(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
I was recently on MSNBC with Alex Witt to talk about Morgan Spurlock’s new movie, “Pom Wonderful Presents The Greatest Story Ever Sold.” Here’s a clip.
Some people ask if advertisers are getting smarter about how to use the product placement techniques.
Look no further than the Apprentice, Project Runway’s challenges and Survivor. Are they really that much different than the thousands of non-profits who solicit “big business” to sponsor their charity, walk, GALA, or other program? Or the big league baseball team giving out a free sponsored widget to fans on a given night?
All with their name above the event as presenter or sponsor…
When I was CMO of a coffee franchise we were thrilled as punch to get our brand on the opening sequence of Weeds. I even delivered products like cups, chairs and mugs to the Hollywood set for use in the tapings. Customers LOVED seeing their brand when the show began.
And that was tame…
When I grew up products could be placed and create a whole new reality. Check out this commercial for Bonanza including the Man from UNCLE and Bewitched stars pitching the new Chevrolets for 1965 -in character.
Advertisers found product placement could be effective for far less. Morgan’s movie is so tantalizing because it transparently shows what all goes into these product placements and shamelessly works them in.
People say Morgan is selling out to make a point. I’m reminded of a Lily Tomlin bit where she was asked how she responded to people who accused her of selling out. She replied, “Truth is I’ve always been selling out. The difference is that in the past, I looked like I had integrity because there were no buyers.”
As Mr. Spurlock goes out to promote his movie, he wears a black jacket with all his sponsor logos on it so everyone can clearly see where the money came from.
Branding and transparency, wouldn’t it be nice if politicians had to wear a jacket with all the “sponsors” of who they’ve taken money from embroidered on it?
What say you readers? Do you notice brands in movies and TV shows and like it, ignore it or something else?
