You can’t watch a movie these days that isn’t laden with product placement. Whether someone is using an Apple computer (they almost always are), drinking a Coke or fumbling for a Trojan, everything you see in a movie or on television is there for a reason. It’s prime advertising space. Which made me wonder about Toyota when I saw this image this week under the headline, “Rebels in Control in Libya.” Yes, I know a lot of people drive Toyotas in North Africa, but the composition of this shot made me wonder if maybe Toyota PR had somehow airlifted in a few dozen Tundras for the rebels to use in their advancements against the tyrannical Libyan regime – only to parlay this benevolence as part of a future ad campaign with the tagline, ‘Driving the Revolution.’
You heard it here first.
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Darren
Aug 26, 2011
Ever since I met you, virtually, of course, I am in awe of your clever insight and intelligent writing.
I know I don’t comment enough, but I really like your style and what you write.
I really like the new tag line, and think you should pitch it to Toyota:
‘Driving the Revolution.’
Hell yeah.
Keep up the great work. I look forward to the day when I can throw the family into the car, and we road-trip East and meet y’all IRL.
Jim Mitchem
Aug 26, 2011
Thanks Darren. Don’t feel like you’ve got to comment more. When it happens, it happens. Nobody’s counting.
Olivier Blanchard
Aug 26, 2011
I noticed it too. In fact, I was just asking my wife how Toyota manages to always be the pickup truck of choice for rebels and militias in every African and Middle-Eastern conflict, and how I too can order the .50-cal turret option for the truck bed. 😀
Jim Mitchem
Aug 26, 2011
It’s all about who you know in this business. Need a turret? Not a problem. Just make sure we get prominent brand placement.