In the 2000 film Cast Away, Tom Hanks’ co-star isn’t Leonardo DiCaprio, Meg Ryan, or some other A-list actor.
It’s a volleyball, courtesy of Wilson Sporting Goods.
Throughout the film, the volleyball enjoys 10.5 minutes of screen time worth an estimated $1.85m+ in advertising value. And for this exposure, Wilson paid a grand total of $0.
Click here to read the story at thehustle.com.
Discussion Questions:
- What is product placement?
- Where does product placement occur?
- Why do brands engage in product placement?
- Can you think of any examples of where you have a seen a brand in something you are watching or playing?
- This news story suggests product placement is a “mutually beneficial” exchange. What does that mean?
- How do both parties benefit from product placement?
- Are all product placements paid?
- This story describes how the product placement process works. Based on that information, what types of potential career opportunities might exist in the business of entertainment?