| Google Uses Search Data To Predict Box Office Hits |
| Written by Janet Swift |
| Sunday, 16 June 2013 |
|
It should come as no surprise that popularity of movie trailers is correlated with a movie's success. However, a Google whitepaper reveals that search query patterns can predict box office performance with a surprising degree of success.
In a recently released white paper Quantifying Movie Magic with Google Search, two analysts from Google's Media and Entertainment division, Reggie Panaligan and Andrea Chen, explain that: Search offers an on demand, real-time source of information that can extend engagement with potential moviegoers. By understanding how and what they are searching for, we can uncover unique insights into moviegoers’ awareness and intent. Previous Google research had already revealed that on average, moviegoers consult 13 sources before they make a decision about what movie to see, but Panaligan and Chen have discovered that analyzing search query patterns can predict box office performance.  The researches first establish the link between search volume and box office performance on an overall level:
 (click in chart to enlarge)
The spikes in search coincides with the release of major movies and the researchers have a second graph that splits search into queries on specific movie titles and generic film-related queries:
 (click in chart to enlarge)
They use this chart to argue:
For film marketers, understanding these patterns can present a substantial opportunity. By adjusting search marketing strategies to these trends, marketers can either capture the attention of the “curious” moviegoer, or deepen audience engagement with a blockbuster title.
Using linear regression with 99 films released in 2012 the study concludes that:
The researchers then combined search ad click volume, theater count and franchise status in a predictive model and achieve 92% accuracy in predicting box office sales, concluding:
The researchers also looked at the influence of trailers perhaps the most interesting finding is:
(click in chart to enlarge) With regard to this finding, the researchers comment:
The availability of content, specifically trailers, is important for moviegoers at all stages of the decision process. Earlier searches four weeks from release week for a film have the strongest link to intent ... presumably because the most ardent fans are among the first to search for specific film’s content.
They also point out that as 48% of moviegoers decide what film they want to watch the day of ticket purchase it is critical for movie marketers to continue provide content that can aid in the decision to see a particular movie even after it has been released.
While the findings of this research are not spectacularly different from what was previously understood - an engaging trailer gets movie goers motivated to see a film - the use of big data leads to firmer conclusions than were otherwise possible.
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 16 June 2013 ) |
