Horror Fans Share Experiences with Viral Marketing Ahead of 2002’s The Ring



Horror Fans Share Experiences with Viral Marketing Ahead of 2002’s The Ring

Upcoming psychological horror Smile made waves online this past weekend with an apparent viral marketing stunt. Actors appeared at a number of Major League Baseball games, staring and maniacally into cameras behind home plate to promote the film.

While the stunt certainly garnered attention for Smile, it also prompted fans to share their experiences with viral marketing campaigns for other horror movies.

One film that did this exceptionally well? 2002’s supernatural horror The Ring.

TikTok user astro_nina, also known as Nina Fitzgerald, took to the platform to talk about the “sick” viral marketing campaign behind the film, which was an American remake of J-horror classic Ringu.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

According to Fitzgerald, the “cursed tape” from the film was widely and randomly distributed ahead of The Ring’s release.

Related: Blair Witch Viral Marketing Website Uncovered by Fans?

“Their marketing strategy was essentially ‘let’s get this tape viewed by as many people as possible without these people being aware of what this is, sort of raising intrigue,” she says.

One way they achieved this was by airing the tape, which allegedly marks its viewers for death within seven days, as a commercial with no context. The video would air between late-night programming “with no words, no mention of a movie, for like a month…so people would run into it and it would just go on to the next thing, and people would be like, ‘what the f–k is this?'”

Marketing for The Ring Also Included Creepy Websites

Toho Co., Ltd.

Though a late-night TV spot would be creepy enough for most, Fitzgerald says that the studios took it a step further.

“But then also, they would leave the physical VHS tape in different places,” Fitzgerald said, detailing how tapes were placed under seats at movie theaters and on car windshields outside of events. The tapes would play the “cursed” video and direct viewers to a disturbing network of websites, including a site from a murderer who became a victim of the tape.

Though Fitzgerald says that Dreamworks, the studio behind The Ring, scrubbed the sites from the Internet and denied any involvement after the film’s release, users on Reddit were able to track down the archived pages.

Starring Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, Daveigh Chase and directed by Gore Verbinski, The Ring is available to rent or buy on Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube.

You can view the original article HERE.

Sam Asghari Wears Matching Outfits With Rumored Girlfriend, Shopping For Furniture
Sam Asghari Wears Matching Outfits With Rumored Girlfriend, Shopping For Furniture
John Krasinski is People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Everything we know about how he was chosen — and why debate over the selection is good for sales.
John Krasinski is People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Everything we know about how he was chosen — and why debate over the selection is good for sales.
Michael Strahan Addresses National Anthem Backlash, I Wasn’t Making a Statement!
Michael Strahan Addresses National Anthem Backlash, I Wasn’t Making a Statement!
What’s it like being the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’? Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans among past titleholders offering advice to the 2024 winner.
What’s it like being the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’? Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans among past titleholders offering advice to the 2024 winner.
“She Just Had an Accident”: “Seed of Chucky” at 20 | Features
“She Just Had an Accident”: “Seed of Chucky” at 20 | Features
Paul Mescal Feels Pressure of Gladiator 2 Box Office Expectations
Paul Mescal Feels Pressure of Gladiator 2 Box Office Expectations
Emilia Pérez Ending, Explained
Emilia Pérez Ending, Explained
Time Moves On: Jesse Eisenberg on “A Real Pain” | Interviews
Time Moves On: Jesse Eisenberg on “A Real Pain” | Interviews
Pharrell Williams denies dissing Taylor Swift’s Kamala Harris endorsement
Pharrell Williams denies dissing Taylor Swift’s Kamala Harris endorsement
Government back arena ticket levy to save grassroots music – but deadline is needed
Government back arena ticket levy to save grassroots music – but deadline is needed
‘Friends’ actress remembers “hullabaloo” over same-sex wedding
‘Friends’ actress remembers “hullabaloo” over same-sex wedding
When is The Penguin season 2 coming out?
When is The Penguin season 2 coming out?
Rays’ Franco charged with illegally carrying gun during altercation
Rays’ Franco charged with illegally carrying gun during altercation
Vikings’ Flores ‘certainly’ wants to be NFL head coach again
Vikings’ Flores ‘certainly’ wants to be NFL head coach again
Mitchell’s 36-point effort keeps Cavs undefeated
Mitchell’s 36-point effort keeps Cavs undefeated
Daboll noncommittal on Jones as Giants’ QB1 after bye week
Daboll noncommittal on Jones as Giants’ QB1 after bye week
Mark Hamill, Mike Flanagan & Many More to Host MST3K Thanksgiving Marathon
Mark Hamill, Mike Flanagan & Many More to Host MST3K Thanksgiving Marathon
21 Surprisingly Progressive TV Shows That Were Ahead of Their Time
21 Surprisingly Progressive TV Shows That Were Ahead of Their Time
Mare of Easttown Creator Reveals What’s Holding Him Back From Season 2
Mare of Easttown Creator Reveals What’s Holding Him Back From Season 2
Mad About the Boy Trailer Released by Peacock
Mad About the Boy Trailer Released by Peacock
Best Early Black Friday Fashion Deals 2024
Best Early Black Friday Fashion Deals 2024
Your Sleek Gift Guide For Scorpios!
Your Sleek Gift Guide For Scorpios!
Face of Jules Expands: Scaling Luxury Skincare to Meet Rising Demand
Face of Jules Expands: Scaling Luxury Skincare to Meet Rising Demand
Marc Jacobs Edits Vogue, The Rock Covers GQ!
Marc Jacobs Edits Vogue, The Rock Covers GQ!