Reality TV.. Product Placement?

The next time you watch TV or a movie, count the product placements. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Nowadays, I don't watch a lot of television, due to my lack of personal time-- and also, the lack of quality shows available. Where reality shows are concerned, I do admit to watch for the pure entertainment purpose, as it is quite humorous how scripted these "real" episodes are.

In that case, I've chosen to highlight product placement in, "Keeping Up With The Kardashians." This reality show delves into the lives of Bruce and Kris Jenner, along with their children: Kendall and Kylie-- and the children from Kris's first marriage: Kim, Kourtney, Khloe and Robert Kardashian.

Considering this is a reality show, taking place mostly in the Jenner household, it is typical to see many familiar products such as Mac computers, Palm Treo smartphones, and cars: Cadillac Escalades and Range Rovers.

In all instances the logos aren't very visible for promotion, yet it is obvious to see the brands in use. However, clothing logos (which are more noticeable on camera) are "blurred"-- so that the brand is not seen at all.

The only case in this show that I find product placement is in promotion of their family clothing store, Dash.

Dash is frequently mentioned, and a large majority of the show is filmed in the clothing boutique-- as Kourtney and Khloe work there.

Likewise, when the girls go out at night-- or errands are run among the parents the names of the places visited are always shown: such as Chaya Restaurant and Suki 7 Club (in the episode I viewed for this blog.)

Even though product placement is not all that obvious, I would assume fans of these individuals would admire the brands used throughout the show-- as well as be interested in visiting Dash as it plays a huge role in the girls lives.


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On a personal note, having taken part in a small amount of extra work on television (as mentioned before,) I have seen product placement done first hand. I have also gotten in "trouble" for wearing too large of a logo (displayed on my purse)-- as that designer was not paying for her fashion to be promoted on the show.

What is shown in television shows and in movies is highly important, and carefully planned. Brands promoted give a certain reputation-- and is important as a viewer to notice product placement throughout entertainment.. as it is a great advertising tool in the media.

I am a Millenial.

How do you feel about being part of the Millennial Generation. There are a variety of terms used for your generation. How do you feel about that. Do you identify? How would you advertise to yourself and does that differ from what’s being done.

Mixing practicality with drive and ambition, I wholeheartedly associate myself with the Millennial Generation. We are said to be a cared for and valued group of unique individuals, with parents attending to our needs (compared to past generations.) The Millennials have career expectations and are very money conscience, as one of the main stresses in life is debt. The media holds a tight grip on our lives, as we have been exposed as the most "celebrity obsessed" culture.Virtually unified, the net and technology keeps the world at our fingertips, instantly connecting us to anyone we please (within a click of a button.) Likewise, we have been affected by numerous world tragedies and are willing to stand up for environment and civil rights (of our interest.)

I am proud to have been born in the Millennial Generation, because I truly believe we are "one of a kind." No generation before us has been challenged by such worldly events-- as 9-11 and War on Iraq, Clinton Scandal and Impeachment, and tragedies such as the Columbine and Virginia Tech Shootings, and media related-- Princess Diana's death, John F. Kennedy, Jr.'s plane crash, OJ Trial..ect. We stand strong and unite to get through tough times, as each event touches our soul (as if we were personally involved.) The internet has opened countless doors to our existence, not only keeping us in constant contact with each other, but overstepping regional boundaries to experience different cultures, we may never get to see on our own. Knowledge can be gained through a click of a mouse, and our career opportunities multiplied. Our belief "anything is possible".. also holds us at a creative pedestal, always striving for the "next best thing" in life.

After keeping a keen eye on advertisers, I think they are aware of our generation and know how to reach out to us. We are a major source of revenue for businesses, not to be ignored. Likewise, the media also knows how to grab our attention and keep us interested in the latest fads/celebrity drama..ect. In saying this, I believe they are on the right path to how they currently advertise-- and I wouldn't at the moment change a thing.