The future of movie marketing: 8 times QR codes are used in movies and dramas
As QR codes become ubiquitous nowadays, we can even see them in movies and dramas. The film industry and film marketers are utilizing QR codes to promote upcoming movies, make them part of the storyline, and in engaging the audience.
In a very crowded and competitive marketplace, QR code integrated in your marketing and even in your film content can help your film stand out.
In this article, let’s see how these creative use cases of QR codes in movies create value for viewers and capturing value in return.
QR codes in movies: A new way to engage moviegoers
Doing something remarkable is one of the key strategies in film marketing and in creating a buzz in film content.
“By definition, remarkable things get remarked upon,” says Seth Godin, one of the brightest minds in the marketing world.
Marketers and film buffs prize interactivity, and, indeed, anyone who sees an interesting advertisement, trailer, or even a short clip will get more entertained.
That is why you can make use of QR codes in movies to engage your audience whilst promoting your movie.
Over the years, there is a significant increase of smartphone users and access to internet. These factors would make your QR codes in movies and in your marketing strategy become even more effective.
For a more detailed illustration how QR codes in movies are used, we list down top 8 diverse use cases.
Creative uses of QR codes in movies and dramas
Iron Man 2
A cool poster circulated the online world when The Iron Man 2 launched its promotional campaign using QR code.
The QR code was cleverly integrated, instead of the standard slap on the poster. When the audience scanned the code, it redirects them to a mobile-optimized site with photos, trailers, and information about the film.
Related: How to use QR codes on Posters? Here’s how!
Inception
Leonardo DiCaprio’s film Inception made use of QR codes to ramp up the movie’s sense of mystery and hype. The marketing team has taken to the streets with posters directing viewers to a website: What Is Dream Share?
The warning posters were distributed in key locations in the U.S., each one contains a QR code. When scanned, it leads to a website that contains blogs about the mystery of the film’s core concept.
Everyone would agree that the strategy was cryptic, which is very much in line with the nature of the film and also helped generate publicity.
Related: How to make a QR code for a Website in 7 steps
True Blood TV ad
A groundbreaking TV ad campaign made it in the spotlight in 2010 when a designer QR Code appears in the said ad. When scanned, it unveils an exclusive clip from the upcoming season of True Blood, a summer vampire series.
To promote the third season of the “Lost” series to audiences in New York, Los Angeles, and Philadephia, the two-dimensional barcode appears at the end of a 30-second commercial.
Designed by Warbasse Design, the customized QR code has a red and black appearance with a drop of blood.
“For now, this is a clever way to make the commercial last longer,” said Philip Warbasse, chief executive of Warbasse Design, based in Santa Monica.
“If you take a 30-second commercial and add a 2D barcode to it, you are effectively extending your time with your audience. QR code is becoming the preferred method for television advertisers to deliver extras to interested viewers,” adds Warbase.
Related: FashionTV Channel Use QR Codes to Advertise Through Television
Law School
A legal drama, Law School make use of the wireless tech tool — QR code.
It appears in episode 2 of the drama where the printed QR code is posted on the bulletin board of the Hankuk University Law.
When the QR code is scanned, it displays a form of the petition on the students’ smartphones.
Related: File to QR code: How to use a File QR code converter
Start-Up
South Korea’s romantic-comedy series, Start-Up uses QR codes to portray how advanced the world of start-up companies is in the country.
In episode 5 of the drama, viewers can see a QR code assigned to each start-up competing in the hackathon.
When scanned, it displays a brief rundown of the company as well as its owners/officers.
Isn’t it a great preview how QR code is used in competitions or contests?
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Fox Searchlight creatively used QR codes on ad materials such as posters, theatre standees, and coasters in New York City and Los Angeles to promote a psychological thriller film Martha Marcy May Marlene.
Two designed posters contain QR codes that will redirect audiences to two separate trailers for the film, once scanned. According to Fox Searchlight, this is the first time a studio has exclusively released trailers via QR code.
Branded
The marketing team of the science fiction thriller film, Branded has taken to another dimension in marketing by incorporating QR codes in the trailer and posters.
Around 40 odd different QR codes appeared in the 2 min and 30 secs trailer. It somehow relates to the premise of the film that the human race has a code in their minds that makes them susceptible to advertising.
The viewers can scan the codes as they come up on the screen and learn more about the film. Some of the QR codes will redirect the scanner to a website of the film while the rest redirect to the film’s Facebook page.
Ready Player One
The makers of the sci-fi movie, Ready Player One have snuck in a QR code in the trailer.
In keeping with the plot of the story, the movie trailer creatively used QR code to engage viewers. The QR Code appears on the bonnet of a car at 2:03 in the trailer.
When scanned, the QR Code directs the scanner to an official website of the film.
The page displays a poster with the heading — Join the Quest and Innovative Online Industries. In the book (and the movie) Innovative Online Industries is the largest internet service provider.
Advantages of using QR codes in movies and dramas
Ensures user convenience
QR Codes provide a convenient one-step process by a simple scan using a smartphone device. Your viewers will instantly access information like your movie’s trailer, a website, or a social media page.
QR code is versatile
You can integrate QR codes with a wide range of movie marketing materials.
The sky is the limit as long as you use QR code for a specific purpose; you can include it in your print collateral, outdoor display, and even online display.
Measurable
Just like any campaign, measuring its performance is vital. Using QR codes in your movie marketing strategy, you can keep track of the QR code scans and important data.
You can trace the data using the data tracking system of the QR code generator and you can even integrate it with Google Analytics.
Just make sure to generate your QR code in dynamic form to edit and track your QR code.
Competitive Differentiation
QR codes give you an edge in your outreach campaigns and movie marketing because of their powerful features like fast readability and storage capacity.
As you create your QR codes using a QR code generator, you’ll find that there are a wide array of QR code solutions you can use for movies.
It will set you apart as leaders in strategic marketing, movie directing, and even in keeping your viewers engaged.
Conclusion
As smartphone usage accelerates, QR codes are becoming a powerful tool. It is now a key tool for audience engagement, remarkable film marketing, and in crafting film content.
QR codes in movies offer a unique opportunity to bridge online and offline media while differentiating you in the process. Now is the best time to use QR codes!
Stay ahead with the latest tech trends to keep yourself updated and your audience engaged.
Want to learn more? Contact us here to know more how to use QR codes in your film marketing and content.
Frequently asked questions
How to make a QR code?
To make a QR code, you need to select a QR code generator first. Then, choose the type of solution you need for your movie marketing.
Enter the data you wanted. Always choose a dynamic QR code so you can edit and track your QR code.
Next, customize your QR code. Before downloading and printing it, test if it works. Then share or distribute your QR code in your marketing materials.
What is a QR code generator?
A QR code generator is a software that allows you to create customized QR codes. It also offers different QR code solutions for any business and marketing needs.
With many QR code generators available online, make sure to use a trusted one that offers conversion tracking, various designing options, and key features.
