The Golden Globes are upon us shortly and as excitement surrounds who will win and who will miss out, we took the nominees and turned them into marketing tips - it works!
Often, we watch films (drooling over Ryan Gosling, or Mila Kunis for the guys), enjoy them for half an hour afterwards, dissecting the juicy plot twists, but forget just what that film is telling us. More often than not, the silver screen is sending out messages which relate to your life.
This year's Golden Globe nominees all have a story to tell, whether it's Jonah Hill's comedy or Amy Adams' drama, so we decided to pick our favourite messages that can significantly boost your marketing and business strategy success.
And the 'winners' are...
Meryl Streep
Film: August: Osage County
Award nominated: Best Actress - Comedy or Musical
Lesson: You're a capable leader, but inevitably you have weaknesses that need to be solved by a team.
Academy Award winning actress, Meryl, is no stranger to rave reviews and award nominations. The down-to-earth American has never let fame get to her head, and her emotional portrayal of a widowed family matriarch in August: Osage County is a fascinating journey. Her strong character is broken down by her own weaknesses and family troubles - hopefully 2014 hasn't brought such drama to your doorstep - but leadership is a pivotal role in any company. Getting a balance is everything, to your productivity, staff morale and ultimately, business growth.
Bradley Cooper
Film: American Hustle
Award nominated: Best Supporting Actor
Lesson: You can always change direction, no matter how long it's been
Long before Hangover fame, Bradley was working on various TV shows with parts as an extra, or longer roles, such as his character Will in Alias. Bradley has often spoke of this early time in his career, confessing that his twenties were full of partying, including drugs and alcohol, which is why he's grateful for the direction his career has taken. Bradley became 2012's 'Sexiest Man Alive', was nominated at the 2013 Oscars for Best Actor, with Silver Linings Playbook, as well as earning international fame with the Hangover trilogy.
At 29, he gave up drink and has proven success isn't necessarily an overnight thing for everybody, nor do you always get it right on your first attempt. In the choppy waters of business, it can be hard to successfully negotiate and promote brand reputation and services. Bradley proves that with time it can be done correctly - and successfully - no matter how wrong you originally had it.
Gravity
Award nominated: Best Drama
Lesson: It's a long journey, plan ahead
2013's Sandra Bullock and George Clooney flick earned respect from most critics, with it's heartwarming dialogue and stunning cinematography. The science-action thriller followed two astronauts (Bullock and Clooney) as they journeyed through space - it all goes wrong pretty immediately though.
Although the film is focused on astronauts, space and personal journeys - the theme is easily relatable to common business problems, which can revolve around organisation and planning. Businesses don't often grow overnight, it is a journey and you have to be prepared for setbacks - Gravity and business are similar in this. If you don't have a plan B or clear way out, then things are going to get messy.
Lucky for you, you don't have to re-orbit Earth if things go wrong, unlike Sandra Bullock...
Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Award nominated: Best Song
Lesson: Check out your competition, don't blend in, have a stand-out talent
Katnis
s was back in 2013 and the film followed the same successful formula as before, although it perhaps was a little nicer - competitors joined forces for the duration of the 71st 'Hunger Games'. You may not be required to face mythical creatures, swim oceans and murder rivals (wouldn't help your business reputation), but you should be aware of them and even consider teaming up.
Ensure you have that USP, like Katniss, she is an amazing hunter, what makes you stand out from everyone in your field? On top of that, which of your rivals could help you get further? Joint business deals can vastly improve your networks, customer demand and brand awareness.
American Hustle
Award nominated: Best Comedy or Musical
Lesson: Always remember your humble beginnings
A story filled with fraud, scandal and greed, this film has really started to generate some buzz - with the acting, costume design and various themes there is no doubt as to why.
The film's plot, loosely based on the 1980 Abscam scandal focuses on corrupt politicians and an FBI sting using con men to reveal the scandalous actions of a government. American Hustle has nailed brand awareness - the 70s costumes and hairstyles (that perm on Cooper) are on the money as far as successfully replicating an accurate brand image. They have also portrayed the success, failure and journey to both ends of the spectrum, a road that all businesses go down (although hopefully not with the involvement of fraud and prostitutes, RE: American Hustle)
We'd have advised con man Irving, to focus on his adopted son and wife, Rosalyn before getting caught up in the glamorous, addictive world that he does. Similar to that, we'd remind businesses to be mindful of where they've come from and how fickle the business world can be.
