For those who are interested:

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/08...ce_meet+.shtml


The part that caught my eye:

Advertisers are even rewiring reruns of popular syndicated shows, such as digitally replacing a generic package of cookies with Oreos on the sitcom "Friends."

I had never heard about this. Does anyone have more details? Links/before+after pics, etc?

I've heard of this. They can even do things like have localized product placement, and different products between theatrical and video releases. The zombie in theaters drinks Coke, but the zombie on DVD drinks Pepsi.

That's an interesting article. I'm sure we will see more of this, and I'm sure people will get all annoyed.

However, I've said it before and I'll say it again: Television must be paid for in some way. If we all fastforward through the commercials, this is the only way to get money from advertisers.

Also, I'd much rather see a character drink from a red and white can of Coke than a red and white can of "cola."

Agreed. I once got into a debate with somebody over Cast Away. He said that the "product placement" (which it really wasn't, FedEx didn't pay a dime) took him out of the movie and that they should have gone with a fictional carrier. I argued the opposite, that had they done some generic delivery service ("International Parcels" or somesuch) that would have taken ME out of the movie because it rang false.

Agree 100%.

However, there is something to be said for subtlety. Some things don't need to be spelled out for me. Cars, for example. A shot of a car's logo just yanks me out of the scene. It screams of product placement.

Or a character drinking a Coke but holding it perfectly so the logo can be read. That stuff does bug me. It shows a lack of confidence in the consumer - that unless it is spelled out for them they won't realize the character is drinking a Coke.

It'll be no time until shows like Alias have the stars shouting things like, "Quick! Into the Ford F-150!"

Oh, wait...

Yeah but which version will be on the DVD?

I would much rather have more of these spots placed in shows than more commericals. I really cant stand how many commercials A.I. has for an hour long show.

Ever see Repo Man?

And that one bugged me

i remeber when alias used to be subtle with the product placements. the pilot with the nokia cell phone, best use of product placement ever!