Once again, we have an example copycat articles inspired by a press release. (For a previous example, click here.) This time, the news is that Hammer Films, the production company behind classics like CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957) and HORROR OF DRACULA (1958) is creating a new film that will debut on MySpace before being sold on DVD.
“Hammer Films in horror movie return” (at the SunderlandEcho.com) just gives the bare-bones info:
Hammer Films has announced its first horror movie in over 30 years. But instead of going to the big screen, Beyond the Ravewill be broadcast in episodes on MySpace next spring before being released on DVD. Featuring Sadie Frost, the film is a UK co-production with the social networking website.
Filmmakers said Beyond the Rave would contain “all the ingredients of a Hammer classic made for a 21st Century audience: vampires, blood, death and suspense throughout”.
A spokesman said the film was being released on MySpace to make it “relevant to a 21st Century audience”. Hammer Film Productions chairman and chief executive Simon Oakes said: “This is a bold venture creating horror for the 21st century through a variety of technologies.
“Hammer Horror returns on MySpace” (at TimesOnline.co.uk) offers a bit more background:
Hammer’s resurrection follows its takeover earlier this year by a consortium led by John De Mol, the Dutch producer behind Endemol and creator of Big Brother. The new owners have promised to plough £25 million into a new generation of films for horror lovers via the web and mobile phones.
This latest venture aims to refashion the genre for a modern audience using a host of up-to-the-minute technologies, according to Simon Oakes, Hammer Film Productions chairman and chief executive.
“When Hammer Films first started, it was an innovative production company and this new venture marks the beginning of a journey to recalibrate the DNA of Hammer Films for a new audience,” he said.
James Fabricant, MySpace Europe’s director of entertainment and head of video, said: “This partnership demonstrates the power of MySpace and how traditional media is being turned on its head.
“For Hammer to make their first movie in 30 years specifically for the MySpace community is a phenomenal development and shows the dramatic change in how consumers want to access content.”
Other articles recycling the same press release: “Hammer horror back from the dead” – “MySpace TV Co-Producing Horror Flick in the UK” – “Sadie Frost stars in the return of Hammer horror“
You know, I think the Internet is great, and it’s nice that this release strategy is generating some attention, but let’s get real here for a minute. BEYOND THE RAVE will not be making its debut on MySpace because it’s a bold, daring move. If the producers felt they had a film that could compete in the theatrical market and make $100-million, they would release it in theatres. Putting it out on MySpace is just an example of looking for a small pond where you can be the big fish.
RELATED ARTICLES: View behind-the-scenes clips from the film here.
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