Isn't it time to retire the infomercial parody?There's no doubt that cheesy infomercials are quite funny. Look at the popularity of the Snuggie or the outpouring of interest following the demise of Billy Mays. But really, how many advertisers must go the tired route of running fake-infomercial spots? Fred Willard is getting a second career out of it. Microsoft rented him for the Bingathon that ran on Hulu, and then he did a similar act for FedEx, as seen above. Below are three other examples: Colgate channeled the Slap Chop for its Wisp toothpick thing. Subaru is picking up the conceit with its "Outback Detergent" ad, as is Bud Light with the "Tailgate approved" stuff. It might be time for a break. Why not spoof cheesy local TV spots? Start with the Carmel Car Service ladies. —Posted by Brian Morrissey |
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October 23, 2009 in Infomercials, Morrissey, Parody | Permalink |
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Totally there since the craze hit in early September: http://dailybiz.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/infomercial-mania/
Every time there is something in the collective unconscious of pop culture you can count on seeing, about 6 months later, 4-5 commercials from major brands using it as a creative element.
Go advertising!
Posted by: Daily Biz | Oct 23, 2009 1:04:07 PM
I laughed, and laughed and laughed, then a watched these spots and the laughing stopped.
Posted by: GuerrillaComm | Oct 24, 2009 11:25:50 AM
In my opinion, advertising is becoming stagnant. Most commercials today do not have room to be stagnant considering the economy and the fact that most people can easily skip over commercials via TiVo. I am going into advertising and it seems a challenge to me to find out and understand the reasoning behind these "cookie-cutter" advertisements. I do not really think it is necessarily the advertisers fault for the lack of creativity, but more or less that people are numb to what good advertisement should be. I mean, people can like advertisement, look at all the excitement surrounding Super Bowl commercials. I recently heard of a magazine, which normally is thought of to only do print ads, placing a video commercial within their issue. Unfortunately, this magazine could only circulate this issue to certain subscribers but I was lucky enough to see a copy of the magazine, and wow! It was a Pepsi ad and it was amazing. The innovative technology that they displayed was refreshing and actually made me want to drink a Pepsi. I’m sure this cost Pepsi a fortune but props to the agency for coming up with such an inventive way to get their message out. My only hope for advertisement is that the economy improves and we can begin to steer advertisement toward something that is actually affective.
Posted by: A.C.P. | Oct 24, 2009 3:31:00 PM
When does it stop being parody?
Fred Willard has also been known to hawk deals in the Transformers Animated series, playing the role of nominal Decepticon Swindle.
Posted by: Torley | Oct 25, 2009 3:58:05 PM
The good news here is that most respectable advertising has recognized that traditional infomercials are a terrible form of advertising. As long as the general public still finds these fake infomercials entertaining, I see no harm. Personally, I find the Bud Light "tailgate approved" commercials to be right on target. Beer drinking, tailgating, sport fanatic individuals would/do love these. It's funny and makes fun of infomercials, which, no doubt are annoying to this demographic.
I do agree that there is plenty in the way of new, more creative advertising like Pepsi did with its digital magazine advertising. Many people these days can fast-forward television and skip advertising all together. This is an exciting age where advertisers get to capitalize on new, innovative ideas to capture audience's attention. I'm excited to be a part of a fast-paced changing environment.
Posted by: Kate | Oct 26, 2009 11:30:13 PM
Let's just retire the unfunny infomercial parodies, shall we? The concept is fine - it's the execution here that is weak.
Posted by: LG | Oct 29, 2009 6:37:49 PM
