6 Shameless Examples of Product Placement in Movies We’d Like to Forget

Published on: 25 December 2018 Last Updated on: 24 February 2020

Imagine you’re on the edge of your seat in the middle of an action-packed, spellbinding movie. After a few climactic scenes, the main character makes a frantic phone call. He then cracks open a can of soda.

Nothing about this scene seems out of the ordinary. The character is simply quenching his thirst after a big police chase or a kung fu brawl.

That is until some familiar brand of soda appears on the can in a big, bold, unapologetic font.

Talk about a plot twist.

But product placement in movies is nothing new. Old school marketing techniques show how far companies will go to advertise. They’ll even go as far to pay directors and producers to feature them in films.

There have been great instances of advertising that worked well in films. But there have been plenty of others that were so shameless and unnatural, we wish we could forget them.

Here are 6 of the silliest, most cringe-worthy moments of advertising in movies.

1. Starbucks (You’ve Got Mail):

‘You’ve Got Mail’ may be the first film to portray online romance. Given that it takes place in 1998, AOL was practically its own character in the film. Without it, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s characters would have never “met” and fallen in love.

But AOL wasn’t the only company to get prime ad space in ‘You’ve Got Mail.’ At the beginning of the film, Tom Hanks quips about the obscurity of Starbucks.

His character’s snarky commentary doesn’t serve much to the plot. But it does help to give the audience somewhat of an introduction to his character. All while appealing to pretentious coffee drinkers like his character in the process.

2. Designer Brands (Sex and the City):

Curious which movies with the most product placement made our list?

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the ‘Sex and the City’ film featured dozens of fashion labels. After all, fashion was a constant theme throughout the hit TV series.

The series has long appealed to women in the 20-30 age bracket. So, when it went to the big screen, tons of the biggest fashion labels came calling.

You better believe Louis Vuitton and Chanel made a handful of cameos throughout the film. But some other products made the cut, too. Nike, U-Haul, Apple, and Marie Claire are just a few of many brand name drops in ‘SATC’.

Producers and creator Darren Starr were clearly not ashamed.

3. Reese’s Pieces (E.T the Extra-Terrestrial):

Not all instances of product placement in movies are bad. Certain films have done it so subtly we hardly pick up on the smell of advertising.

Steven Spielberg’s ‘E.T the Extra-Terrestrial’ is undeniably one of those movies. Who could forget when Elliot entices E.T by scattering Reese’s Pieces around the woods and back to his house?

Hershey’s certainly cashed in when E.T became a box office hit. But this was back in 1982. So, can product placement still hold merit today as an advertising technique?

The technique may actually be more effective than ever before. You can discover more about the different ways this technique continues to work.

4. Popeyes Chicken (Little Nicky):

Whereas E.T is a good example of subtle product placement, Adam Sandler’s ‘Little Nicky’ is not. It’s one of several Happy Madison comedies that wasn’t well-received by critics. But it gained a cult following for its ridiculousness and quotability nonetheless.

In one scene, Adam Sandler, who plays the kindhearted son of Satan, learns how to eat with the help of a talking dog. What does he learn to eat with?

Popeyes fried chicken. And the large takeout box of it sits in the center of the shot. Even a big K-mart bag makes a small cameo, as well.

The scene concludes with Nicky proclaiming how awesome Popeyes chicken is. Not subtle in the least, but the scene is something fans continue to quote to this day.

5. “I Will Not Bow to Any Sponsor” (Wayne’s World):

Is it any less shameful when a movie calls itself out on its attempts to advertise?

Few films are able to make fun of themselves about their blatant attempts to advertise. But the first ‘Wayne’s World’ film provided a plot where it was possible to do so.

Wayne and Garth sell their public access show to a big-time TV producer. In the build-up to the climax, the producer confronts Wayne and Garth about their contract. They agreed to air an interview with the show’s new sponsor, but Wayne insists otherwise.

