Orange Advertising Network, a leading advertising sales house in Europe, launches today in the US and Latin America to provide a complete portfolio of online marketing solutions.

With more than 20 top Hispanic premium publishers, a US/Latam audience of 21 million unique monthly users and a global reach of 343 million unique monthly users, the Orange Advertising Network offers advertisers in the Americas the ability to target audiences through a wide variety of tools such as site specific placements, run of network, category affinities, customized branded entertainment, direct response, and international solutions.

In addition to offering widespread reach, the Orange Advertising Network operates a transparent network to ensure advertisers have control over the sites where their brand is present. Partnerships with premium publishers ensure well targeted and carefully segmented placement and Orange’s experience in portals, content creation and social media brings a creative approach.

"We are very excited to extend the Orange Advertising Network to the Americas," said Luc Tran Thang, VP Advertising, Orange. "Both the US Hispanic and Latin American markets represent tremendous potential in terms of online advertising growth. We believe the distinct elements of our offering will make us a preferred communications partner of most for the majority of online advertisers in the region."

"Our advertisers will know exactly where their campaigns will run," said Marta Martinez, CEO of starMedia. "We’ll be a ’transparent network,’ something that is not very common in most of the Ad Networks’ offerings these days. Our experience in account management, reporting, targeting capabilities and premium content will create a valuable and effective offer for advertisers deciding to take more of their marketing budgets online."

The heavily trafficked starMedia portal will be also part of the Orange Advertising Network offering.

Among its exclusive premium publishers, Orange Advertising Network will integrate leading properties such as Spil Games, the global leader in online gaming.

"Working with the Orange Advertising Network offers a great opportunity to reach out more to our Spanish-speaking audiences in the Americas with relevant and targeted advertising campaigns from premium advertisers," said Peter Driessen, CEO, Spil Games.

El Mundo online, one of the biggest newspapers in Spain, will be another exclusive partner of the Orange Advertising Network. With an audience of more than 4.5 million users in Latin America and its newly launched Americas version, El Mundo has already became one of the leading news sites in the region.

With today’s launch, Orange Advertising Network continues its international coverage expansion, with the ability to target online ads in 60 countries, reaching 343* million unique users. Orange is Europe’s second largest broadband internet provider and the Orange Advertising Network reaches 55%* of all European internet users.

For more information please visit: http://www.orangeadvertisingnetwork.com/americas

*Comscore, Sept. 2009

About Orange

Orange is the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators. With 126 million customers, the Orange brand now covers Internet, television and mobile services in the majority of countries where the Group operates. At the end of 2008, France Telecom had consolidated sales of 53.5 billion euros (38.1 billion euros for the first nine months of 2009) and at 30 September 2009, the Group had a customer base of almost 190 million customers in 32 countries. These include 128.8 million mobile customers and 13.4 million broadband Internet (ADSL) customers worldwide. Orange is the number three mobile operator and the number two provider of broadband Internet services in Europe and, under the brand Orange Business Services, is one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.

The Group’s strategy, which is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, convergence and effective cost management, aims to establish Orange as an integrated operator and benchmark for new telecommunications services in Europe. Today the Group remains focused on its core activities as a network operator, while working to develop its position in new growth activities. To meet customer expectations, the Group strives to provide products and services that are simple and user-friendly, while maintaining a sustainable and responsible business model that can be adapted to the requirements of a fast-paced and changing eco-system.

France Telecom (NYSE: FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris (compartment A) and on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information: www.orange.com, www.francetelecom.com, www.orange-business.com

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited, Orange France or France Telecom.

About starMedia

starMedia is part of Orange Spain, (www.orange.es), a subsidiary of the France Telecom Group (NYSE: FTE). starMedia.com is a free portal that connects millions Spanish speakers via the Internet, providing them with the most relevant and complete information and services, with channels like El Rincon del Vago and Latin Games, among others. starMedia has local operations in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Chile, and the US (Los Angeles, Miami, and New York). starMedia resells Orange Advertising Network solutions in the US and LATAM.

 

Davie Brown Entertainment, leading entertainment marketing consultancy, announced today that it has been retained by legendary lifestyle brand, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, to spearhead their product placement. Davie Brown Entertainment will integrate and place the brand within film, television, music and gaming properties.

"We're incredibly excited to have such an iconic brand on our roster," says Davie Brown Entertainment President, Tom Meyer. "And while Harley-Davidson is already a sought-after brand in Hollywood, we plan on helping them elevate their brand even higher."

In efforts to socialize the sport of Motorcycling, Davie Brown Entertainment will work in collaboration with Creative Artists Agency in and around the entertainment space for the iconic brand.

About Davie Brown Entertainment

Founded in 1985, Davie Brown Entertainment (www.DavieBrown.com) is an entertainment consulting and activation agency.  Davie Brown specializes in the development and production of branded content, brand integration, property licensing and sponsorship, celebrity and music licensing, entertainment promotions and public relations, product placement, and event production. 
Based in Los Angeles, Davie Brown has offices in New York, Chicago and Dallas. 

The agency is part of The Marketing Arm, which operates within Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).

About Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
 

Since 2007, Sean “Diddy” Combs has endorsed Ciroc Vodka. As the 50 percent owner of the brand, Diddy and Sean Combs Enterprises handle many aspects of brand management.

Combs’ company handles many of the brands marketing, including product placement and public relations. The partnership has yielded great results.