Matthew McConaughey
Film: Dallas Buyers Club
Award nominated: Best Actor
Lesson: Appearance matters - brand awareness is always key
Arguably, Matthew McConaughey was up for Best Actor regardless of his acting performance, given his 40-pound weight loss for Dallas Buyers Club. To play Ron Woodroof, a homophobic, drug addicted rodeo cowboy who has been diagnosed with AIDS, Matthew's appearance changed starkly. In the run-up to it's release, the American biographical drama film received universal acclaim - with McConaughey receiving particular praise.
The long-term process of McConaughey's weight loss, it's documentation and then slow weight gain has been a fascinating one, highlighting the importance of an actor's appearance. Going from a muscular actor to a shadow of himself, brought massive publicity - PR which any company would want following a rebrand. Rebranding your business means standing out, knowing how to correctly market yourself and build on that new identity.
Saving Mr Banks
Award nominated: Best Actress - Drama (Emma Thompson)
Lesson: There is nothing wrong with a little creativity
Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney in this beautifully created story of his desperation to add the classic Mary Poppins novel to his film franchise.
Of course, Disney is all about imagination, creativity and belief that dreams come true - it is this childhood desire and innocence that your business needs an injection of. No business can get by without a little willpower and fantasy. Whether it's rebranding or rethinking your marketing strategy, you need to be creative and aware of what else you could be, should be providing.
There is also a little business lesson to be learnt in the power of persuasion and constant desire to please, from Tom's Walt Disney...
The Wolf of Wall Street
Award nominated: Best Comedy or Musical
Lesson: Money doesn't equal happiness
When real-life former millionaire Jordan Belfort staged wild parties in his New York offices and allegedly ripped up $100 notes to motivate his staff, it sounded wild. Many people undoubtedly thought he had it all and was incredibly happy. A life lesson from this January, 17 release is that money doesn't equal happiness.
If your business is yet to really make profits or become 'noted' by competitors, clients and business acquaintances, then consider if you are otherwise happy - if this is your goal, the 'dream' you've aspired to, then stick at it. Money and excess profits don't come easily, no matter what, so work at your marketing strategy and business plans - then you might just realise what is important...
Despicable Me 2
Award nominated: Best Animation
Lesson: Laughter can equal happiness
There are a few lessons we could have adapted from this feature film:
1) Don't treat your staff like minions
2) Your daughter's judgment in boyfriends is usually poor
3) Laughter is the best medicine
When it comes to family animated films, you'd think that there's little you can learn from it as an entrepreneur, established businessman/woman, successful company - however the heartwarming tale can teach a lot.
Gru and his children have become a family since we last seen them, showing how a different character can totally revitalise a person - or company's - character or brand reputation. What they do a lot is laugh - of course, business is a serious thing, but for at least 5% of the time, make it a fun thing. Ensuring your workforce is happy, can instantly boost your chances of business growth and customer demand - be a business who people want wot work with.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Film: The Wolf of Wall Street
Award nominated: Best Actor - Comedy or Musical
Lesson: Recognition - or lack of - doesn't always equate to your success
Leonardo DiCaprio became famous in 1991, in US sitcom Growing Pains, he was 17. He is now 39-years-old and starred in global blockbusters including, most notably, Titanic, Romeo + Juliet and The Aviator. He has never won an Academy Award.
Despite becoming the butt of the joke - so far as internet memes are concerned - he is the 6th highest-paid Hollywood actor according to Forbes, amassing $39m thanks to his massive film roles, So it's not all bad, right Leo?
An important message for any business, regardless of age, sector or clientele, is that it is not a measure of your success, capabilities or relevance, if you haven't quite got that recognition or 'big deal' yet.Success can be measured in all different ways, Leo's lack of an Oscar hasn't affected his fame or bank balance, and if you haven't yet reached the top of the tree in your industry, remember not everybody gets acknowledged like they should...
These are our stand-out marketing lessons from some stand-out actors, actresses and productions. For the real Golden Globes winners and a full list of the Golden Globes nominations, visit the official Golden Globes website.
