The Unconventional Marketing Strategy
The decision to use horse-riding apes as a promotional strategy for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” was certainly a bold move. The intention behind this unique spectacle was to create buzz and generate excitement among potential moviegoers. By choosing popular tourist destinations like San Francisco and Los Angeles, the marketing team ensured maximum visibility and exposure for the film.
The Spectacle in San Francisco
The actors, meticulously dressed as apes, rode their horses along the sandy shores of Crissy Field, captivating the attention of both tourists and locals. The sight of these apes on horseback against the backdrop of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge was nothing short of surreal. Passersby couldn’t help but stop and stare, their curiosity piqued by the unusual scene unfolding before them.
Accompanied by a small camera crew, the actors seamlessly blended into their roles as they galloped along the beach. The footage captured during the shoot would later be used in a commercial to promote the movie. The San Francisco Chronicle, always on the lookout for interesting stories, reported on the event, further amplifying the reach of this unconventional marketing campaign.
The Replication in Los Angeles
The success of the San Francisco shoot prompted the marketing team to replicate the spectacle in Los Angeles. Venice Beach, with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse crowd, provided the perfect backdrop for the horse-riding apes. Once again, the actors donned their ape costumes and rode along the shoreline, drawing the attention of beachgoers and passersby.
As news of the horse-riding apes spread, speculation arose about where they would appear next. Rumors began circulating that the promotional campaign might extend to other popular locations in California, such as San Diego and Santa Monica. The anticipation and curiosity surrounding the campaign only served to heighten the excitement for the release of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
The Legacy of the Planet of the Apes Franchise
The Planet of the Apes franchise has become one of the most iconic and enduring series in science fiction cinema. It all began with the release of the original film in 1968, which was based on the French novel “La Planète des Singes” by Pierre Boulle. The film, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and starring Charlton Heston, was a critical and commercial success, captivating audiences with its thought-provoking story and groundbreaking makeup effects.
Building on the success of the first film, the franchise continued with a series of sequels throughout the 1970s. “Beneath the Planet of the Apes” explored the underground world of mutant humans and their conflict with the ape society. “Escape from the Planet of the Apes” took a different approach by bringing three intelligent apes from the future back to the present day, leading to unexpected consequences. “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” depicted the uprising of the apes against their human oppressors, while “Battle for the Planet of the Apes” concluded the original series with a climactic battle between humans and apes.
After a long hiatus, the franchise was revived in 2001 with a remake of the original film directed by Tim Burton. While the film received mixed reviews, it introduced a new generation of viewers to the world of the apes. The rebooted series began in 2011 with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” which served as a prequel to the original film. This film explored the origins of the intelligent apes and the events that led to the downfall of human civilization.
The success of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” paved the way for two more sequels. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” continued the story, depicting the escalating conflict between humans and apes as both sides fought for survival. The film showcased the remarkable performance of Andy Serkis as Caesar, the leader of the apes, using motion-capture technology to bring the character to life with unprecedented realism.
The final installment of the rebooted series, “War for the Planet of the Apes,” delved deeper into the moral complexities of the conflict, exploring themes of revenge, redemption, and the blurred lines between humanity and inhumanity. This film marked the culmination of Caesar’s journey and the epic battle between apes and humans.
Throughout its history, the Planet of the Apes franchise has captivated audiences with its thought-provoking storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and memorable characters. It has left a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to be a source of inspiration for filmmakers and fans alike.
The World of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”
Set in a dystopian future, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” delves into a world where the balance of power between humans and apes has drastically shifted. The film takes place 300 years after the events of the previous installment, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” where an experimental drug called ALZ-113 had inadvertently enhanced the intelligence of a group of apes, leading to their uprising against humanity.
In this new chapter, the remaining humans struggle to survive in a world dominated by their intelligent primate counterparts. Mae, portrayed by Freya Allan, represents one of the last remnants of the human population. She is a resilient and resourceful character who becomes entangled in the complex web of alliances and conflicts that define the post-apocalyptic landscape.
On the other side of the spectrum, Noa, played by Owen Teague, is a prominent ape who has risen to a position of leadership among his kind. Noa possesses a unique perspective, advocating for peaceful coexistence between humans and apes. However, his ideals are met with opposition from both humans who fear the apes’ dominance and from other apes who believe in the superiority of their species.
As the story unfolds, Mae and Noa find themselves drawn together by a shared desire for understanding and harmony. Their journey takes them through the ruins of once-thriving cities, where they encounter remnants of human civilization and witness the devastating consequences of the conflict between humans and apes.
Throughout the film, the audience is immersed in a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative that explores themes of survival, identity, and the consequences of unchecked power. The movie’s cinematography captures the desolate beauty of the post-apocalyptic world, juxtaposing the remnants of human civilization with the flourishing nature that has reclaimed the land.
The Anticipation for “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”
As anticipation for the release of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” builds, the promotional shoot featuring apes on horseback has become a talking point among fans and casual moviegoers alike. The sight of these intelligent creatures riding horses not only showcases the technological advancements in the film but also hints at the intricate dynamics between humans and apes in this new world.
With a talented cast that includes Kevin Durand and Peter Macon, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to the franchise. It invites viewers to ponder the consequences of our actions and the potential for redemption in a world where the line between humanity and animality is blurred.