As described by AllHipHop.com, “The partnership with Combs is extremely lucrative, helping Diageo earn over $2 billion in liquor sales in 2008. Combs began promoting the brand in a deal announced in October of 2007. Since then, sales have climbed from 60,000 cases in the first half of 2007 to a whopping 400,000 cases for 2008-2009. According to Strachan, Combs is a true partner in the venture and receives half of Ciroc’s profits.”

This is a clear case where brand image was backed by solid product placement. Place anything beside Diddy, and you have yourself a successful marketing formula.
 
 

Break Media, the leading online publisher of content for guys, today announced their latest branded content project, called the “Social Sportz Net.” The campaign was developed by the Break Creative Lab and Southern Comfort, and consists of an original series of webisodes designed around the uniqueness and versatility of the popular spirit.

The Break Creative Lab, the creative content shop within Break Media, spent months working with Southern Comfort to leverage its knowledge of the male demographic, and create content specifically designed to resonate with guys. The “Social Sportz Net” webisodes will engage this sought-after male audience, and include many of the features that have led Break.com to becoming the #1 comedy destination on the Web, according to comScore.

“The input from Southern Comfort was really instrumental to the process of creating this content,” said Jonathan Small, VP of Creative Lab and Editorial at Break Media. “We wanted to create something that was consistent with the quality we expect of ourselves at Break and would also really drive the needle for the Southern Comfort brand. We are excited to show off the end result.”

The “Social Sportz Net” channel will cover everything guys need to know to host a killer house party, including the right music, required dress, great games and entertainment, and delicious drinks that will be sure to satisfy every guest! Every episode in the series will cover a different theme, and feature tips relevant to throwing the perfect party. A series of 8 installments for this series will be rolled out on the exclusive channel over the next several months.

“Break understood how to deliver on our brand objectives and create rich content balancing the brand message with the tone Break viewers are used to seeing,” said Lena DerOhannessian, U.S. Brand Marketing Director, Southern Comfort. “The partner integration gave us the ability to communicate Southern Comfort as a critical component to any party, and the flexibility to craft the Southern Comfort story in a way that wasn't too disruptive - but hits the key communication points for the brand and runs in tandem with the traditional branded spots.”

The webisodes showcase two roommates, Ted and Neil, as they go head-to-head to prepare, host, and entertain in a party-hosting showdown. Each installment features a different themed party, covered with sports news-style recaps and analysis that highlights the Southern Comfort brand.

The party themes include:

    * Birthday
    * Halloween
    * Thanksgiving Eve
    * New Years Eve
    * 80’s Party
    * Superbowl
    * Single’s Awareness Day
    * Mardi Gras

The series can be viewed at http://www.break.com/ssn.

About Break Media:

Break Media is the Internet's premier entertainment community for men. The company's owned and operated branded properties Break.com, CagePotato, MadeMan, Chickipedia, HolyTaco, ScreenJunkies, and AllLeftTurns combined with the publisher sites in the Break Media Network, reach over 70 million men worldwide on a monthly basis. Break Media is currently the 35th largest Domestic Web property in the U.S. and a recognized leader in the Web video space. Founded in 1998, Break Media offers advertisers unique opportunities to market directly to a young, male demographic through innovative ad formats that introduce relevant brands to the audience on a targeted, integrated basis. For more information, please visit http://breakmedia.break.com/.

About Southern Comfort:

Southern Comfort®, a fruit, spice, and whiskey flavored liqueur, was founded in New Orleans by bartender M.W. Heron in 1874. Today, it is sold in over 90 countries around the world and continues to grow as an icon brand. Please visit us at www.SouthernComfort.com. 

Microsoft has cancelled its product placement in the November 8 episode of the Family Guy on the Fox network. The software developer said that some of the show’s humor might be too offensive and edgy and it will not blend well with Microsoft’s brand image.

Initially, the 30-minute, no-commercial episode was supposed to be dedicated to promoting Windows 7. Instead, the segment will promote the developer’s newly released OS.

Sources close to the deal say that there will be a new twist to the product promotion and experts say that it will perform well as a viral ad on the internet.

According to ABC News, Microsoft pulled out upon seeing a rough clip of the special episode. Reportedly, the clip featured jokes about deaf people, the Holocaust, incest, and feminine hygiene. While these were regular topics on the Family Guy, these were not images that Microsoft 7 wanted to be associated to.

How the pull out will affect the relationship between the network and the software developer is still unclear. However, the sudden cancellation will scare other media companies from signing deals with Microsoft.
 
 

PumpTopTV—a digital media network found in gas stations—has signed an agreement with MovieSet.com. The partnership will allow MovieSet.com to show “behind the scenes” clips across PumpTop’s media network.

One of the first films to be featured will be “King of Fighters”, which stars Sean Faris, Will Yun Lee, Maggie Q, Ray Park, and Bernice Liu. The film is directed by Gordon Chan, a well-known action movie director.

PumpTop has also signed other content agreements with media and information providers, including Dilbert, JD Power, and Comedy.com.

“Content is an evolving strategy for the medium,” said Doug Woo, executive vice-president of AdTek Media—parent company of PumpTop. “People are already attracted to our medium. We already have fixed eyeballs. Because of that content is not used to get people to watch, it’s to give them a good experience.”

During mid October, the company launched its first branded entertainment campaign with Gary Vaynerchuk—author of “Crush It! Why Now is the Time to Cash in On Your Passion”.

