How a Movie Becomes a Blockbuster

Blockbusters are typically popular and high grossing films.

The blockbuster movie is typically understood to be a work of film in theater or television which gains notoriety and popular appeal to such an extent that audience attendance and overall gross profits of the movie far exceed standard expectations of the time. The blockbuster movie generally surpasses the accepted standard set by similar films and becomes most notable for its popularity as well as its box office profits.

Mass Appeal

Movies often combine different elements to draw in a wider audience.

One key ingredient of a movie's ability to become a blockbuster hit is the concept of mass appeal. For a movie to find ultimate success, it must appeal to a wide spectrum of both male and female movie-goers as well as both young and old audiences. Movie studios typically attempt to combine elements of action and adventure with comedic aspects or a romantic story line within the plot to attract as many people as possible.

Movie Buzz

Movie buzz is often a big part of its success.

According to Ph.D. research sociologist Brian Uzzi of Northwestern University, movie buzz can often help a film become a blockbuster hit. Certain movies seem to creep into the airwaves and receive constant chatter from news organizations, online sites, talk-show hosts and radio DJs. This can occur even before a film has been officially released. When the movie buzz hits a certain critical mass through this word-of-mouth marketing, suddenly audiences will want to see it and it becomes a blockbuster.

Opening Weekend

A big opening weekend is sometimes an indicator of a blockbuster.

The success of a film's opening weekend is often considered one of the benchmarks for its blockbuster status. Studios carefully stage advertising campaigns with posters, press interviews, billboards and sneak previews before a movie's official open over a weekend or holiday. A schedule is designed to facilitate simultaneous openings in thousands of movie theaters across the country. Extra advertising and timing of the opening maximize exposure and boost audience attendance. As a result, higher sales figures for a movie's open can help bolster ticket sales in the weeks following.

Captivating Aspects

Movies that captivate their audiences have the potential to become a blockbuster.

Typical blockbusters have certain captivating elements that make them stand out and engage the audience. A blockbuster movie might have a timeless appeal such as, "Gone With the Wind." It stars a popular actor or might be based on a well-known story or book that automatically provides a built-in audience as was the case in films like, "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter". A blockbuster movie might also incorporate notable special effects, stunning cinematography or a celebrated musical score.

Critical Acclaim

Critical acclaim helps give a movie more attention.

The critical response to a movie also can have a big impact on whether or not it becomes a blockbuster. Those movies that receive a great deal of attention from critics can be catapulted to greater levels of success than those that receive little or no attention. Often it matters little whether the critics are negative or positive as long as there is talk about the movie.

References

• Ivanhoe Broadcast News: "Physics: Making a Blockbuster;" March 2010
• The Rant: "Using Music to Make a Blockbuster;" March 2000
• Media Awareness Network: "The Blockbuster Movie"