Synergy and Technological Convergence

Synergy and Technical Convergence:
Synergy is the strategy of synchronising and actively forging connections between directly related areas of entertainment.   New technologies support this process- web, DVD, downloading.   Media institution exploit various platforms to sell various products related to one film (e.g. film, soundtrack, video game etc.)

Convergence is the process by which a range of media platforms are integrated within a single piece of media technology.   Media institutions recognise that audience enjoy using converged technology, want to consume media in a variety of different ways and provide short form content for downloading e.g.video clips, trailers, music videos, jingles, wallpapers, music tracks etc.

Guardians of the Galaxy

• Toys- Action figures, Bobbleheads, Lego (Lego Marvel Superheroes Guardians of the Galaxy)
• Website- http://marvel.com/guardians (the official site for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy)
• Social Media- Although there is a Twitter, Facebook, Google +, Tumblr, YouTube and Pinterest for Marvel itself, there is no Guardians of the Galaxy specific accounts
• Video Game- Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon is available on Android, iOS and Windows phones, but there is no physical game for any bigger devices.   The characters are also involved in lots of other Marvel based games but with characters from throughout the Marvel universe (http://marvel.com/news/video_games/22962/sdcc_2014_guardians_of_the_galaxy_in_marvel_games)
• Fast Food merch- Featured on Subway meals and merchandising
• High profile premiere- The red carpet event was held outside the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood and Highland.   Lots of new websites reported on it, such as thehollywoodreporter.   You could also watch the premiere from the Marvel website- http://marvel.com/guardianspremiere
• TV Appearances- Almost all of the main cast members were interviewed by someone at some point about the film, at premieres, panels and in TV interviews
• News Reports- There are hundreds of articles on Guardians of the Galaxy throughout the internet on hundreds of different news websites
• Other- the soundtrack was released with music that was not created for the film (Awesome Mix Vol. 1); you can buy t-shirts, lunchboxes, cups, posters, badges, phone cases and film replicas such as jackets and helmets

Kingsman: The Secret Service

• Toys- N/A
• Website- http://www.kingsmanmovie.com
• Social Media- Kingsman has a Twitter, Facebook, Google + and YouTube presence
• Video Game- There is a mini game on the website where you can become a kingsman knight and connect your phone to the game
• Fast Food merch- N/A
• High profile premiere- The premiere was held in Leicester Square outside the Odeon theatre.   Most publicity was focused on Colin Firth but all the main people in the film came
• TV Appearances- Almost all of the main cast members were interviewed by a variety of different people
• News Reports- Lots of websites reviewed the film and are now commenting on the sequel that is supposed to be appearing
• Other- Mr Porter released a Kingsman collection, selling ties, shirts, blazers and shoes  as well as other small accessories like umbrellas and socks; the soundtrack was also released