PumpTop promoted the book in local markets and used it as content for the company’s media networks.

In the past, PumpTop has worked with several products, including Red Bull, General Motors, and VH1.

Source: AdWeek
 

"REELZCHANNEL exists to serve the movie fan and what better way to capture their attention than to bring our branded content into the movie theater," said Amy Wayne, SVP of Advertising Sales. "This partnership allows us to provide additional value to all REELZCHANNEL clients who can now receive exposure on our network, our website and through sponsorships of content in theatres."

REELZCHANNEL offers innovative advertising through product integration into original programming, on-air promotion and website inclusion which gives their clients an advantage over traditional media placement. The addition of sponsorship-related advertising for Cinedigm programs broadens the reach of the multi-platform package to REELZCHANNEL clients.

In addition to the pre-feature option, REELZCHANNEL also offers sponsorship opportunities through Cinedigm's exclusive Cinelive 2D and 3D events, features and programs. This partnership allows REELZCHANNEL to provide additional opportunities for their clients to reach movie fans through the use of cinema and other out-of-home sponsorship-related advertising.

"The industry's evolution from analog to digital is creating unprecedented marketing opportunities," said Bud Mayo, chairman and chief executive officer of Cinedigm. "In-theater sponsorships are a relatively new phenomenon. Cinedigm's agreement with REELZCHANNEL will allow their clients to capitalize on these opportunities in connection with our unique 2D and 3D programs."

Cinedigm is the leader in providing the services, experience, technology and content critical to transforming movie theaters into digital and networked entertainment centers. Digital cinema screens showcase not only theatrical releases, but also sports, concerts, operas, live broadcasts, high-profile events and more on a regular basis to commercial multi-plexes throughout the country. Cinedigm entertainment events reach targeted audiences, bringing fans and compelling content together in the cinema space. Over the past year, Cinedigm has delivered broadcasts such as the BCS college football national championship game and the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities - both events in Live 3D - and the Michael Jackson memorial service to digital theaters nationwide.

About Cinedigm

Cinedigm is a technology and services integrator that works with Hollywood movie studios and exhibitors to bring movies in digital cinema format to audiences across the country. Cinedigm's digital cinema deployment organization, software, unique combined satellite and hard drive digital movie delivery network; pre-show in-theater advertising services; and distribution platform for alternative content such as CineLive(R) 3-D and 2-D sports and concerts, thematic programming and independent films provide a complete suite of services required to enable the digital theater conversion. CIDM-G

About REELZCHANNEL

REELZCHANNEL - TV About Movies® features entertaining original programs that offer a fresh perspective on movies. REELZCHANNEL is carried via cable and satellite on DirecTV (channel 238) and DISH Network (channel 299) reaching more than 46 million homes nationwide. Local channel information is available on www.reelzchannel.com. Owned by Hubbard Media Group, REELZCHANNEL is headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M. 

Volvo is launching an international promotion around the movie: Twilight: New Moon.

In the movie, lead character Edward Cullen will be driving a Volvo XC60 crossover. The first Twilight movie featured the Volvo C30 3-door coupe. However, the car manufacturer was unable to take advantage of this (in a marketing sense).

“It was a missed opportunity in the first film because the car had actually four minutes in the film, which is unheard of in product placement,” commented Volvo’s national advertising manager Linda Gangeri about the first product placement. “It did really well without us doing anything, so with the second film we worked with the studio to develop a global program.”

This time around, the Swedish auto manufacturer is covering all bases. Its promotions include ads, social media, interactive games, and a cross-promotional website.

Interested fans can visit WhatDrivesEdward.com to get a chance to win a couple of tickets for the film’s premiere on November 16, where they will also get to meet the film’s cast.

The company will also be giving away a XC60 to the winner of Twilight-based puzzles, which will be launched on the site on November.
 Gangeri says that Volvo will spread buzz about its promotions through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. The television advertisement will launch on November 1 and it will incorporate film images as well as plot elements.

“What we have learned is these fans for this series are so fanatical that the minute you deviate from the story in any way they are not happy,” said Gangeri. “All of the creative you see will be centered on the film, so the 30-second TV spot will use footage from the film that incorporates the car, and the online game is all about the story.”

Source: Marketing Daily

Ofcom, the broadcast regulator, has claimed that Sky Sports’ coverage of the summer Ashes cricket series breached product placement rules when it included Specsavers branding whenever Hawk-Eye graphics were used.

The technology is used to predict the trajectory of the ball and indicates whether a batsman should be given an “in” or “out” leg before wicket, and it also predicts whether a ball will hit or miss the stumps.

During the coverage of the Ashes series, the Specsavers brand consistently appeared. Reports claim that this appears to be an undisclosed commercial deal with the International Cricket Council.

Sky Sports claims that Hawk-Eye technology should be considered as ‘program-related’ material, which would justify the sponsored status. However, Ofcom has rejected their alibi.

“The ruling means we have recorded an official breach against the broadcaster which will stay on record,” commented an Ofcom representative. “This is not something that should be taken lightly. Our compliance department has been in touch with the broadcaster.”

For now, no fine or further actions will be taken.

The restrictions on some kinds of UK product placement are expected to be lifted next year.

Source: Mediaweek
 

There is a new campaign developing, which encourages media people to call product placement what it essentially is—paid advertising.

