
The FTC Needs to Update Its .com Disclosures Guidance
TINA.org submits a comment to the FTC urging it to update its .com Disclosures guidance to help rein in deceptive marketing.
Why is a car the star of this movie?
| Shana Mueller
I can’t remember why I decided to waste 1 hour and 46 minutes of my life watching the movie “Hall Pass.” It certainly wasn’t based on its reviews – Rotten Tomatoes only gives it a 34% on the tomato meter. Maybe I was just expecting more from the makers of such classic comedies as “There’s Something about Mary” or “Me, Myself & Irene. “
Why did this movie suck? Well, in addition to a talented cast including Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis and Christina Applegate, one of the main stars of the movie was the HONDA ODYSSEY.
Yep, you read that right. A minivan. Here’s just one example of the dialogue from a scene featuring Wilson, Sudeikis, and his beloved Odyssey:
I admit that working at Truth in Advertising has made me more aware of the different ways companies market to me. I now know that most of the time, if you see a branded product (meaning you can recognize a can of Coke versus a generic can of cola) featured in a movie or a TV show, there is some compensation involved.
However, I was astonished at the level of blatant and ridiculous product placement featured in Hall Pass. Was I watching a movie or a string of commercials for the popular minivan as well as a host of other brands, such as Applebee’s, Coca-Cola, Doritos, Gap, Heineken and more?
And no, Honda, at the end, I didn’t want to rush out and buy the Odyssey.
TINA.org submits a comment to the FTC urging it to update its .com Disclosures guidance to help rein in deceptive marketing.
FTC using every arrow in its quiver to go after bad actors.
Much hyped event turns out to be a bust. Social media erupts in rage.