Did Transformers help GM?
But Transformers did more than increase sales of the Camaro in the short term. It provided the opportunity for GM to cultivate lifelong consumers.
How much did GM pay for Transformers?
Even the name of the film -- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen -- sounds like a bold prophecy for the bankrupt auto maker. With a $200 million price tag, could this film be the most expensive, most effective, most auspicious car advertisement in American history?
Is Transformers franchise successful?
The original Transformers series has received negative to mixed reception, except for Bumblebee, which received positive reviews. It is the 13th-highest-grossing film series, with a total of $4.8 billion; two films in the series have grossed over $1 billion each.
Did Transformers revive the Camaro?
The first Transformers movie gave the resurrected Camaro the 'career-push' it needed to take off. In the 2000's, Chevrolet was preparing to revive the Camaro nameplate with a fifth generation of the muscle car. The Camaro became so popular that Chevrolet introduced a special Bumblebee edition of the car.
What transformer was a Chevy?
BumblebeeDETROIT – A Chevrolet Camaro that converts into the iconic Bumblebee returns to the big screen in Michael Bay's “Transformers: Age of Extinction” in theaters June 27.
Why did Bumblebee change from a Camaro to a Volkswagen?
Director Michael Bay states in the special features of disc two of the first film's DVD release, that the change of Bumblebee's alternate mode was due to the fact that a Volkswagen Beetle reminded him of Herbie.
Why was Transformers so popular?
The transformers franchise is popular because of it's ability to be changed. There are different versions out there to appeal to different audiences. And their giant robots that can feel emotion, hurt and die. Hence the appeal.
Are Transformers losing popularity?
Michael Bay's Transformers movies have been almost universally panned over the years, but against all odds, they remain incredibly popular. Bay's Transformers cinematic franchise has been phenomenally successful, ranking as the 13th highest-grossing film series of all time.
How much money did the Transformers franchise make?
709.7 million USDTransformers / Box office
Why did Bumblebee eyes turn red?
So in the Bumblebee movie, the rule is followed that Autobots have blue eyes while the Decepticons have red eyes, which is normal for Transformers. However, when Charlie was captured by Sector Seven, Bumblebee's eyes turned red with rage as he fought them.
How old is Bumblebee in human?
Prime about 35, hot Rod 20, Bumblebee about 19. Ironhide about 55 or so.
Why is Bumblebee called b127?
As we learn in the 1980s-set franchise prequel, Bumblebee is merely the name he was given after his arrival on Earth. On his home world Cybertron, he was called B-127. At the beginning of director Travis Knight's film, viewers are transported to the final days of the war for Cybertron.
How much did it cost to make Transformers 2?
200 million USDTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen / Budget
What car brand are the transformers?
They want action, and that's what they're going to get from these GM vehicles. Through the magic of filmmaking, they transform into “Autobots” — heroic aliens that take mechanical forms on Earth.
How many product placements are in Transformers 1?
An Astonishing Number of Brands In just the four films, there were OVER 220 brands featured on screen.
What year did Michael Bay direct Transformers?
In 2007, Michael Bay directed a film that turned out to be more impactful than the explosions in its trailer. Both for a worldwide fan base and a car company struggling to sell their signature muscle car.#N#It was a film boasting a huge cult following, massive budget, and a ton of demolitions experts. Shia Lebouf and Megan Fox headlined the cast, setting this film up to be a classic Michael Bay one-shot watch. Set it and forget it.#N#However, Transformers reignited the passion of the past for millions of people across the planet. What I always notice when rewatching the films is that it's not just Autobots vs Decepticons.
When did the Camaro stop being made?
From 1995 to 2003, sales of the Camaro had been in steady decline in the US. After subpar performance, there were only just over 41,000 Camaros on the market in 2002. GM subsequently stopped production of the vehicle altogether in 2003, allowing their market share to be devoured by their competition.#N#However, GM began redesigning the Camaro in 2006. Perfect timing to be considered for the major casting call the Transformers franchise was about to put out. It also didn’t hurt that Michael Bay had a close relationship with GM.#N#Bay convinced the car company to let him cast the new generation of the Camaro as Bumblebee, Sam Heneike’s (Shia Labeouf) autobot ally. But this concept car wasn't going to be available to the general public until two years after the film came out.#N#Instead, the film incorporated an original 1977 Camaro to pay homage to the roots of the American muscle car. Battered and bruised in rust and scratches, it looked nothing like the modern designs GM was primed to release.#N#But the film went on to earn nearly $710 million worldwide and launch a new franchise for both Paramount and Hasbro. In turn, GM saw interest in the Camaro skyrocket.
The Fall and Rise of The Camaro
The Numbers in A Nutshell
- Since the first Transformers film was released in 2007, the franchise has grossed $1,325,037,329 domestically and $3,778,471,557 worldwide. This popularity has also positively translated to interest in the Chevy Camaro. In 2009, 2 years after the release of Transformers, the Generation 5 Camaro dropped and sold 60,000 models. GM would go on to ma...
Building Lifelong Consumers of Camaros
- Think about it like this: You are 12-years old and go to see the debut of Transformers in 2007. You love the film and become a fan of the franchise. Six films and several billion dollars later, it’s 2017 and you are thinking about cars you want to buy. You’ve transitioned from playing with a Bumblebee toy in the driveway to wanting to drive a Bumblebee camaro to pick up your date at t…
Final Thoughts
- Bumblebee is one of the most effective displays of influencer marketing we’ve ever seen on screen. In a normal world, actors are cast to play protagonists and antagonists in films. But this project allowed GM and Chevrolet to position their product as the star of the show. Move over Marlboro man. The amount of exposure and brand equity gained with a combination like this tru…