The highly debated merger between Discovery and WarnerMedia in 2022 has proven to be a smart move, according to the executives at what is now known as Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. The recent success of the film “Barbie” serves as a testament to this.
With a close-to $1 billion global box-office revenue, “Barbie” owes its momentum to more than just its compelling storytelling. Warner Bros. Discovery utilized its vast media empire to market the film effectively, as highlighted during the recent earnings call.
CEO David Zaslav emphasized the collaborative efforts of the entire company in promoting the blockbuster. Various divisions played a crucial role, including a four-part Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge series on HGTV, a Barbie-themed Summer Baking Championship on the Food Network, and a teaser shown during the NBA Eastern Conference finals through Turner Sports.
This strategic approach has undoubtedly contributed to the film’s success, showcasing the unique capabilities and assets of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Warner Bros. Discovery: Unmatched Power in Eventizing and Marketing
Warner Bros. Discovery has emerged as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, thanks to its unique approach and diverse media assets. By “eventizing” its properties and titles across global platforms, the company takes advantage of its full weight and power to drive awareness and excitement.
David Zaslav, the visionary behind Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasizes the strength of the company’s unified effort. He describes a strategy of “supersizing” content pushes by leveraging various parts of the WBD empire. Last year, this approach was successfully implemented with “House of the Dragon” and “Hogwarts Legacy.”
With such a diverse set of amazing assets at their disposal, the key question is how to make them work together without the need for additional expenses. Zaslav highlights the effectiveness of utilizing existing marketing platforms and the power of authentic endorsements. He believes that having influential figures like Charles Barkley and Shaq express their genuine love for a product or title can often surpass the impact of traditional commercials.
An excellent example of this strategy in action was observed during the NBA Finals coverage, where both basketball stars actively engaged with Warner Bros. Discovery’s offerings.
In an industry where distinctiveness matters, Warner Bros. Discovery stands out with its unparalleled ability to maximize the potential of its media assets. It is truly a force to be reckoned with, taking entertainment to new heights.
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