20th Century Fox has announced the studio will preview Cameron Crowe’s We Bought a Zoo four weeks early on Thanksgiving weekend:
Moviegoers will get an early Christmas gift, when Twentieth Century Fox holds nationwide sneaks of its holiday picture WE BOUGHT A ZOO, on Saturday, November 26th four weeks ahead of its December 23rd bow.
Commented Oren Aviv, the Studio’s president and chief marketing officer: “Once in a while, we’re lucky enough to have a picture to which audiences of all kinds and all ages respond so strongly, that it demands a big and unexpected event. WE BOUGHT A ZOO is that kind of picture and Thanksgiving is a great time to share it via this special very early preview.”
The unprecedented lead time between a nationwide preview and the release of the film reflects the Studio’s confidence that director Cameron Crowe’s picture, which weaves together warmth, laughter, loss and a spirit of optimism, will generate excellent word of mouth. Test screenings of the film in both major cities and the heartland have produced exceptional responses across wide-ranging demographics, so the Studio is using one family holiday to prime the release for the next holiday.
The Studio is partnering with the social media service TOUT for a “TOUT Takeover,” in which sneaks attendees can TOUT their reviews of the film, and present their own experiences involving “20 Seconds of Courage” playing off a key theme of WE BOUGHT A ZOO. (One lucky TOUT entry will win a trip for four, to the San Diego Zoo’s “Ultimate Zoo Experience.”) The sneak’s robust social media outreach will also include a live chat with Cameron Crowe, following the film showings.
Cameron Crowe stated, “I think I’m the one getting the early holiday gift, because I’m really excited about these sneaks. Holding previews so far ahead of our opening is a bold move but that’s one of the many reasons I like it. I couldn’t be prouder of WE BOUGHT A ZOO and of the cast and crew that came along with me on this journey. And I’m looking forward to chatting with audiences online following the sneaks.”
WE BOUGHT A ZOO is a funny, inspiring and true story about the power of family to persevere in the face of extraordinary challenges. Starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Haden Church, the film is about a single dad (Damon) who, looking to give his family a much-needed fresh start, moves to a home situated in the middle of a zoo, which he and his two children will attempt to bring back to its once glorious state. Crowe co-wrote the screenplay, with Aline Brosh McKenna, and produces, with Julie Yorn and Rick Yorn.
You can watch the trailer and international trailer by clicking here.
