Spider-man: new marketing technique?

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 1:44pm

First, I'd like to be upfront about my hope that Spider-man will somehow pull through this mire and be a truly exciting and unique Broadway spectacle for years to come.

I DON'T GET IT...

With 50+ million dollars, can't they hire a competent publicist. What gives? How is it possible that we are yet again confused, this time about ticket sales! Don't they want to sell tickets?

Why is their website so subpar? Where are the amazing pictures and videos which provoke excitement and inspire our curiosity?

Why haven't we heard any of the score?

Where are the interviews with the cast and the stories of an amazing commitment as the cast is learning what I suspect must be some rather remarkable moves?

Where is the story about the designs with images of models and sketches?

Instead, this company is allowing the media - or lack of it - to get out of hand. Who is going to invest hundreds of dollars on an evening in the theater with a show that seems mostly to be about doom? Do they want this to bomb?

I am truly beginning to wonder if this is just some money laundering scheme. (This wouldn't be the first time that Broadway produced an intentional flop.)

I just don't get it...


Updated On: 9/8/10 at 01:44 PM

[once a month]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 1:47pm

"Springtime for Hitler...".

Last year I made a deal with myself....Spiderman ticket or Kindle. Of course, I'll be kicking myself with the Kindle if it's a hit!

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 1:48pm

This isn't meant to be a bash Spider-man thread. I am really serious with these questions. It is my hope that someone related to the project will answer my questions.

I honestly don't get it.

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 1:51pm

Surely a strong advance sale is a good thing. I just don't understand how they are expecting to sell tickets - pre rave reviews - with the kind of marketing campaign they are leading.

Can a show of this size hold out without major advance sales?

(Of course, i realize that there is the potential that it won't pull the needed positive reviews, but I'm trying to assume that this is a real viable project that they are mounting with the hope of creating some Broadway magic. Although... I am beginning to question the producer's motives.)
Updated On: 9/8/10 at 01:51 PM

[Proper Villain]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 2:21pm

I concur with Scott.

Although, there is the vaguest of vague melodies on their ugly as sin website. Which btw, who is doing the design for this campaign? Have they researched the Spider-Man brand?

There are videos posted as well, which, was reassuring (from Taymor) seeing that he's not going to sing with the mask on.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 2:50pm

"With 50+ million dollars, can't they hire a competent publicist. What gives? How is it possible that we are yet again confused, this time about ticket sales! Don't they want to sell tickets?"

Its not that complicated really, im sure things will start smoothing over from now

"Why is their website so subpar? Where are the amazing pictures and videos which provoke excitement and inspire our curiosity?"

The shows is barely in rehearsal (if at all) what photos would you like them to put up? All new shows which open without having an Out of Town wont have much on their website till it gets closer to opening. Also what videos would you like?

"Why haven't we heard any of the score?"

We had not heard the score for most new musicals before they are first performed. I never heard the N2N score before its Off Broadway run etc

"Where are the interviews with the cast and the stories of an amazing commitment as the cast is learning what I suspect must be some rather remarkable moves?"

The publicity Dept will know what they are doing, they are performing this week so its starting now

"Where is the story about the designs with images of models and sketches?"

We saw an image of the set but i suspect most of it will be kept secret

[twinbelters]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 3:04pm

I'm convinced they haven't written the score yet and are waiting to get it done the night before.

[hannah_bway]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 5:41pm

Didn't they just change publicists like, last month or something? So wouldn't it make sense that the performance on Good Morning America and the press releases are the beginning of getting it out there more?

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 5:46pm

"I'm convinced they haven't written the score yet and are waiting to get it done the night before."

Like their contribution to Artists Against Apartheid?

"This score was written in a hotel room in New York City, 'round about the time a friend of ours, Little Julie, was putting together a Broadway Show..."

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 9/8/10 at 7:07pm

songanddanceman2: surely you have seen the video blogs and podcasts that many shows have done to inspire interest? Many of those shows didn't open out-of-town, but recorded the rehearsal process as a means for documenting the project.

A show of this size needs constant publicity - and of the positive kind. I understand keeping a lot "secret", but I would hope that the goal would be creating the necessary buzz for an advance sale.

To date, I have seen one photo of the set design and the rather lame videos posted on a rather lame website.

Trust me when I write that I am very excited that Broadway is mounting a spectacle of this nature. I am so there, if they would only do anything to spark interest in this project other than competition for the Carrie award.

Please note that currently there is confusion over the Ticketmaster sale and when general tickets go on sale. Why? This is a no brainer. Nobody should have to struggle to figure out how to buy a ticket to a show. No?

Updated On: 9/8/10 at 07:07 PM