Vacancy (film) - Advertising and Promotion

Advertising and Promotion

The advertising strategy for the film has made use of the Internet as well as a toll-free phone number. In addition to the TV spots and trailers shown in theaters and on television, the toll free number is made to sound as if one is actually calling the motel in which the film is set. In the background, screaming can be heard accompanying the voice of the proprietor, who informs callers about "slashing" prices and the "killer" deals that the motel has—that is, if it is not vacant. The toll free phone number for the ad is 1-888-9-VACANCY (1-888-9-8222629). The voice of the proprietor is Frank Whaley's.

As of October 6, 2009, the toll-free phone number for the ad is still valid. Though instead of it starting off as it goes right to Mason, it says "Hello, thanks for calling. Please press 1 to make reservations at the Pine-Wood Motel, Press 2 to buy tickets for Vacancy off of Fandango, Press 3 for an operator." Since Vacancy is long gone from the theaters, pressing 2 disconnects you. Pressing 1 plays the normal intro, pressing 2 takes you to the front desk, pressing 0 plays a scratchy recording of a call to the operator. When disconnected on the recording, it too disconnects you from the call.

In addition, the phone call also refers the caller to the film's website, which is also set up to be the site of the actual motel. After calling, one is given a "promotional code" (8889) which can be entered at the website, which then shows previews of the snuff films that the motel proprietor and various people created, taken from the set. It was assisted and directed by Julie Tsaruhas.

As of February 14, 2011, the phone number is no longer working. The automated response says the phone number is not available at the moment.