Product Placement in the Media

More and more movies are acting as ads for products.  From toys you get at fast food places, to toys and games "based" on the movie to outright brand integration in the movie, Movies are full of ads...but do they work?

Homework Task 1: BTN: Sneaky Ads!!

Focus Questions:

 
1] Why are advertisements shown on commercial TV? 
2] How is the way we watch TV and movies changing? 
3] How are TV stations and film makers getting around the problem? 
4] What is product placement? 
5] What sort of products was the Josie and the Pussycats clip advertising? 
6] Have you ever noticed product placement in the television programs, movies or music videos you watch? Explain your answer. 
7] What do opponents of product placement say? 
8] Do you think it’s a fair way to advertise? Explain your answer. 
9] What do you think is the future of advertising? 
10] How has your thinking changed after watching the BtN story? 

Homework: Task 2

 Over the next 2 weeks keep an eye out for product placement (ask your family to help out!). Keep a record of the following:
 
• What the product was and where did it appear? 
• Who is the intended target audience? 
• What techniques does the producer use to make the product attractive? 
• Do you think product placement is more or less effective than a 30 second commercial advertising the same product? 

Extension Activity-1

Create a 1 minute video clip/scene that uses product placement.

 Extension Activity-2

Once again, I'm asking you to think about movies.  You are to choose any movie that you are familiar with (probably one you have seen) and come up with five products you think would fit into that movie.  The categories for the products are:

1. Food
   
2. Clothing
   
3. Electronics
   
4. Song
   
5. One of your choice
   

Don't forget, you need to explain why each product belongs in that movie. Get creative, have some fun with it!

You can present your ideas in what ever format you choose- Keynote, iMovie ect

Still want more?