ORLANDO (CelebrityAccess) – On November 27, 2019, the long-awaited Martin Scorsese movie ‘The Irishman’ premiered on Netflix. And it has turned out to be the film everyone can’t stop talking about. The movie is based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses of 2004, about the life of Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran, a hired killer mafia who confessed their crime.
It stars notable names such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. No doubt, these are actors that a lot of people would gladly pay money to see. However, how has ‘The Irishman’ generated such a loud buzz, despite big Hollywood studios rejecting it from the onset?
We look at all the marketing campaigns and tricks Netflix pulled to get us all hyped about the movie.
It Came In With A Bang!
Never underestimate the power of a grand entrance. On the 24th of February, 2019, Netflix saw it fit to release the first trailer cum teaser for ‘The Irishman’ during the commercial break of the broadcast of one of the biggest events in Hollywood; the Oscars.
This single act established the film as a must-see as the timing implied its importance. The result was that a lot of people could not stop talking about the upcoming movie for weeks.
Scorsese. De Niro. Pacino. Pesci.
The Irishman, a story of a lifetime.
Watch now on @netflix. pic.twitter.com/GvbhtNaari— The Irishman (@TheIrishmanFilm) November 27, 2019
CREDITS: TWITTER via @TheIrishmanFilm / NETFLIX
Sometimes, Less Is More
Still on that epic teaser! Even though the clip lasted just over 40 seconds, it was rich with information. While rolling out the big names that would be in the production, a phone conversation occurs between two men. It is short but quickly establishes how “badass” the plot would be, especially with the reference to the term “painting houses” which means killing people.
Even without providing any concrete information on what goes on in the movie, Netflix was able to get people interested in its new project. It did not stop there, however.
Apply Gentle Pressure
The release of the teaser was followed, albeit much later, by the airing of two more trailers; one each in the months of July and September. The studio was sure to display the acting skills of its cast in each of its trailers. They were simply irresistible. Spacing out trailers as a build-up to the release of a movie is a popular tactic. One that Netflix utilized to the fullest extent.
Brand Personification On Social Media
‘The Irishman’ already has a number of verified social media accounts, with the most notable ones on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. This has allowed marketers to connect directly to potential viewers and remind the public of the movie’s arrival. Safe to say that Netflix would be reaping the rewards now.
Getting Reliable Help
Netflix got a Hollywood-based and entertainment-focused marketing agency, Concept Arts, for the release of the movie poster in September. The resulting piece of art/advert features the three main acts Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. And they look dead serious. This poster hinted at the thrill to come while watching a crime film filled with such talented veterans. This was just one of the many other feats achieved with the help of reliable entertainment marketing teams.
Final Thoughts
The movie currently has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 86% on IMDb, and 94% on Metacritic. Already, on Netflix, there is great hope that ‘The Irishman’ will become the first title of the platform that wins an Oscar after missing out last year with ‘Roma.’
