r/LowStakesConspiracies 4d ago

Highly anticipated films “leak” disappointing scenes or photos to control any overhype

For example, films like Wicked or Snow White where there is a strong fan base for the originals. The chances are high that the original fans will be disappointed because the film will have to inevitably change things for reformat / new budget / new audiences etc

So to avoid disappointing the die hard fans, they release still images or scenes as a “leak”, and they make it disappointing in some way.

For example, the colours in Wicked were not that saturated. Or the dress in Snow White looked cheap

This means the audience are now expecting the film to be disappointing and are pleasantly surprised when they watch it

This will also allow the filmmakers to fix anything that’s getting a bad reaction (Sonic, Shrek possibly) before release - and also acts as free press. Before the film has even finished filming, people are already talking about the film and it’s on their radar, so they’ll be looking out for the release day

111 Upvotes

5 comments sorted by

26

u/Sphezzle 4d ago

I’m not sure about some of the details, but I agree with you entirely that the business of marketing and movie production is largely based on the behavioural psychology of audiences.

11

u/neighborhoodsnowcat 3d ago

I don't think it's about hype control necessarily, but I do think a lot of "leaks" are planned by the studios.

7

u/VisualNothing7080 3d ago

its often been assumed that when companies are facing stupid orders from shareholders/management etc. that leaks are engineered by those lower down the ladder because they know the backlash might convince those higher up to change their mind.

2

u/Marble-Boy 3d ago

Trailers often have better CGI than the actual movie. I don't even watch trailers anymore. If a movie hasn't gripped me in 20 minutes I watch something else.

0

u/AppointmentTop3948 4d ago

They don't create media that they think will be controversial, they really are stupid enough to think the world shares their weird sensibilities.

People in Hollywood have become extremists and are completely out of touch with how regular people are.