By: Abe Kasbo

So what do Queen Latifa, Diane Keeton, and Katie Holmes have in common? First they are A-list entertainers, second they are women, and now all three are staring in a movie – Mad Money – check out www.madmoneymovie.com. For years Hollywood has “batched” stars to increase boxoffice interest (Ocean’s Eleven and so on). In this case Mad Money is a classic example of market segmentation on the big screen, which I believe will continuing trend to try to regain cross-generational interest in the movies.

Diane Keeton appeals to 50 and over crowd, Queen Latifa to the Hip Hop / Gen X Gen, and Katie Holmes appeals to the much younger crowd. The producers and casting folks are counting on each star to appeal to their respective generation. From their perspective, this is the ulitimate product placement.

And while this film won’t be movie equivalent to “We Are the World,” it is one in a long line of Hollywood marketing tactics to increase booty at the box office.

Audiences everywhere will sure to appreciate another marketing ploy. Make good films.