Truthful Media, an advocacy group, has called the Federal Communications Commission to lobby the regulation of advertising in television shows.  

The group is currently gathering supporters in senate, and some senators have expressed an interest to join.

Truthful Media wrote a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, which said that there are too much product placements on television nowadays. The group cited the teen drama One Tree Hill, which averaged 50 product placement appearances last year.

Source: USNews

Ofcom has prohibited product placement on television shows aimed at the under-16 age demographic.

This new guideline will be included in the regulator’s broadcasting code and will also cover programs from the United States (US).

However, there are still many questions to be answered. As questioned by Andrew
Laughlin from Digital Spy, “… it is unclear at present whether the new rules will only affect programmes specifically commissioned for younger audiences or those watched by a large proportion of children…”

Responding to the rule changes, Channel 4 will review all the processes of acquiring children’s programs before featuring them on the network. Channel 4 also wants to find out if other programs, like The Simpsons will be covered under the new network rules.

Source: Digital Spy
 

GroupM Entertainment announced that it will be partnering with Yahoo to create a branded entertainment series, which will be distributed through several Yahoo properties.

The two companies are currently discussing different series concepts. The two prominent options are reality shows—The Rock ‘n Roll Jet Plane and Now Hiring: The Great American Job Search.

Yahoo and GroupM are also looking to cast well-known actresses for the series concept titled Tales From the Carpool Lane, which follows the story of different moms.

There are other concepts in the works. For now, GroupM has already made a financial commitment to Yahoo. However, these terms have yet to be publicized.

Source: Brandweek
 

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Screenvision, the world’s leading cinema advertising company, today announced a partnership to bring the thrills, drama and stars of NASCAR to moviegoers nationwide, while providing NASCAR official sponsors a unique opportunity to showcase their ties to the sport.

Each month, Screenvision will run original NASCAR content in theatres nationwide. In a new move for both companies, NASCAR Media Group will also create and produce a 90-second NASCAR long-form content piece, which could include racing highlights, top moments, driver profiles, behind-the-scenes vignettes and fan tributes. Approximately 45 million moviegoers each month will see the NASCAR content, which will be made available to NASCAR current partners for sponsorship on the big screen.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Taking such an exciting sport and bringing it to the big screen is absolutely breakthrough and thrilling for consumers and advertisers alike. When you see NASCAR drivers rubbing fenders and trading paint at 180 mph on our 40 foot screens, it will take your breath away,” said Mike Chico, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Screenvision. “This innovative partnership with NASCAR, the second highest-rated sport in the U.S., demonstrates how Screenvision continues to become an ‘enthusiast’ network with partnerships in music, gaming and sports creating dynamic content. With NASCAR, we will develop compelling pre-show programming year-round that adds value for moviegoers, advertisers and our exhibitor partners.”

“NASCAR continues to forge partnerships to broaden our fan base and to provide creative opportunities and demonstrable value for sponsors,” said Steve Phelps, Chief Marketing Officer at NASCAR. “Screenvision will bring the excitement and drama of NASCAR to a half billion moviegoers each year, including some who are avid fans and some who have yet to attend or watch a race on television. Fans want to experience our sport in every way possible, and we can’t wait for them to see and hear their favorite drivers running flat out on 40-foot screens with surround sound.”

As consumers become more elusive and companies seek breakthrough branded entertainment opportunities, the Screenvision NASCAR partnership provides NASCAR sponsors a platform to reach a captive audience in a highly entertaining way on 15,000 U.S. theatre screens. Sponsorship opportunities will extend to in-lobby kiosks and concessions. Moviegoers will see the first NASCAR content in their favorite theatre prior to start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season next February.

“This is the latest in a string of innovative assets NASCAR is creating for our official partners to derive maximum value to meet their business objectives,” said Jim O’Connell, NASCAR’s Vice President of Corporate Marketing. “The NASCAR in-cinema content will provide our sponsors an additional way to connect with fans through a year-round national platform.”

“At the end of the day, this is all about celebrating the NASCAR fans through our nationwide network of passionate consumers – and creating new in-cinema advertising platforms for NASCAR sponsors. The success of Days of Thunder, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Herbie: Fully Loaded, Cars and NASCAR 3-D: The Imax Experience shows the American film-going public loves NASCAR in a theatre experience,” said Andy Blacker, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Research, Screenvision. “With this partnership, Screenvision is recognizing the tremendous potential of NASCAR, and we are creating the first ever in-cinema platform for partners to wrap their brands around.”

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America's premier sports. NASCAR is the No. 1 spectator sport – holding 17 of the top 20 highest attended sporting events in the U.S., and is the No. 2 rated regular-season sport on television. NASCAR races are broadcast in more than 150 countries and in 20 different languages. NASCAR fans are the most brand loyal in all of sports, and as a result more Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport.

NASCAR consists of three national stock car series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), the Grand American national series, four regional series, and one local grassroots series, as well as two international series. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach (Fla.), NASCAR has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Charlotte (N.C.), Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Bentonville (Ark.), Mexico City, and Toronto.

About Screenvision

Screenvision, based in New York, is a national leader in cinema advertising, offering on-screen advertising, in-lobby promotions and integrated marketing programs to national, regional and local advertisers and providing comprehensive cinema advertising representation services for its theatrical exhibitor partners. In the U.S., the Screenvision cinema advertising network is comprised of over 15,300 screens in 2,400 theatre locations across all 50 states and 92% of DMAs nationwide; delivering through more than 150 theatrical circuits, including 17 of the top 25 exhibition companies. Screenvision is a joint venture between ITV plc (LSE: ITV), the UK's largest commercial television network, and Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), a global supplier of technology, services, and systems to the media and entertainment industries. For more information: http://www.screenvision.com. 

