Lonelygirl15

No, they haven't done it yet.

Branding is a natural part of our modern lives (more so mine, I'm a marketer).

It comes up so much even fictional brands are created to make shows more realistic (ie Lost's Apollo bars & Oceanic air). More realistic when real products are involved I say.

If all else fails, take the Wayne's World approach:
DB: Nothing satisfies a hungry beast like this delicious Snickers brand candy bar with nuget

Jonas: Once you're done with that Snickers, let's go out back and I'll wail on you with my new Everlast boxing gloves.

DB: Ok, let me just get a cool, refreshing drink of gatorade so I don't dehydrate as I bob and weave to save my pretty face.

too much?

Actually I think it would be heeeeeeelarious if there was a total parody episode, where all the characters are huge exaggerations of themselves and they all did these ridiculous Truman Show type adverts. Like completely making fun of themselves you know, Daniel being a total loser, Jonas giving all his money away, Bree whining and crying until someone ends up punching her.

lookyz wrote:too much?

I think you know.

Skunkwaffle wrote:Actually I think it would be heeeeeeelarious if there was a total parody episode, where all the characters are huge exaggerations of themselves and they all did these ridiculous Truman Show type adverts. Like completely making fun of themselves you know, Daniel being a total loser, Jonas giving all his money away, Bree whining and crying until someone ends up punching her.

Have you seen the parody vids with Carmen Electra? I think those were fantastic. They're not quite the same thing as what you've suggested here (which I think would be great), but they're still gold.

Lurker, I saw it. I thought it was pretty funny. But there's nothing like people parodying themselves.

That would be a good addition to the DVD!

I dont see any problem with this.... i think i like it better integrated into the story than just, say, running a commercial in the beginning. i watch this series about everyday, so i know they need the money to make it all work and get more videos out. and really, the way i see it is more money = more or better videos. and thats good for all of us

as long as it doesnt come out cheesy then i'm all ok with it

A limited yes... I wouldn't mind actual product integration... but the recent candy one was more of a blatent commercial, not the subtle product integration one would see in a film or a television show.

imagin wrote:A limited yes... I wouldn't mind actual product integration... but the recent candy one was more of a blatent commercial, not the subtle product integration one would see in a film or a television show.

Agreed. I'm not against the idea but that came across as horribly blatant and cheesy to me. From the extra zoomed in product shots to "Bree" kinda awkwardly stumbling over the product name... Product placement can be done very effectively without that kind of obvious advertising.

If they can't find a more effective way to do it than that, I hope they'll keep it to a very minimum number of videos and continue pursuing other methods of obtaining income.

PRODUCT PLACEMENT SCRIPT

(Feel free to use)

INT. LATEST HIDEOUT - DAY

The trio are as bored as their surroundings are boring; they're sitting in various parts of the room. Bree is bored and recording from her perch slightly removed from the other two. Daniel opens up a Pepsi from the table he sits at and takes a swig.

JONAS
Hey, where'd you get the Pepsi?

DANIEL
Soda machine outside.

JONAS
Well, go get me one.

DANIEL
Dude, you've got legs.

JONAS
I don't have any money!

DANIEL
You're not really trying to convince me of that, are you?

JONAS
...dammit.

Jonas gets up and WALKS out. Daniel continues enjoying his soda. Bree puts the camera on HERSELF.

BREE
(Steve Irwin voice)
Fascinating watching the males battle in their natural habitat!

LOL, I like that!!

asti wrote:I would buy a DVD collection. While the content can be downloaded easily enough, if the Creators wanted to put together the collaboration Part 1, Part 2, etc., as an official pressing to disc I'd buy the series. Just saying this as an addition and/or alternative to searching out sponsors. I'm not opposed to product placement as a pragmatic way to get the actors paid, cameras paid off, back office cutting/mixing staff paid, or even hiring staff to handle chat responses.

I think that is an awesome idea!

If you want to see how well DVD collections work with shows released for free on the web - just ask how well Rooster Teeth is doing (Red vs. Blue).

I take it that they're not doing well??