According to Disney Animation’s chief technical officer, Andy Hendrickson, tentpole films are where it’s at.
What is a tentpole film you may ask?
It’s a movie that relies more on its spectacle than its storyline.
Nowadays, with films being pushed out of the theatre so quick, if you’re wanting to make a profit, you need to entertain with mass appeal.
Hendrickson explains:
Profit equals the ability to capture more than the average share of viewers. A tentpole film is one where you can seed the desire to see the film to everyone in every distribution channel. It’s the only kind of film you can spend $100 million marketing. It’s all about the story? When you’re making tentpole films, bullshit. [Take Alice in Wonderland], the story isn’t very good, but visual spectacle brought people in droves. And Johnny Depp didn’t hurt.
Uhhhh, when it comes to Disney movies? You’re damn right!
Give us an eye feast and we’re set! Ha! JK! We want a awesome story too, but chill. We’re not asking for an Oscar-winner! LOL!