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 marketers utilize QR codes to promote upcoming movies, make them part of the storyline, and engage the audience.
QR codes integrated into your marketing and film content can help your film stand out in a crowded and competitive marketplace.
In this blog, let’s see how these creative use cases of a QR code for movies, films, and even series create value for viewers and capture value in return.
QR codes in movies: A new way to engage moviegoers
Doing something remarkable is one of the critical strategies in film marketing and 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; anyone seeing an attractive advertisement, trailer, or even a short clip will be more entertained.
That is why you can use a cinema QR code to engage your audience while promoting your film.
Over the years, there has been a significant increase in smartphone users and access to the internet.
These factors would make your movie QR codes and marketing strategy even more effective.
For a more detailed illustration of how QR codes in movies are used, we list the top 8 diverse use cases.
Related: How Do QR Codes Work? We've Got All Your Questions Covered
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 a QR code.
The QR code was cleverly integrated instead of the standard slap on the poster.
When the audience scans the code, it redirects them to a mobile-optimized site with photos, trailers, and information about the film.
Inception
Leonardo DiCaprio’s film Inception used 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?
When scanned, it leads to a website that includes 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 film’s nature and helped generate publicity.
True Blood TV ad
A groundbreaking TV ad campaign made it to the spotlight in 2010 when a designer QR Code appeared in the said ad.
When scanned, it unveils an exclusive clip from the upcoming True Blood season, 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.
Law School
A legal drama, Law School makes use of the wireless tech tool – QR code.
In episode 2 of the drama, the printed QR code is posted on the Hankuk University Law bulletin board.
When the QR code is scanned, it displays a form of the petition on the students’ smartphones.
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 and its owners/officers.
Isn’t it a great preview of 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, Martha Marcy May Marlene.
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 QR codes appeared in the 2- and 30 secs trailer.
It somehow relates to the film’s premise that the human race has a legend in their minds that makes them susceptible to advertising.
Some movie QR code scanners will lead to the movie’s website, while the rest will redirect to the film’s Facebook page.
Ready Player One
The sci-fi movie Ready Player One has snuck in a QR code in the movie trailer.
In keeping with the story’s plot, the movie trailer creatively used QR codes 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 the official website of the film.
The page displays a poster titled 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 with a simple smartphone scan. 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 if you use a QR code for a specific purpose; you can include it in your print collateral, outdoor display, and even online presentation.
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 essential data.
You can trace the data using the data tracking system of an advanced QR code generator, like QR TIGER. 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 keeping your viewers engaged.
Conclusion
As smartphone usage accelerates, QR codes are becoming a powerful tool. It is a vital tool for audience engagement, excellent film marketing, and crafting film content.
Movie QR codes offer a unique opportunity to bridge online and offline media while differentiating you.
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 learn more about using QR codes in your film marketing and content.
Frequently asked questions
How to make a QR code for movie marketing?
You must first select a QR code generator to make a QR code. Then, choose the type of solution you need for your movie marketing.
Enter the data you want. Always choose a dynamic QR code to edit and track your QR code.
Next, customize your QR code before downloading and printing it, and 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 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 in the online marketplace, use a trusted one that offers conversion tracking, various designing options, and critical features.