Peter Levinsohn, President of New Media and Digital Distribution for Fox Filmed Entertainment (FFE), today announced the appointment of Roger Mincheff to the newly-created position of Senior Vice President of Branded Entertainment for digital content. Reporting to Levinsohn, Mincheff will be responsible for monetizing all made-for-digital content for the company’s vast portfolio of production entities.

Levinsohn also announced the formation of Fox Digital Studios (FDS), a new group dedicated to the development, production and distribution of original and derivative programming for initial release on new and emerging media platforms. Former Fox Atomic executive David Worthen Brooks will oversee creative for the new digital studio, guiding the group’s content strategy and all creative aspects of show development and production. Mincheff will work closely with FDS to drive revenue for content developed by the new group.

“All of our production entities are exploring digital platforms as a means to tell new stories to new audiences and we’re thrilled to have someone of Roger’s caliber join the team. In addition to understanding the brand dynamic, Roger has a proven track record across content, distribution, marketing and technology,” said Peter Levinsohn. “With Fox Digital Studios, we are leveraging our storytelling and production expertise to create a centralized unit solely focused on bringing consumers unique entertainment experiences on the Web, and on mobile and gaming platforms. We’re pleased to have David on board to steer this group’s creative efforts.”

“Fox has a successful history of working closely with brands to create films and television shows that resonate with consumers, while also delivering valuable marketing messages, and I’m excited to continue that tradition on the digital side,” said Mincheff. “Having a Branded Entertainment group within FFE puts all of Fox’s production companies in a unique position to succeed in this space, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“As consumers continue to gravitate towards digital media platforms, creative executives must continue to innovate and develop new, dynamic entertainment content built especially for these new mediums,” said Worthen Brooks. “FDS presents an incredible opportunity to reach these digital consumers and I’m excited to be part of this effort.”

Roger joins Fox after serving as CEO of Spacedog Media, a full-service digital marketing agency he founded in 1998. Under his guidance, Spacedog utilized new media to develop engaging brand experiences across Internet, mobile, digital signage, print and event platforms. The company developed entertainment content opportunities for major brands including Qantas Airways, Carls’ Jr., Hardees, Mazda, Harley-Davidson, Universal Music, HBO, Boost Mobile, McDonalds, and others.

David Worthen Brooks was formerly Executive Creative Director of Fox Atomic Digital where he was responsible for all digital content creation. Worthen Brooks, who has done creative work for Tony Kaye, Ridley Scott, Spike Jonze, Paul Hunter, Leslie Dektor and Baz Luhrman, among others, is a renowned creative, having been recognized and awarded by numerous U.S. and international bodies, including D&AD, Sundance Film Festival, London International Film Festival, Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival, One Show, and the Clios. The 2001 short film Member starring an as yet unknown Josh Hartnett (Pearl Harbor, Black Hawk Down, Black Dahlia) marked Worthen Brook’s directorial debut. He also has extensive experience directing music videos and commercials.

About Fox Filmed Entertainment

One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox Animation. 

American Family Insurance has partnered with MTV and Mindshare Entertainment to reach teenagers directly on an issue that can save their lives - the passage they must make from new, inexperienced driver to confident, capable young adult driver. The integrated marketing effort includes a five-episode series, "The Road to the Woodies," in which a teenage driver navigates closed-course obstacles and typical teen distractions to improve her driving skills using American Family Insurance's proprietary Teen Safe Driver program.

The integrated promotion kicks off today, the first day of National Teen Driver Safety Week, with the launch of a co-branded microsite about teen driving: amfam.mtv.com.

"Teens must overcome significant challenges as beginning drivers," said Lisa Bacus, vice president of marketing for American Family Insurance. "The MTV campaign illustrates the challenges real teens face and, with the use of the innovative technology of the Teen Safe Driver Program, shows how direct involvement from parents vastly improves their driving habits."

The reality-based microseries features Lauren, a typical teenager, as she completes four driving challenges on a closed course to prove to her family that she is a safe and responsible driver. If successful, she wins tickets to the 2009 mtvU Woodie Awards in New York City.

The challenges will air in four two-minute segments premiering Oct. 28( )during MTV's "The Ruins." As she navigates the course, Lauren is tested by surprise calls and texts from her family and friends while driving, and she also receives highway driving tips from experts like 2006 Indy Pro champion, Jay Howard. All the while, Lauren's parents will view her driving "report card"' through Teen Safe Driver's unique in-vehicle video and audio unit that captures risky driving behaviors and provides expert analysis and coaching tips. The short-form series will culminate with the fifth segment airing during the Woodies on Friday, December 4, on MTV, at 10PM ET/PT.

MTV, along with Mindshare Entertainment, also produced a co-branded sweepstakes for another viewer to attend the 2009 mtvU Woodie Awards. Beginning today, participants can enter the sweepstakes at amfam.mtv.com. While on the site, visitors can virtually "sign" a safe-driving pledge, test their safe-driving knowledge, learn more safe-driving tips from American Family, and watch each of the "The Road to the Woodies" episodes.

