Football Club Barcelona has
been collecting footage, interviews and historical information for the past two
years to make a documentary called Barca Dreams that gets released on DVD March
2nd 2016. The main premise of the documentary is to take the viewer
through Barcelona’s 115 year history from founder Joan Gamper to
the modern powerhouse that Barcelona is.
The documentary highlights Barcelona's unique
ownership and management style as well as how the club has affiliated itself
with the Catalan community. It addresses how the intense and loyal fan base has
been responsible for the success of the club.
The documentary has already been released in
Mexico with overwhelming success and will be released internationally in the
coming weeks. The international release of Barcelona’s documentary is just the
latest of the club’s attempts to capture an even larger portion of global
football fans. The release of an official Barcelona film once again puts
FCBarcelona at the forefront of the question of whether they are a club or
business. This is perhaps the best concrete evidence that suggests the latter.
The release of the film is sure to increase global following and is a much
easier way to reach western world markets than a TV rights deal would be. To
top it off, the entire sale price of almost 11 euros will be going directly to
the machine that is FCBarcelona giving them more money to invest and grow their
“club”. Is it possible that informative and promotional videos made by football
clubs will become a common future revenue source for clubs who cringe for a
global fan base and their money?
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/club/detail/article/barca-dreams-the-movie-that-travels-to-the-club-s-soul
http://www.fcbarcelona.com/club/detail/article/fc-barcelona-s-barca-dreams-to-be-released-on-dvd-and-blu-ray
-Kevin Lintner
Just like the social media article, they are trying to maintain and even increase their global following. Just by releasing a promotional video it will give many football fans an excuse to cheer for a team with so much history. It'll inspire big fans to buy merchandise(money that goes directly to the teams through royalties) and to maybe even go to a game to watch them in the historic Camp Nou. The point is they do a really good job of framing themselves as a team that so much history and so much culture with them (mes que un club) that they have realized this, and know they are just figuring out other ways to make money, just like any other business would.
ReplyDeleteI think the documentary is a genius way to increase their fan base. I agree with Michael that not only will the movie alone bring in revenue, but it also will encourage fans to go buy other merchandise. I think as a lot of us have experienced here, once you learn about them, FCB worms their way into a soft spot in your heart. I came here with no football team preference and am definitely leaving here a Barca fan. If this documentary could instill this feeling in viewers abroad, growth in fans and revenue are inevitable .
ReplyDeleteLindsay Schiff
I think that yes, while promotional videos may become a common form of revenue for clubs, I think that Barca stands out specifically from the rest. I believe that they are constantly looking to increase their global presence and this is a way to do that. With the release of Barca Dreams screened in Mexico and other countries in Central America, Asia and England. I think it creates much more awareness and connection to the fans. On the part of the marketing team, I think this a huge way to capture international fans and make them feel more apart of Barca's journey and connecting with the audience. I think this was a very smart business move and will bring in revenue. However I only think this tactic would work for teams as famous as Barca, other teams might not respond so well.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this movie is a great move to increase their global fan base. FCB has been doing everything in their power to reach American audiences, and releasing a movie could be a great way to nudge that along. I also agree though that this is more of a tactical business plan than something that is about their club. While it really helps fans understand the history and background of the club, I can only think of Barca doing things in order to make money. I only began to think this way after going to the FCB Museum at Camp Nou. The whole museum is a little weird, especially because there are random sponsor messages throughout. At one point, there is a random refrigerator in the locker room with a clear advertisement for one of their sponsors. I think most of what the football club does is with the intention to make money in the back of their mind.
ReplyDeleteWhile I believe that this documentary will put FB Barcelona at the forefront of european soccer and will increase revenue for the club, I truly believe that fans across the globe appreciate these types of things created for entertainment. Not only will it increase their global fan base, but it will increase passion amongst fans throughout the world. The fact that it's already shown immense success in Mexico proves that it will most likely be successful in creating awareness about Barca's history world-wide. It puts fans on a more personal-connecting level with players and the club itself-- which always increases fan involvement during seasons. Last, this documentary is a way for fans outside of Spain, and Europe in general, to feel included in Barcelona's history and journey throughout the years although they may not have been able to be there in person. It's a very meaningful experience! For example, as a New York Giants fan, watching the "Road to the Super Bowl" documentary is extremely moving and interesting for me to watch constantly.
ReplyDeleteThe fact they’re making a documentary makes it seem more like a club than a business. Many other sports teams do this and the main purpose is to please and entertain their fans. The fact that they are involving the Catalan community into the documentary adds to my point, as it allows fans to get involved and feel more of a connection and belonging to the club. Although I do see the argument that can be made saying that it’s more of a business mindset, in the end of the day it is made for the culture of the club and the sport. With the loyal fan base and the fact that members own the club make me believe that it’s for their pleasure than the money. There is a plethora of other ways that the club can make an earning from.
ReplyDeleteI think this is brilliant marketing, who doesn't love a good sports documentary? Especially if the profits go to the youth academy. I can definitely see more teams utilizing this strategy in fact I would be shocked if others hadn't already done it. Man U should make one about the plane crash.
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