So, now we’ve had time to sit back and chew the fat, so to speak, it really does look like the social media campaign Paramount ran around the release of their super scary, super indie, budget movie, Paranormal Activity actually worked.

What happened? Well, essentially they said that the $15,000 movie would be given a nationwide US release if they had 1,000,000 requests for it via  their website. The idea was pushed across social media venues far and wide, and what happened? The request mark was reached and the film expanded to 160 screens and averaged $49,379 per screen setting a major record for a limited release.

It seems that the answer as to whether, ‘can social media put bums on seats?’ is effectively, yes, if done creatively, with the right content and the right ideas, it really can bring people into the cinema.

What’s up next then? Use your social power to get Sam Rockwell an Oscar nomination for his amazing performance in Moon. Supported by director, Duncan Jones, a fan has taken it upon himself to get a petition signed by 1,000,000 people once again to help Sam receive the nomination, at about 300 at the moment, it’s a little way off, but head over and help out and we’ll see what happens!