Teen Safe Driver is a pioneering program offered exclusively through American Family Insurance that combines technology, expert advice and parental involvement to help young drivers overcome learning-to-drive challenges. American Family, in association with DriveCam Inc., provides the year-long Teen Safe Driver at no cost to American Family auto insurance customers who have a beginning teen driver in their household. The program is now available in all 19 of American family's operating states and is highly touted by current users.

More than 6,000 families have participated in the program, with teens averaging a 70 percent decrease in high-risk driving events. Research has shown direct involvement from parents vastly improves teens' driving habits.

"The campaign we built with American Family delivers a truly effective message about safe driving for our young adult audience," said John Shea, EVP, Integrated Marketing & Branded Content, MTV Music/Logo Group. "We've combined our content to create a branded entertainment series that meshes perfectly with the MTV programming it'll be seen alongside, providing a positive experience for our viewers and American Family."

Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial and farm/ranch insurance in 19 states. American Family ranks 388th on the Fortune 500 list and is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company. 

Microsoft and Fox have teamed up for a product placement deal involving the renowned cartoon “Family Guy.” Sources say that the November 8 episode of the cartoon will feature a Windows 7 product placement.

A special edition of the show, together with a live performance from its author Seth MacFarlane, will promote the Windows 7 program.

Reports sum up the special episode by saying it will be a 30-minute promotion of the Microsoft product.

“We have simplified the PC with Windows 7, and together with Fox, we're simplifying entertainment,” commented a representative from Microsoft.
 

Rooftop Comedy (www.RooftopComedy.com), the leading interactive media producer of original comedy content and comedic branded entertainment, and the largest producer of comedy albums, today launches 3 new comedy albums, "Zero Balance" by Isaac Witty, "Almost Awesome" by Kris Tinkle and "Comedy for People" by Beards of Comedy.

Having produced and distributed 34 full-length comedy albums, Rooftop Comedy Productions is easily the industry's largest comedy record label. Rooftop Comedy records live stand-up performances 365 nights a year from their network of over 20 comedy clubs in North America, Europe and Australia, distributing selections of the content to their dozens of media partners that include Apple iTunes, Yahoo! News, Nokia, Hulu, TiVo and many more. Rooftop Comedy produces comedy albums using its proprietary audio recording technology, distributing both physical and digital audio recordings on iTunes, RooftopComedy.com, Amazon.com and Napster. Today, Rooftop Comedy Productions releases the following comedy albums:

Isaac Witty - "Zero Balance" - Recorded at Go Bananas Comedy Club in Cincinnati, OH
Fast paced, quirky, and all over the place, Isaac Witty delivers a truly unique self-observational style that audiences love. He's been seen on The Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central and he is also one of few comics that can say they were on Garison Keilor's "A Prairie Home Companion". This latest offering of his, ZERO BALANCE was recorded at Go Bananas Comedy Club in Cincinnati, OH live and uncut.

Kris Tinkle - "Almost Awesome" - Recorded at the Improv in San Jose, CA
Exploding out of San Francisco's famed comedy scene, underground notable Kris Tinkle solidifies himself as a must-see comic with a raucous set on his debut album, "Almost Awesome." Performed in front of 500 fans at the sold out Improv in San Jose, CA, Tinkle brings controlled energy and comedy swagger that's ready to hit the masses. His ability to stumble near adversity, as much as he overcomes it, breaks through on tracks like "Mr. Tinkle" and "Bittersweet Free Handjob." His relentless honesty made him a favorite on multiple USO Tours in Iraq, Kuwait and Japan, as well as inspiring his original live series "Steel Cage Comedy" and fight-funny podcast "Rabbit Punch Radio."

Beards of Comedy - "Comedy for People" - Recorded at the Laughing Skull Lounge in Atlanta, GA
Have you ever tried fitting four witty lumberjacks in a Jeep? How about four bearded comedians on one album!? 'Comedy for People' does just that. Four of the funniest, freshest (and yes, bearded) faces in stand-up comedy (Dave Stone, TJ Young, Joe Zimmerman & Andy Sandford), these are not your typical 'southern' comedians. The Beards of Comedy Tour is quickly becoming one of the hottest comedy shows in the U.S., delivering an original brand of humor that's deeply rooted in stand-up. Individually, the Beards of Comedy have worked with Aziz Ansari, Todd Barry, Doug Benson, Jim Breuer, Greg Giraldo, Andy Kindler, Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Greg Proops, and many more.

About Rooftop Media, Inc.

Rooftop Media, Inc., the parent company of Rooftop Comedy, Rooftop Comedy Productions, The Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival and the Rooftop Comedy National College Comedy Competition, is the largest producer of interactive comedy programming and original comedy productions.

Rooftop Media records live comedy performances 365 nights a year from its network of comedy clubs throughout North America, Europe and Australia, distributing original comedy programming to mobile, web, broadcast, and print outlets that include Current TV, Apple iTunes, Yahoo!, Nokia, Hulu, FastCompany Magazine, YouTube, and TiVO. Working with more than 3,500 professional comedians, Rooftop Media maintains a growing video library of tens of thousands of hours of original comedy content. Rooftop Media produces a range of local and national events highlighting its talent discoveries. 

