Taken PromotionBy Lydia Hughes

Taken 3 E-Media

Even though I am focusing on the promotion of Taken, it is worth nothing how the advertising scheme for the Taken film series has progressed immensely from the first Taken film, all the way through to Taken 3, which will be released in 2015. Taken 3 has been given a great deal of promotion to ensure that the film receives the reception that it deserves. For example, Taken 3 has it’s very own website: http://www.taken3movie.com which can be accessed by anyone using the internet, around the globe.

As soon as I entered the above address, a notification appeared on the website, which allowed me to ‘Subscribe For Updates’ as I signed up. On that account, it is evident that the Taken 3 promotional campaign is promoting itself to all fans, in particular young fans who are acquainted with progressive technology.

The Tak3n website offers a wide range of resources for it’s viewers, offering them a clear insight into the production of the film, the locations in the film, the trailers for the film and so on. Moreover, the website offers users the opportunity to view Liam Neeson in action due to a photo gallery link on the website. On the next slide, I have exhibited the type of images, which the website displays, incorporating images of Neeson in action on set of his new film.

Taken 3 Website

Twitter reaction from the public about Taken.

Taken PrintAs we can see on the left, the poster denotes Liam Neeson running through a dark cobbled street in Paris. The low-key lighting causes shadows on the ground, which automatically leads to suspense and uncertainty for viewers. The fact that Neeson is running through a dark ally way, suggests that he is fearless and is ready for anything or anyone that comes in his way. Behind Neeson, the poster denotes a large image of his daughter, which blends in with the colour of the sky. By using an image, which blends with the blue sky, the poster gives off the impression that Neeson’s daughter is fading away and therefore out of his reach, conveying his reasoning for running in the poster. Apart from the minor imagery displayed, the poster denotes the film title, stating ‘Taken’ down the side of the page. As shown on my blog, the same colours are used for the Taken 3 film poster, suggesting that the Taken film series has it’s very own house style. The colours displayed on this poster include black and red. Black connotes death and therefore indicates power, death, mystery and evil. However, red is the colour of fire and blood and so it is often associated with danger, energy, power, passion, love and determination. For that reason, it is obvious that this poster has used these colours to signify the dark content within the film and the need for Mills to rescue the person he loves most (his daughter). This poster appeals to a wide audience, since it is simple and literally displays Neeson in his full glory, doing what he does best.

Taken Print

Similarly to the previous poster, this poster displays Neeson in his true character. This is because he is holding his gun, which is basically an extra body part for him. The same colour scheme is present on this poster, which was also present on the Taken film poster on the previous slide and the new poster for Taken 3. On that account, it is event that Taken has it’s own house style, generating a professional feel to the posters and a brand image for the film series. Within this poster, Neeson is in the center of the poster looking down at his gun. On top of this image, Neeson’s well known statement from the film declares “I DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE BUT IF YOU DON’T LET MY DAUGHTER GO I WILL FIND YOU AND I WILL KILL YOU”. Although this poster is extremely simple, the use of the repetitive imperative verbs stating “I will”, shows the audience, Neeson’s control right the way through the film.