What follows is a satirical scene of obvious advertisements all surrounding Wayne’s opposition. While opening up a box of Pizza Hut, Wayne proclaims, “I will not bow to any sponsor.”

Wayne goes on to explain that he doesn’t believe in “selling out” while holding a bag of Doritos and drinking a Pepsi. Garth also gives his two cents on the idea of selling out while clad in Reebok gear from head to toe.

6. Heineken (James Bond Franchise):

The character James Bond has always had an affinity for dry martinis. This trait has inspired fans of the franchise to become martini drinkers for decades. But over the years, James Bond has dabbled in other commercial alcoholic drinks.

In 1997, the famous film franchise partnered up with the Dutch beer company, Heineken. Heineken has advertised the James Bond films since 1997’s ‘Tomorrow Never Knows.’ The ads have always been over the top, contributing to the promotional side of the Bond franchise.

But Bond himself never drank the Dutch beer until 2012’s ‘Skyfall.’ In one scene, while James Bond is in bed cuddled up with his latest love interest, he drinks a Heineken.

For any fan who has ever wished to be like James Bond, this scene is definitely inspirational. At least that’s the kind of association Heineken had intended to portray.

The Power of Product Placement in Movies:

If you’ve ever watched a movie and noticed an advertisement, you may have reacted one of a couple of ways.

You may have hardly noticed or didn’t care all too much. You could’ve felt preyed upon as a consumer or felt the ad ruined the experience. Or, you may have thought to yourself, “Wow. That was actually a great instance of advertising.”

Product placement in movies allows companies to reach a worldwide audience. Depending on how big the film is, these audiences can reach into the millions.

When characters we love use certain products, we’re more inclined to buy them. But there are other lots of other innovative and clever ways to advertise in movies – and beyond. If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out more advertising news and ideas.

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Ways to take the employee appreciation to next level in your company

There are countless small things that can be done to show your employees that they are appreciated. Setting your company apart from the next starts with the work ethic and loyalty of your employees. Hard-working and motivated employees are very productive. And as well all know, increased productivity leads to an increase in revenue over time. Employees flock to companies with reputations of a good work environment and employee appreciation. The best attracts the best if your employees are treated like the best that is how they will perform. Employee appreciation reigns supreme in the realm of productivity and its time for companies to step it up. Here are some ways to take the employee appreciation to the next level. Flexible Schedules : When your team members are willing to go the extra mile for their colleagues time and time again, it is important to let them know that it does not go unnoticed. A really positive way to encourage employees to put forth their best work is allowing flexible schedules. Acknowledging the difficulty of orchestrating all of the components of life along with work is a great way to relieve some stress and recognize ambitious employees. A flexible schedule is not the same as allowing the employees to control every aspect of their schedule. However, it is a step above having employee schedules being completely dictated by the company. Having slight aspects of flexibility when team members have something come up can go a long way. When employees feel respected as people with busy lives outside of work, they will be far more motivated to go above and beyond in the office. Communication : Communicating with your team and making an effort to understand them is one of the most vital steps on the road to success. Society has created a group of professionals who communicate largely through email and text messaging. While these communication mediums are wonderful and have bridged the communications gap in many ways, a lot of sincerity and authenticity can be lost when a message is typed instead of spoken. Take time to communicate face-to-face with your team members as often as you can. Not only encourage them to do well but get to know them as people. When teams form strong connections their ability to work together increases exponentially. If you find yourself wondering what the best way to show your appreciation to a particularly hard-working employee, communicate with them. Ask them the ways in which they would like to be recognized for their hard work. Not only will this method of appreciation be a sure-fire way to show the employee how well they are doing, but they will feel respected and valued for being given the opportunity to choose their appreciation method. Team Retreats : Whether a team is treated to a simple luncheon or a weekend spent away from the office with their toes in the sand, they will return feeling revitalized, motivated and appreciated. Having small goals like retreats to work towards boosts overall happiness within the company as well as work ethic. It is no secret that working becomes easier when there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Team retreats can also be a great way to build stronger relationships among colleagues. It is important for employees to feel connected to the company as a whole and appreciated by their peers. Feeling appreciated by everyone you work with and not just the boss can really boost employee morale and make productivity soar. Bonuses : Bonuses are no new-fangled recognition tactic. Employees have been receiving holiday bonuses and such for years. But, as they say, if it’s not broken don’t fix it. Bonuses are still a flawless way to show your employees they are valuable to the company. Bonuses can be given in the name of hard work. When an employee does exemplary work that goes beyond their job description- they should be rewarded for that. If employees know the extra work they are doing is noticed and, most important, appreciated, they are going to be so much more willing to continue with that standard of work. Advanced Training Seminars : Employees that are capable are confident. In any given profession there is always room to improve and there are always new skills to master. By offering additional training throughout your employees’ career you show them that the skills and resources that they possess are valuable to the company. It is in your best interest to hone those skills and show your employees that their confidence and their performance are important to the company. Fostering growth and improvement among your employees is one of the easiest ways to show appreciation. Furthermore, training will greatly benefit the company as a whole by producing able and motivated employees. Not every sign of appreciation has to be huge; there are countless small gestures you can make as well. However, companies will benefit greatly by really bringing their employee appreciation up to the next level. Read Also : Finding The Right Moving Company Fred Loya Insurance Company Role Of Messaging Apps In Enhancing A Company’s Market Prospects Guide To Choose An Authentic Plumber Service Company