Players Network (OTCBB:PNTV), the leading Digital Television and Internet Media Network dedicated to Las Vegas Entertainment and the Gaming Lifestyle, announced today that it has created branded entertainment video segments for Breeders' Cup's exciting new website, www.breederscup360.com

The Breeders' Cup World Championships will be held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Nov. 6-7. Consisting of 14 races and $25.5 million in purse money, the Breeders' Cup annually brings together the best Thoroughbreds from around the world to compete for championships honors.The Breeders' Cup is televised by ABC/ESPN and shown in 130 foreign countries.

The video segments (http://www.breederscup360.com/breeders-cup-101) feature well known handicappers, as well as everyday racing fans, and achieve Breeders' Cup's goals to raise audience awareness about their brand in general, as well as the high returns of betting on the Breeders' Cup.

"Breederscup360.com is our microsite for our fans and bettors looking for the latest handicapping content to specifically prepare them for Championship weekend, and Players Network provides the kind of programming and content that is entertaining and educational; these segments are not only for the core fan but for the casual sports bettor as well," said Peter Rotondo, Breeders' Cup Vice President of Media and Entertainment.

As national brands seek to capture consumer attention in the ad-saturated media climate, branded entertainment has become key to brand awareness," states Jenna Bodnar, Business Affairs Consultant and Independent Producer for Players Network, citing maximum message effectiveness for Breeders' Cup, as well as the Network's branding objectives to include horse racing as part of their growing, gaming rich, media content. Players Network and Breeders' Cup's agreement includes cross-promotional efforts meant to reach across their respective demographics and grow audience share.

About Players Network

Players Network is a Digital Media Company that focuses on the Las Vegas and Gaming Lifestyles, producing and distributing original content for its own VOD Channels on television in over 22,000,000 homes over Comcast, DirecTV, AT&T, Verizon and Dish Network and its own Broadband Network, Hulu, Blinkx, Google, YouTube and Yahoo Video, for DVD Home Video, mobile platforms, and through worldwide television syndication. Players Network has a 12-year history of providing consumers with quality Gaming and Las Vegas Lifestyle content, as well as strategic partnership services in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and throughout the worldwide gaming industry. For more information go to www.playersnetwork.info

The Players Network logo is available athttp://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6398

About Breeders' Cup

The Breeders' Cup administers the Breeders' Cup World Championships; Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships consisting of 14 races and $25.5 million in purses, which makes it the richest event in sports. At last year's Breeders' Cup, more than $100 million in winning wagers were returned to fans at betting locations around the globe. The Breeders' Cup also administers the Breeders' Cup Challenge qualifying series, and the Breeders' Cup Stakes Program. Breeders' Cup has offices in Lexington, Ky., and in New York City. Breeders' Cup press releases appear on the Breeders' Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You may follow the Breeders' Cup on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BreedersCup

The extension comes right after the government announced that it is willing to legalize product placement.

Last June, Ofcom reviewed the Broadcasting Code, which set rules for TV and radio stations.

The current code, which was implemented in July 2005, is the rulebook that TV broadcasters must comply with. It sets the parameters on television shows, such as parental guidance guidelines.

While reviewing, the regulator also hopes to clarify some parts of the code for future reference. Ofcom plans to announce its final revisions by the end of the year.

 

US-based firm Break Media says that it has increased its production of branded entertainment projects with more than 25 campaigns this year.

“Brands and agencies are seeing a measurable difference in engagement and viral distribution in the campaigns that we’ve executed,” comments Keith Richman, CEO and founder of Break Media. “And we’ve learned a thing or two along the way about how we make content that really speaks to our audience, and do it on a budget that can provide real returns for brands.”

During the year, the company produced a four-part documentary together with Levi’s. The production followed stories about off-beat events. Break Media also worked with Castrol to create a video series on Urban Car Legends.

The company even partnered with Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) to create a three-part web series that featured Colonel Sanders.

“We came to Break because they know how to produce quality content that speaks specifically to guys,” comments Deva Bronson, the digital media manager of KFC. “We worked together with the Break Media Creative Lab to come up with custom ideas and solutions for the KFC brand, and we were very happy with the high level of engagement the brand experienced with this creative content approach.”  

Source: brand-e-biz
 

One Minute Media, LLC the leading online and mobile video producer and distributor of Know It In A Minute's one-minute branded content for leading national advertisers released the results of a study today that indicates: Executives believe Branded Videos are more effective than other forms of online video advertising.

The survey, "Leading National Online Video Survey for 2010", was sent to over 7,565 advertising and marketing executives, agencies and media companies. "The survey confirmed our business model as to what marketers want from their online video efforts, including type of video, length of video, cost of video, where video needs to be distributed and the overall media value", said, Andrew S. Pakula, President and CEO of One Minute Media, LLC.

The survey indicates 92% of the respondents felt "A consumer actively searching for information relative to their product or service and then clicking to see a Branded Information Video, is more valuable than Display, Pre-Roll and Email ads." Additionally, 74% of the respondents would prefer paying media on an accountable "Cost Per View" basis for a viewer to watch their video. Also, over half of these respondents indicated they were comfortable paying similar "Pay Per Click" keyword advertising rates.

Not surprisingly, over 72% of respondents would prefer to advertise on sites which provide Professionally Produced Content opposed to advertising on sites showing User Generated Content.

As far as the running time of a Branded Informational Video, the survey reported 79% of the respondents felt the effective time frame should be one-minute and under. A significantly high number of those surveyed indicated they are considering increasing ad spending for online video and mobile in 2010.

As part of One Minute Media's ongoing efforts to improve services and inform the marketplace of effective and efficient online video practices and techniques, their survey is available to national advertising & marketing executives and their clients.

