Universal Studios has announced an ambitious promotional program for the December release of Peter Jackson's version of King Kong. Universal has limited the number of promotional partners to just seven entities, Kellogg's, Volkswagen, Toshiba, Burger King, Chase, Nestle and the City of New York, but is working very closely with each promotional partner. TV commercials, for example, are being produced in conjunction with the King Kong production company with digital effects produced by WETA digital, the same workshop responsible for the effects on King Kong (and on Jackson's Academy Award-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy).
Starting in October Kellogg's will offer King Kong packaging on 18 million units of breakfast cereal including 18 oz. 'Collector's Packs' of Kellogg's Corn Flakes as well as Kong-emblazoned 15 oz. boxes of Apple Jacks and Corn Pops. All the packages will contain an offer for a free King Kong t-shirt.
Nestle's campaign also debuts in October and will feature King Kong packaging on more than 10 million units of the company's top-selling candy bars include Nestle Crunch, Butterfinger, and Baby Ruth.
The Chase banking group will offer a limited edition King Kong MasterCard, which provides cardmembers with the opportunity to earn points towards Universal products including DVDs, movie tickets and gift cards.
Volkswagen's worldwide King Kong promotions include television, print, outdoor, and online advertising starting in November and coupled with displays at Volkswagen dealerships, sweepstakes and giveaways.
Toshiba will also mount a global media campaign for King Kong including television, print and online campaigns tied to its new home and personal entertainment products.
In December Burger King will roll out limited-run King Kong-themed menu items, which will be targeted at adult consumers and will be supported by television and online campaigns as well as by displays in 7,500 locations.
The heavily-promoted King Kong film should, by virtue of its connection to director Peter Jackson, have a strong appeal to collectors and there will be plenty of King Kong merchandise available including trading cards from Topps (see 'Topps' King Kong Movie Cards'), toys from Playmates (see 'Playmates Has King Kong Toys'), games and puzzles from Pressman (see 'Pressman Announces 3 Movie Licenses'), and a range of WETA-produced items from Dark Horse (see 'Dark Horse Goes to the Movies').