4 Essential Things to Look for in Dumpster Rental Services in Phoenix

Proper and eco-conscious waste handling is crucial whether you're doing minor decluttering at home or engaged in a large-scale construction project. Choosing the right dumpster rental provider can make waste management easier and allow you to focus on the task at hand. However, with so many dumpster rental Phoenix offers, it can be challenging to determine the best one for your needs. To simplify the process of renting a dumpster, one should focus on four key aspects outlined in this article. These include the available sizes of the dumpster, transparent pricing, flexible leasing options, and a commitment to environmentally responsible waste disposal. Considering these factors will help in finding a compatible, affordable and ecologically sound waste container service. What are Dumpster Rental Services? Dumpster rental services are companies that provide temporary containers for disposing of various types of waste. These containers, also known as dumpsters or roll-off bins, are delivered to a specific location and picked up when they are full or no longer needed. Dumpster rental services are useful for home projects, construction jobs, commercial waste removal, and events that generate a lot of trash. There are different sizes and types of dumpsters available for rent, depending on the amount and nature of the waste. Some common dumpster sizes are 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 cubic yards. Some common dumpster types are open-top, front-load, rear-load, and compactor. The cost of renting a dumpster depends on various factors, such as the size, type, duration, location, and weight of the waste. Dumpster rental services are a convenient and affordable solution for any waste disposal needs. Whether you are renovating your home, building a new office, or hosting a large event, you can find a dumpster that suits your project and budget. How Can Dumpster Rental Services Help You? Dumpster rental services offer many benefits, such as convenience, safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. By renting a dumpster, you can save time and money on transporting and disposing of your waste. You can also avoid injuries and accidents that may occur from handling heavy or hazardous materials. Additionally, you can also ensure that your waste is properly sorted and recycled, reducing the impact on the environment. Convenience: You don't have to worry about transporting and disposing of your waste yourself. You can simply order a dumpster online or by phone, choose a delivery date and location, and fill it with your trash. The dumpster rental company will take care of the rest, including picking up and hauling away the dumpster when you are done. Safety: You can avoid injuries and accidents that may occur from handling heavy or hazardous materials. By renting a dumpster, you can keep your work site clean and organized, reducing the risk of exposure to sharp, dangerous, or toxic debris. Efficiency: You can save time and money by renting a dumpster, as you don't have to make multiple trips to the landfill or pay for separate disposal fees. You can also focus more on your project, as you don't have to waste time and energy on sorting and removing your waste. Environmentally friendly: You can ensure that your waste is properly sorted and recycled, reducing the impact on the environment. Dumpster rental companies follow the local and federal regulations for waste management, and they can handle different types of waste, including hazardous waste. They can also help you comply with the environmental standards for your project. Peace of mind: You can enjoy a stress-free and hassle-free waste disposal experience, as you don't have to deal with any legal or logistical issues. Dumpster rental companies can provide you with professional and reliable service, and they can help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Dumpster Rental Services in Phoenix: Things to Look for Before Choosing One! To rent a dumpster, you need to contact a reliable dumpster rental company and provide some information about your project and waste. You can order a dumpster online or by phone, and choose a delivery date and location. The dumpster rental company will