Wicked's Success: A Director's Take on Fan Engagement and AI
Viral Marketing
Jon M. Chu
Justin Bieber
Wicked
Film Production
AI in Filmmaking
Social Media
8
Human Spark Remains
Media Hype
6/10
Real Impact
8/10
What is the Viqus Verdict?
We evaluate each news story based on its real impact versus its media hype to offer a clear and objective perspective.
AI Analysis:
While AI’s influence is emerging, Chu’s perspective underscores the fundamental role of human creativity and connection, suggesting a more nuanced and less immediately disruptive future for AI in filmmaking.
Article Summary
Jon M. Chu, director of the hit musicals *Wicked* and *Wicked: For Good*, attributes the films' success to a foundational understanding of viral marketing and the power of direct fan engagement. His early work with Justin Bieber, where he witnessed fan numbers explode after Bieber’s Twitter posts, demonstrated the value of connecting with audiences during the creative process. This approach fueled his approach to *Wicked*, leading to strong fan investment and influencing the marketing strategy. Chu emphasized that the “story is being told before you even start shooting,” and the importance of ongoing engagement post-production, exemplified by the strong bonds with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. He’s also cautiously optimistic about AI’s potential in filmmaking, particularly for information gathering and organization, yet values the organic, unscripted moments that contribute to a film's unique charm, like Erivo's spontaneous wink.Key Points
- Direct fan engagement, exemplified by Chu’s experience with Justin Bieber, was crucial to the success of *Wicked*.
- The 'story' is continuously being shaped by fan interaction throughout the creative process, not just during production.
- Spontaneity and organic moments, like Erivo’s wink, are vital for creating memorable and impactful cinematic moments.