To view the survey summary please visit:

Click here to get Know It In A Minute 2010 Survey Results (http://bit.ly/9V35t)

About One Minute Media, LLC

One Minute Media, LLC produces the Know It In A Minute branded online videos on a wide variety of topics that people want and need to know in less than a minute. Videos are shown on www.knowitinaminute.com on a cost per click view basis to advertisers. The company was founded by Internet advertising pioneer Andrew S. Pakula and former CBS/King World executive Bill Teitelbaum. The company is based in New York with production offices in Los Angeles. One Minute Media Clients include a number of Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens and Intel.

Contact: One Minute Media, LLC, Andrew S. Pakula, CEO 646-706-7720 x20 or email aspakula (at) knowitinaminute (dot) com

SHOOT Magazine, the leading publication for commercial, interactive and branded entertainment production, announced today an extended Ad Space Reservation Deadline of Wednesday, October 14. The final ad material Deadline will be Monday, October 19. This semi-annual, high-visibility issue will publish on Friday, October 23, 2009.

Continuing a forty-nine year tradition, this Fall's 2009 SHOOT "Directors" Issue, will provide advertising agency and production/postproduction readers in the advertising and entertainment industries with profiles of leading directors and introduction to up-and-coming talent.

In addition, there will be a feature story on directors who have made successful feature film directing debuts this year plus interviews with cinematographers who discuss their recent advertising and entertainment projects and experiences with various HD cameras. Plus, SHOOT is pleased to annouce that its fourth Quarterly Music & Sound section AND "Top Ten Spot Tracks" Chart will appear in this issue. The issue will also publish the latest industry news, regular ScreenWork section and columns.

The issue will have bonus distribution at four industry events: 1) Visual Effects Society (VES) Production Summit, Marina Del Rey, CA; 2) SHOOT "Music for Commercials" panel at Billboard/Hollywood Reporter Film & TV Music conference, Los Angeles; 3) AFCI Cineposium, Los Angeles and 4) Hollywood Post Alliance (HPA) HPA Awards, Los Angeles.

Offering a snapshot in time with lasting influence and impact for the past 49 years, SHOOT Magazine's "Directors Issues" have been the talk of the industry when first published and are referred to long after the issue date. They capture the leading directors of the time with detailed profiles, while also pinpointing new, up-and-coming directorial talent who bear watching.

The profiles are turned to for shedding light on the approaches, experiences and filmmaking philosophies of the industry's most notable directors. The emerging directors rundown identifies star talent in the making, chronicling how they broke into the business and made their initial impact.

For the latest on the directorial food chain--from the newcomers to the established stars--the industry has turned for nearly a half century to SHOOT's Directors editions. Many things have changed in commercial production since SHOOT first came on the scene. Evolving over the years, SHOOT reports on all forms of advertising-related content production for TV, Broadband, Cinema and Gaming. Throughout all the industry changes, one constant has been SHOOT's semi-annual March and October "Directors" issues.

Last Tuesday at Cannes, Hasbro’s president and CEO Brian Goldner delivered a MIPCOM keynote speech centering on “Becoming a Branded Play Company.”

In the speech, Goldner discussed how the company has become powerful in the arena of branded entertainment. Hasbro’s latest success was the two installments of Transformers, which began as a toy line that transformed into a cartoon series that transformed into a blockbuster success.

Goldner even cited the company’s first branded entertainment production—Mr. Potatohead.  
Throughout the years, the company has evolved from a small toy company to a leading household name.

“Brands don't get tired. People get tired,” said Goldner, referring to the constant reinvention of the Hasbro brand.

The company will soon launch the “Little Pet Shop”, an interactive website. And it is also planning to launch a new Nerf game within the month.

“Our goal is to inspire the human need for play [...] over and over again,” said Goldner. “It's a consumer-on-demand society.”

Source: THR.com
 

Kirklees Council has lobbied its views against product placement to the government, claiming that it will be detrimental to young people’s health.

Council leader Cllr Mehboob Khan says that product placements will be detrimental to the health of people across the country.

Cllr Khan wrote a letter in behalf of the Council and sent it to Ben Bradshaw, the media secretary. In summary, the letter said that the benefits would not outweigh its impact on health.

Cllr Khan wrote: “Both Ofcom and the Food Standards Agency have acknowledged that advertising and marketing messages have an impact on children’s food choices, and while the government has ruled out product placement in children’s programming, most young people watch programmes like the X Factor where placement is likely to be allowed.”

He continued, “Almost 70% of children’s television viewing is outside specific children’s programming times.”

Cllr Khan believes that product placement would disrupt proper dietary practices for children.

Source: eGov Monitor
 

Publicis Worldwide is launching its very own branded entertainment division, which will help clients get their brands into entertainment productions.

“We've been getting more and more interest from clients,” says Richard Pinder, COO of Publicis, in an e-mail to Adverting Age. “It's the right business at the right time. In addition, entertainment and [intellectual property] has become increasingly important for our global clients; in fact, entertainment has been at the core of many of our clients -- the earliest soap operas are a great example of the genre. Last year branded entertainment in the U.S. market alone soared 12% to $24.97 billion. TV consumption has changed. The three-minute program is slowly joining the 30-second spot as an industry benchmark.” 

The first branded entertainment division of Publicis will open in London.

Source: Brand Architect