A Look into Count Dracula: How to Create a Strategy for Brand Immortality
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“There is a reason why all things are as they are.” — Dracula
I’ve always loved Halloween…and why not? It’s the only holiday where I get to come out and be my true self… a wicked witch who gets treats for doing so. But apart from that, my fascination with Halloween has also been fueled by my love for the dashing and mysterious Count Dracula — especially after watching Bela Lugosi portray him in the movie. As a kid, it scared the bejeezus out of me! And boy the heart-pumping, spine-tingling thrills felt so good, I was instantly smitten.
Clearly, I’m not alone in my fascination for the beguiling vampire character. Lovers of the Count are aplenty, spanning multi-generations, so Hollywood has been reprising bat-morphing countless times in movies, television, stage, and even commercials, making the beloved character even more well-known than he already is. Let’s take a look at a few of the blood-sucking personalities that have continued to haunt, albeit entertain us.
- Cereal: General Mills Count Chocula
- Animation: Hotel Transylvania 3-movie trilogy, Sesame Street’s Count Von Count
- Comedy: The Munsters, Addams Family
- Drama: Interview with a Vampire, Bram Stoker’s Dracula
- TV Series: Vampire Diaries, The Originals
- Cable: True Blood
- Popular Movies: Twilight Series
- Niche/Campy Flicks: Dark Shadows, Vampires Suck
- Halloween Costumes: Over $125 million are sold each and every year
But how is a fictional character written about 116 years ago still popular in the 21st century? Of course, it doesn’t hurt that in most genres Count Dracula is portrayed as a magnetic, wealthy, nobleman who remains ageless. And, what about his ability to seduce both men and women of all ages? Well… that part is what I’m most interested in… you know… because that is exactly what branding is all about — seducing your audience. So, let’s take a closer look at the timeless appeal of the dark, evil illusory prince.
- The appeal of the bad boy. Women fall for the bad boy. They’re hurting, we’re nurturing and if he’s attractive, forget it…
