CASE STUDY

JJ, Bad Robot and Viral Marketing

J J Abrams

A Potted History

Bad Robot Productions (formerly known as only Bad Robot) is a production company owned by J. J. Abrams. It is responsible for the television series Alias, Lost, Fringe, Six Degrees, and the feature length films Star Trek (2009) Cloverfield (2008) and Super 8 (2011)

Bad Robot was originally part of Touchstone Television, but has moved with J. J. Abrams after his contract with Touchstone had expired in 2006.

Bad Robot produced ‘Lost’ in association with ABC Studios, formerly Touchstone Television.

Abrams is Chairman/CEO, Bryan Burk Executive Vice President of the company.

Viral Marketing

Or, to put it more simply…

Cloverfield Teaser Trailer

Exploring Cloverfield as a viral text.

From ‘Alias’

From ‘Cloverfield’

Here’s your starting point…

How many different websites can you find that have a link with ‘Slusho’ and ‘Cloverfield’. What new information can you find about the film, its background and the characters?

1-18-08 jllovesth

Some official websites that have a link to the Cloverfield universe:

www.1-18-08.com

www.slusho.jp

www.tagruato.jp

www.cloverfieldmovie.com

www.myspace.com/jamielascano

(follow friends links to other characters’ profiles)

A question for you…

With detailed reference to ‘Cloverfield’ and one other film that used viral marketing, discuss what effect this method of promotion has had on the film industry and the audience.

Further study

Research some fan made websites and videos that show their interpretations of the ‘Cloverfield’ mythos.

Research the viral methods used to promote early seasons of ‘Lost’.

Watch the following trailer and find out as much information as possible on Abrams’ most recent project ‘Super 8’:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL4zXE-pAzs