Another Halloween is here and gone, and of course, slasher films are the preferred fair this time of year for moviegoers. This year’s offering is Saw 5, which coincides with last Halloween’s offering of Saw 4. Looks like they are pumping them out once a year now.

Regardless of the movie, slasher films are a brand of their own, even if the individual films tend to have weaker brand images. Those who are not fans of these films will have a hard time telling the difference between Jason, Freddy, Leatherface, Jigsaw, and the like. (I know, sacrilege, right?) However, fans will have their favorites, and it is that brand that will especially draw them to the films of that particular franchise.

But part of this brand confusion is because all of the film franchises rely on a simple formulaic brand strategy. They pump out movies that will contain two simple elements:

• An interesting main character (usually some psychotic serial killer)
• Lots of people dying

Fans go into these movies knowing exactly what they are going to see. It is our morbid curiosity to see how creative the filmmakers got with the individual deaths. As long as the filmmakers stay with this formula, fans will flock to the movies to see their favorites, and also to see their non-favorites. And that means more money to keep making the films. This is why these movies can have 4, 8, or even 12 sequels.

Simple plot + lots of gore = happy fans.

Brent Allan is a branding and marketing expert who specializes in unconventional methods. He has over a decade of experience in marketing and branding, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. He is the editor for BizWarrior Online and Beneath the Brand Blogs. When he isn’t pontificating about business, he juggles, does magic, and eats fire. What a dork.

Article Tags: Branding | Brent Allan | films | slasher
Filed under: Branding