Movie merchandising is a no-brainer when it comes to marketing a movie. To watch Harry Potter whip his wand with a “Wingadium Leviosa” and then being able to return home and recreate the moment with Potter’s exact wand, is an unparalleled high for a 10 year old back in the day. Isn’t that the kind of impact everyone wants to see their movie make?
At Myfandom, we understand the value of good quality merchandise and the desire to “Live your Fandom” that consumes a fan. While we have dabbled in several types of merch, movie merch holds a special place in our heart because of the sheer scope of creative possibilities available to us. Plus the joy that a movie buff exudes to own merch is quite special.
RELEVANCE OF MOVIE MERCH
The number of action figures generated by the Marvel Universe may have given you the impression that movie merch is a recent concept. But it isn’t. The history of movie merch making is a fascinating one that dates back to the early 1900s.
For almost as long as movies have been in existence, so has movie merch. In one form or another, attempts were always made to create a tangible souvenir to encapsulate the magic of the movies.
There are several reasons for filmmakers and studios to factor merch in their movie marketing budgets. It is a promotional tool that heightens the fate of a film, not just at the box office, but even beyond. Fans are able to immerse themselves in the world that their favorite characters and actors inhabit. It is a proven way to gauge the audience’s mood for a particular film and even build anticipation for it. Another way, sometimes overlooked in the larger scheme of things, is the ability for merch to create a sense of camaraderie within the team that makes the film.
FUTURE OF MOVIE MERCH
The possibilities with movie merchandising are truly endless. With technology moving at the rapid pace that it is, very soon movie merchandising will also begin to reflect these advancements. Instead of just a light saber why not one that allows you to virtually duel with a fan across the world!
Creating unique, interactive experiences will become the name of the game. Filmmaking is on a quest to outdo itself at every stage, integrating the best of technology as it progresses. AI, CGI, 3D, 4D, IMAX. With such extravagance on screen, fans deserve some of that in real life too.
The consciousness around sustainable merch is one that is already underway. Brands, businesses and artists are keen to employ eco-friendly processes from start to finish of a project. Carrying this through to fan merch is an opportunity to educate the legions of movie fans on the importance of going green.
TYPES OF MOVIE MERCH
NOTEBOOKS/ PENS
We’re about to drop some knowledge. So you might want to take notes.
You see what we did there?!
With a stylish, handy notepad, notebook and pen, your team will always be somewhere to note their brilliant ideas and yours. Is cool company merch directly related to increased productivity? You let us know.
TEES/HOODIES/SWEATSHIRTS/CAPS
No swag bag is complete without fun tees, hoodies and/or sweatshirts. The apparel section of company merch should not be ignored, because it’s an opportunity to infuse team spirit, company pride and camraderie among employees. While as a company, you get to showcase your brand, tagline and creativity.
MAGNETS/LAPTOP STICKERS/LUGGAGE TAGS
The tiny but might section of company merch. These types of pieces serve as marketing possibilities, even outside the company premises – in clients’ homes, at travel destinations, or even employee work trips.
MOBILE PHONE ACCESSORIES
Another branding-on-the-go option. Keeping functionality a core requirement for all the merch you select forces you and us to think outside-the-box, and that’s when tid-bits like these come into being.
DESK-TOP ACCESSORIES
Keeping the theme of functionality going and creativity, how about some desk-top accessories.
GAMES
If the idea is to be fun and unserious with the merch, or perhaps you’re building a swag bag for a specific event or client, then games are a great option to explore.
