Avtr.com Updates Alex Gerage, October 16, 2009October 16, 2009 When James Cameron’s “Avatar” released its first viral website weeks ago, I stated the only way the campaign could recoup the lost hype following Avatar Day was to be proactive about posting content. Since then, several updates have been made to avtr.com, and are worth a look for those interested in the science fiction film. That’s still most of you, right? Avtr.com retains its blog style format that it had when it went live in September. The difference is several more entries have been made. Most of them surround the continued construction of the mining facilities on Pandora that will be used to harvest their natural resources. One entry discloses a picture and discusses the properties of something called “Unobtanium,” which I’d imagine is one of the minerals being mined. Another entry is about an “Exopack,” which you’ll recognize as the breathing apparatus Sam Worthington’s character dons upon first landing on Pandora in the trailer (and what many argue is a horrible use of CGI). To the left of the website, where there used to be several concept designs of ships and vehicles, are now actual pictures of equipment, maps, and other space trinkets. These are peripheral images and not exactly what I’d call exciting content, but it’s worth a gander because I think you’ll be preparing yourself well for what you’ll see on screen. Also, take a look at the twitter feed on the right side of the page. There are a lot of users stating a new trailer is coming in the next couple weeks. I haven’t found a website supporting that claim, but if details emerge, we will report it immediately. Finally, and most importantly, are two propaganda posters for the Resources Development Administration. Get used to that name, because I think they will be featured quite a bit in the viral and the film. According to the log, the RDA is a non-governmental American company (think MNU in space-kind of) with sole mining rights on Pandora. This leads me to believe that all those ships and humans in the trailer that didn’t look like they belonged on Pandora are from one private company, and not a government branch. Furthermore, it’s clear now that Avtr.com’s purpose is essentially to track RDA’s mining progress. If the new arrivals to Pandora are indeed only from one company, then I’m curious to know how else this campaign will be developed. Could this be the only viral website we get before the release? And what the heck does Coke have to do with all of this? I don’t expect to see any twitter accounts from blue humanoids anytime soon. Maybe my “Avatar Yourself” idea will come to fruition, but really, I’m not sure what to expect now. I’m curious to know what you think. In short, avtr.com is giving some much welcomed background info about the state of Pandora. The story is there if you’re willing to connect the dots. My only gripe is that the plot seems to be based on the “corporation vs. poorly treated aliens” storyline. That sounds a bit too similar to District 9, and I’m afraid that will lead to more criticism. Still, I’m truly excited for the film and will continue to have more updates as they emerge. Share your thoughts below! James Cameron’s Avatar opens nationwide on December 18th. For more information on the film and it’s viral campaign, see our Avatar Page. Viral Marketing Avatar
Sherlock Holmes Viral Review December 30, 2009December 30, 2009Our review of the Sherlock Holmes viral comes from forum member Steve Kidd: Before I begin my viral review, I must warn those of you who have yet to see the recent Sherlock Holmes movie that this article contains minor spoilers. If you have yet to see the film, I… Read More
District 9: Six New Clips August 6, 2009August 6, 2009With only two weeks until District 9 opens, Sony has released two new TV spots as well as some new clips including interviews and a b-roll (seen below). You can check them all out over at Trailer Addict. The new TV spots are mostly cuts from footage we’ve already seen,… Read More
“Star Trek Into Darkness” Viral Site Discovered In Teaser Trailer December 17, 2012December 17, 2012Last week, we got our first look at Star Trek Into Darkness, J.J. Abrams’ follow up to his 2009 hit, Star Trek. If you saw The Hobbit over the weekend in IMAX 3D, you got to see the first 9 minutes of the film. Today the teaser trailer that was… Read More