MovieChat Forums > Blair Witch (2016) Discussion > Studio shot themselves in the foot

Studio shot themselves in the foot

posted 8 years ago by cbnspanky2
9 replies | jump to latest

They did WAY too many advance screenings and the word got out that it sucked. Also showing the witch was a mistake.

[–] Mr_Ectoplasma 8 years ago

I also think the initial advertisement of the film under a fake title was counterintuitive; they didn't actually reveal this was a Blair Witch sequel until the end of July, so they had just a little over a month to publicize the fact. Seems silly to me. I think if they'd let everyone know what the project was early on, it could have generated more steam.

[–] cbnspanky2 8 years ago

See I think the reverse is true. Don't reveal that this is Blair Witch until release week. Don't show any advance screenings and then just do the reveal last minute. I think the rollout that Paranormal Activity had was the most genius in recent history. Blair Witch should have gone a similar route.

[–] merickson83 8 years ago

I think they shouldn't have even officially revealed that it was a Blair Witch movie at all. Release it as The Woods, advertise it as The Woods, and let the real promotion come from all the people who saw early screenings going on Twitter and saying "omg guyz teh woods is blair witch!!!" That would make the public feel like they were "discovering" something and therefore generate a lot more interest.

[–] hornacek 8 years ago

I never heard about any advance screenings, and didn't hear any critic or viewers review until the movie got released, so if there had been advance screenings then word would have gotten out before last Friday.

And they barely showed the witch - she was onscreen for barely a second each time she was shown. I know I saw her in the film but I have no idea what she looks like.

[–] cbnspanky2 8 years ago

You must not be involved with advanced screenings at all. They were practically begging people to come in my area. You usually need to be in line at least 1.5 hours in advance to get into most of the advance screenings. This one was only 3/4 full. That was the THIRD advance showing in my area. I had already posted my negative feelings on IMDB a week before wide opening.

"Call me if you ever feel to old to drive" - Me and You and Everyone We Know

[–] hornacek 8 years ago

In my area there were no advance screenings, people couldn't see the movie until it was released on opening day. The type of advance screenings you're describing are usually only in a few cities, and aren't always indicative of a film's success. I mean, you say one screening was only 3/4 full, but it was the third advance screening. One advance screening is enough - once you get to three it's just overkill - just release the movie.

[–] RobsBottin 8 years ago

The reveal of the Witch is not a mistake, sooner or later you would have no choice but to bring her out of the shadows and in to the fore. From what I've read the reveal has been handled with care.

It's all a deep end.

[–] reaseltbim 8 years ago

she just looks like the zombie from REC

[–] jeebs6 8 years ago

showing the witch was a mistake.

Yes it was, one massive mistake.