So, might the “Tarot” model become something more widely embraced by Hollywood in the future? I have argued time and time again that the movie business needs to get budgets under control because $200 million for the average blockbuster simply isn’t sustainable. But if creative, targeted marketing can bring those costs down, that certainly appears to be a viable path forward. In a year where no Hollywood’s highest-grossing horror film to date is “Night Swim” ($54 million worldwide) and we’ve had no true breakout hits like “M3GAN” ($180 million worldwide) or “Smile” ($217 million worldwide), being thrifty in the future feels essential. 

“I think every film requires its own unique strategy and approach,” Glasgold said. “I think whether that’s budgetary, whether that’s your target audience. I think for all of us making movies, we definitely see a mandate of bringing costs down. I think that starts with the budget of the film. Then I think once the film is made, equally that the marketing costs are a consideration.”

The producer also added that he hopes this approach “shows the ability to be nimble and be precise.” Certainly, every film is going to have unique needs, but it does at least feel like a worthwhile endeavor to be more thoughtful with marketing spends going forward. Or precise, as Glassgold put it. Whether or not Hollywood takes cues from this success remains to be seen, but as Glassgold sees it, there is something to learn here:

“I have to think, like anything else, we’ll look at this certainly as a big success, and to be clear, attribute all of that to Sony in terms of designing this approach. I think from there, like anything else, you learn from success as much as you do failure. And this is a success you can learn from.”

“Tarot” is in theaters and on VOD now.