What’s in a Name? Inside the Art and Science of Crafting the Perfect Movie Title

In 2021, Paramount was testing a new movie called “Something’s Wrong With Rose” — a supernatural horror film about a therapist named Rose who loses touch with reality after witnessing a patient’s bizarre suicide. 

Click here to read the story at variety.com.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is marketing important in the movie industry?
2. How does it impact the success of a film?
3. How might naming at film represent an example of marketing?
4. What is market research?
5. What are the different forms of market research?
6. What is a movie screening?
7. What type of research is a movie screening?
8. Why do studios screen films before the box office release?
9. Why did Paramount decide to rename the film “Something’s Wrong With Rose”?
10. How do you think that decision impacted decisions relating to the studio’s marketing campaign for the film?
11. How do you think it impacted the film’s overall success?
12. According to this story, what are some things that are considered when naming a movie?
13. This news story suggests that those who own and operate cinemas believe naming a film has become more important than ever. Why?
14. What is SEO?
15. Why is SEO an important aspect of movie marketing?