What are the most effective ways to market films during the holiday season?

La primera pregunta sería si es imprescindible que la película se estrene en temporada navideña, la predisposición del público para acudir a las salas es mayor, por supuesto, pero también lo es la competencia. tal vez haya que plantearse si la desestacionalización es posible o, incluso, si puede vincularse a un evento/día concreto, por ejemplo, estrenar Oppenheimer en el aniversario del lanzamiento de la bomba atómica.

Understand the traditional values & themes of the genre, the cliches and tropes we see year after year. Identify where your film can add value for the consumer in certain areas, as well as where certain aspects have been over done to the point of viewer burnout. Ask what has happened in the world over the last year or so, and from that how can you draw interest to your film by adding elements which reflect these recent experiences in culture and society. Are you providing a new perspective in the genre or simply remaking one of the cookie cutter, hallmark films that get pumped out year after year?

Study the online presence of films in your area of interest. What elements do they all possess? Ask yourself which of these seem to have positive interactions with your target audience, as well as which turn potential viewers away. Most importantly, review which areas are being under utilized. If you can find a style or medium of advertising which you believe could be improved upon then your film will stand out from the masses as being more original. What works, what doesn't, and what isn't being utilized which can make your film stand out.

Create a buzz about your film by utilizing positive word of mouth promotion. Provide viewers with content which expand your films world. Character backstory, questions and prompts to get influencers talking about, and sharing such content with their followers. A blog or article which brings forth questions about the themes of the film, characters and their decisions, even the setting of the world. Anything a viewer can find by googling questions about your film after watching will only add to their overall experience with your film.

There are many different holiday movie-going experiences, so it's important to understand local culture. For example, in Italy or the US, Xmas Day movie going is a tradition for many. In the UK, cinemas wouldn't be open. Family viewing around holidays opens up multi-generational opportunities. How do you make sure older relatives will see trailers, as well as parents, young adults and kids?

Dan, While theaters may be open in America, I think the really movie-centric holidays are around U.S.-centric holidays - Thanksgiving (Nov) to kick off winter and Memorial Day Weekend (May) to Kick off summer movies. For the U.S., these two holidays are not only family-centric but also kick off seasonal film activities. Moreover, I believe the movies that air during these periods will speak to the quality and, at times types of stories to expect over the seasonal period.