Scenario 16-2
HollywoodBranding is a new promotions company formed by three former ad
executives who had illustrious careers in large multi-service advertising agencies. Over
their years, they developed close ties with a number of Hollywood movers and shakers.
Consequently, they feel poised to respond to the business world’s growing desire for
branded entertainment. But they are aware that they need to continually fight their old
school thoughts about branding forged in years of working solely with traditional
media.
The HollywoodBranding staff has an idea for a corporate giant in the household
cleaning products industry; a reality show using all of its products in crazy stunts, timed
contests, and obstacle races. But the client is worried about playing it straight with
consumers, and openly disclosing its role as a paid advertiser for the show. This worry
stems from the concern that:
a. if advertisers pile on branded entertainment too quickly, a jaded consumer and a
cluttered environment will be the result.
b. branded entertainment will definitely have several failures because every time out, it
is new and unpredictable.
c. TV networks can be charged with deception of the public by failing to disclose the
details of product-placement deals.
d. there can be an incredible lack of alignment around who is responsible for ethics in
branded entertainment.
LivTo Inc. is a company that manufactures cosmetic products for women. It claims to
have the best customer care services and is prompt to address the grievances of its
customers. To be internally consistent, the company should invest in a better Research
and Development department and also create a new image for its products.
a. True
b. False