What's the best fake brand from film or TV?

If there's one thing I love about product placement, it's the lengths to which TV shows and movies go when they don't want to pay up for an actual brand. A new blog called Product Displacement is dedicated to tracking two kinds of Hollywood workarounds: fake brands (like Buy More, the Best Buy clone in NBC's Chuck) and unbranded products (like the logo-less Jeep from Fox's The Sarah Connor Chronicles). The blog isn't very well populated yet (and in fact, one of the supposedly bogus brands listed, the Slanket, is actually real), but there are plenty of places where it can get inspiration, like Mental Floss's list of 10 fake brands used by the entertainment industry. So, what's your favorite fake brand? Let us know in the comments, while I go crack open a frosty can of LöBrau. Via Murketing.

—Posted by David Griner

Published on May 15, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (24)
Filed under Griner, Product placement

U.K. wrings hands over product placement

Those nervous nellies in the U.K. have blocked a move to allow product placement on TV. Proponents of the ban have dragged out all the tired clichés about distinguishing editorial from advertising and "serious issues of trust for viewers." What's not to trust? Maybe Dr. Who would enjoy a crisp, refreshing Coke every now and then, and a couple of Dell Inspirion notebooks and Apple iPhones would sure help spruce up the Tardis. Those newsreaders across the pond always look so grim—a tasty Snickers might cheer them up. Sure, the global economic crisis is getting pretty intense, but I can't imagine that cash-strapped media outlets struggling for their lives would take advantage. Are they worried that content will suddenly be peppered with product shots and logos? It'll never happen! Thank God America runs on Dunkin'! I'm gonna hop in my Ford Explorer and head to the nearest shop, because I could sure go for a coffee right about now!

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Published on March 12, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Filed under Europe, Gianatasio, Product placement

Posters promote films' product placements

The A2591 blog has posted a handful of movie posters redesigned to mostly just show the films' product-placement sponsors. They're stylish and no-frills and will make you feel smart and unbrainwashed. Via Kottke.

—Posted by Tim Nudd

Published on October 16, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1)
Filed under Nudd, Product placement

It’s gotta be the shoes

Watching Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou as an AdFreak family activity on Christmas Day, we were struck by the Zissou brand of clothes that were everywhere. Characters wear Zissou pajamas, beanies, Speedos, even a supposed limited-edition Team Zissou Adidas sneaker. The sneaker, with silver and teal stripes and the word “Zissou” on it, is just maddeningly out of reach enough to strike lust in the heart of any of-the-moment hipster. A quick Google search reveals many bloggers pining for it, to no avail. Only Zissou beanies and Speedos, which were sent out to promote the movie, are listed on eBay, and the “Zissou store” on the movie’s official Web site claims that the sneakers are “sold out” (though it also claims they were made in 1987, so it’s doubtful they were ever really for sale). What’s a sneakerhead to do? Blogger Josh Puleo has one solution: He offers step-by-step instructions for making your very own Zissou Adidas shoes, using paint or a Sharpie.

—Posted by Mae Anderson

Published on December 30, 2004 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Filed under Anderson, Product placement, Wes Anderson