Social Media Research

 Media text: Poor Things

Social media tool: Instagram

Description of types of posts: A TON of promotional pictures of Emma Stone (understandable), promotional events (costume exhibit), trailers and teasers, pictures of the set, post-release posts about its awards.

Description of how branding is developed (or not): It develops the image of Emma Stone incredibly well who of course, plays the main character, Bella Baxter. The film certainly doesn't live or die with Emma Stone, but marketing such a high profile actress who is also incredibly recognizable is certainly beneficial for Poor Things' branding which is a feminist piece about self-discovery. It shows Yorgos Lanthimos, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe too, but it's unquestionable that the vast majority of the branding is developed through as association with Emma Stone and the character of Bella Baxter. The pictures of the set and promotional events associated with costumes and exhibiting props is indicative of its luscious set design which considering it's a forerunner in this year's production design race at the Oscars is a strong brand for the film.

Analysis of how you will use this to develop your own social media presence: Honestly, I chose Poor Things because Emma Stone is my favorite actress and she is obviously incredible in this film even if I do think Gladstone should win best actress. Anyway, since I don't exactly have any marketable stars, I'll think about marketing the aspects about my film that are the strongest just as Poor Things marketed its production design (so hopefully cinematography). I want to build my brand based off of pretty visuals. 

Media Text: Aftersun 

Social media tool: Twitter

Description of types of posts: Posts about Paul Mescal (heavily marketed him before and after getting nominated for best actor), reposting audience reactions, marketing the daughter-father duo in the film 

Description of how branding is developed: The posts with the two stars Mescal and Frankie Corio who serve as the father and daughter in the film are greatly effective. They seem to have excellent chemistry and so anyone wanting to watch the film would expect an equal level of synergy, especially playing such an intimate and complex relationship. Paul Mescal also has many photos with his actual family members and I have to imagine this only serves to further strengthen the sense of family that Aftersun is meant to exude. 

Analysis of how you will use this to develop your own social media presence: Twitter is a much better social media platform to respond to people on. Aftersun's account uses audience reactions and retweets quite often, citing positive reception from others as a reason you should watch it. I am enticed by the opportunity to talk and respond to people but of course, I'm also afraid that I won't get any interaction so...anyway. I learned to take pictures of my actors together because my actors will also be having a similar relationship (father-son) so it should work out.

Media Text: Moonlight 

Media Tool: Instagram

Description of types of posts: Posters, trailers, teasers, reviews, actors. 

Description of how branding is developed: The first post is a mashup of the three posters with Chiron as a kid, teenager, and adult. This is crucial to the branding (the tag line is "The story of a lifetime" after all) and tells right away that it is a film about the progression of time. There's pictures of Mahershala Ali who is the most recognizable actor in the film.

Developing my own social media presence: A striking visual poster to clarify story events and the selling point of the film is crucial.