deliver the dumpster to your site and pick it up when you are done. But how to choose one? And what to keep in mind? Well, we have you covered! Here ares some of the things that you must be keeping in mind while choosing the best dumpster rental services in Phoenix: 1. Variety of Dumpster Sizes Effective waste management is crucial and dumpster rentals provide a convenient solution. However, choosing the right size is key to avoiding overspending and logistical issues that may lead to the need for extra bin rentals or wasted resources. There are reliable dumpster rental Phoenix offers, many that offer a variety of sizes to accommodate different projects. For small jobs such as minor renovations or clean-ups, a 12-cubic yard dumpster is suitable for disposing of waste. For larger but still mid-range projects, such as extensive house cleanouts or demolishing floors in spacious homes, a 20-cubic yard dumpster is a perfect fit. Projects involving large-scale construction or home renovation projects often generate a significant amount of waste. To manage this waste efficiently, a 40-cubic yard dumpster is an ideal solution. Its interior can accommodate all kinds of junk, preventing the accumulation of excess garbage. It is important to match the size of your roll-off bin with the scope of your project, as this will ensure efficient waste management, prevent additional expenses, and smoothen the overall project execution. 2. Transparent Pricing Practices When choosing a dumpster rental Phoenix, it's essential to prioritize price transparency. Hidden fees can significantly increase costs, leading to unexpected expenses after the rental period. To avoid such issues, make sure to select a provider that openly communicates all charges at the outset, including the cost of drop-off, collection, assigned weight limits, and rental duration. A fair price should encompass all these factors. Top companies are now offering flat-rate rentals based on weight to increase pricing accuracy. It is recommended to inquire about potential costs that may occur during the lease term, such as excess weight fees or waste tariffs specific to certain categories. By budgeting carefully for the project, unwanted payment issues can be avoided when closing the account. 3. Reliable Customer Service Elite dumpster rental providers are known for their excellent customer service. They are easy to reach through chat, email, or social networks, which makes them reliable. Exceptional care involves giving prompt responses to queries, resolving issues efficiently, and maintaining effective communication. Reading customer testimonials can provide valuable insight into their service quality, as they reflect genuine experiences of previous clients. Additionally, innovative features such as online booking and live chat make it easy for customers to reserve bins and resolve issues without lengthy conversations or physical visits, enhancing user-friendliness and customer satisfaction. 4. Proper Disposal Practices Currently, there is a strong emphasis on environmentalism and responsible waste management, making it important for those seeking dumpster rental Phoenix offers to choose dumpster rental companies that share these values and prioritize proper waste processing through material segregation and salvage efforts. It is important to ensure that waste is taken to the proper disposal facilities to limit harm to the environment. This not only ensures a job well done, but also contributes to a sustainable future. Conclusion: Making the Right Choice in a Dumpster Rental Service Acquiring a dumpster in Phoenix turns straightforward when contemplating four fundamental aspects: flexible bin volumes, transparent pricing, trustworthy customer care, and dedication to green waste disposal. Contemplating these aspects, locate a supplier that answers your waste control desires and echoes eco-awareness. Choosing a suitable dumpster rental company simplifies projects, prevents unnecessary expenses, and benefits the environment. Take enough time to research and select a service that meets these criteria, ensuring a seamless and environmentally friendly waste disposal experience. Read Also: How does Junk Removal Work? 5 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Rent a Roll Off Dumpster?

