National, Regional Nets Could Benefit From MLB, Disney ‘G-Force' Promotion
Integrated Campaign Supports All-Star Game, Grand Slam Sweepstakes
Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 4/22/2009 1:44:55 PM
Major League Baseball has become a promotional force with Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckenheimer Films.
MLB is teaming with the film companies on an integrated marketing effort behind the upcoming film G-Force in which a sweepstakes could result in 1 million ticket-giveaway for the theatrical's July 24 opening.
If a grand slam is hit during MLB All-Star Game in St. Louis' new Busch Stadium on July 14, the first 1 million people who have entered on Disney.com will win a free ticket to see G-Force on its opening day.
G-Force is a 3-D comedy adventure about a covert government program in which guinea pigs are trained to work in espionage
As the exclusive sponsor of in-stadium All-Star balloting, G-Force will appear on more than 20 million ballots distributed at the 30 MLB ballparks, at more than 100 minor league ballparks, and through in-stadium messaging and announcements. MLB and Disney will select a child from local Boys & Girls Club of America chapters to participate in the in-stadium All-Star balloting launch ceremony.
At press time, no attendant schedules had been finalized, but Disney was in conversations with MLB national carriers ESPN, TBS, MLB Network and Fox, which will televise the All-Star Game, about media buys, according to MLB officials.
Moreover, with the campaign encompassing a local component in which 29 MLB clubs (the Dodgers have an exclusive deal with another studio) will host "Walt Disney Pictures G-Force Days," opportunities could up open up for regional sports networks and local carriers, according to MLB. As part of those events, movie-themed trading card giveaways and movie ticket/prize-pack giveaways will be distributed at the games.
Additionally, the more than 46,000 attendees of the All-Star Game, will each receive a promotional card with a ticket code redeemable for a free ticket on opening day if a grand slam is struck.
The program marks the most comprehensive promotional sponsorship of MLB by a major motion picture ever and the first movie promoting its debut during the All-Star Game since Disney's Angels in the Outfield in 1994.
"G-Force is an hilarious 3-D comedy that family audiences will love," said Jim Gallagher, president of marketing for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, in a statement. "We hope one of the All Stars hits a grand slam because what better way to launch the release than with a million enthusiastic sports fans showing up as part of opening day!"
Noted MLB executive vice president, business Tim Brosnan: "By teaming the most significant sporting event of the summer with the most anticipated family movie of the summer, we hope to give fans a little something more to cheer for when they tune-in to the All-Star Game. Delivering tried and true forms of family entertainment, Disney and Major League Baseball are a perfect team."
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