of declining ratings and less money at the box office, I do think the internet has a lot to with it. It is a lot easier to miss a show now and watch it on the internet days later. All the major networks offer this. I do not know if that goes towards ratings but I do not think it does. As for Halo 3 being the cause of Ben Stiller's new movie not making money, I just think people thought it didn't look good. Hopefully like you said this will force people to make better movies and better tv shows.
Good point, Shane. Watching TV? Psh, that would make me conform to THEIR schedule. I'd rather just watch shows on TV Links :P
Like you said, Andrew, the movie industry needs to pick it up here a bit. Instead of more sequel summers, what about some original films not based of books or toys or games?
I think videogames are preferred because ones that are popular on XBox Live like Halo 3 are engaging - you can play with friends or people around the world - so this game has a lot of replay value.
Unless it's a movie I want to see, I'm not paying $9. I'd rather kick it with my friends and melt faces as Master Chief.
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