Importance Of A Project Manager In An Organization

A Project manager is a person who plays a major role in planning, executing, controlling, monitoring, and closing out projects. They are responsible for leading and managing the project with the project team on a day-to-day basis. Companies in healthcare, software development, education, insurance, finance, marketing, real estate, and many more need project managers. Every business needs a project manager that has a PMP Certification. A person who will have a combination of skills to detect unstated assumptions, resolve conflicts to make a project successful. Leadership Without a project manager, a team can be like a ship without a rudder, moving without any direction and purpose. Leadership makes team members bring out their best work. The project manager provides leadership, motivation and inspires the team to put out their best work. The project manager serves as the line of accountability of the team and the project. With the project manager, there will be no conflict between who’s in charge and control of the work. They keep everyone in a direction and ultimately carry responsibility if the project fails or succeeds. Better business decisions With the presence of a project manager, they will be a person that will keep a clear record of the progress of the project. They have that deeper understanding of where to spend the resources, what needs to focus on, and when. A good project manager forecasts issues before they become issues. make smarter and data-driven decisions. Quality assurance There’s always enormous pressure to complete the project on time. Where deadlines get missed, the schedule gets tight, workload increases. All this results in poor quality work. The project manager is the one who makes sure that everything is in control and there’s no unnecessary last moment rush. A good project manager manages the time in a way that gives control over the timelines and resources. Methodologies like Agile separate phases for examining and testing by ensuring the quality of the product. Project success The project manager helps to scale high performance and build on the team’s best practices. By using the learnings and experience from previous projects, they will pinpoint where the team is lacking and excelling. Clear strategy and objectives The project manager ensures that there’s a proper plan for executing strategic goals. Without a project manager, the team will not have proper briefs and a Project management methodology. You can achieve a project management methodology with Project Management Professional Training. Project managers position themselves where they break up a project into tasks for the team. This makes sure to prevent any situation where they are not able to do the tasks. They organize a weekly or lunch or happy hour to keep them productive and happy. Risk management The project manager ensures that any risks are properly managed and works on them to avoid becoming issues. Risk management is critical to project success. Especially in complex projects, the value of project management comes into play in dealing with the risk without any hustle. A project manager carefully analyzes all the potential risks, evaluates them, and reduces them eventually. It needs to know the right questions to raise to discover risks early. Schematic process The project manager ensures the right person to do the right things, at the right time. They ensure proper project management. A project manager with PMP certification will know proper planning and process can make a big difference by knowing the team’s strengths and weaknesses. The proper process helps to clarify roles, inputs, expect risks and align project continuity. Without a project manager’s organized process, companies risk project failure, weakening of business relationships. Project managers turn to timesheets to remain on track. Budgeting For small-scale projects, cost estimation is necessary. Cost estimation maybe a weekly or even monthly task. It is the role of the project manager to make sure to raise the budget, resource allocation, scope, and other miscellaneous issues. Customer satisfaction Retaining clients is more important than getting new ones. a guaranteed way of doing it by offering good services. A project manager focuses on quality and efficiency which would leave the clients satisfied. This means more business in the future from the client. Communication with clients or stakeholders can take many forms, weekly or monthly reports, regular updates, emails, calls, or meetings. A satisfied client refers the organization to other potential businessmen. Free marketing! Conclusion A project manager creates and makes the team happy and motivated. A project manager must have the necessary skills to execute tasks. Without a project manager, the team and client will be exposed to a chaotic environment, unclear objectives, and failure of the project. Read Also: Top Ways Contract Management Software Helps to Mitigate Contract Risk Why Should I Get Started With Event Management Software? Which Marketing Mix Element Deals Specifically With Retailing And Marketing Channel Management?