A Loyal Reader Writes:
We just got orders from that “Event” modeling that you wrote about. (Where WLS was sued.)
Here’s the copy. What do you think? Doesn’t really tell you anything, and I can’t find a website for “The Event.”
Hey Mom and Dad! Do your kids love the Disney Channel? How about movies like “The Last Song” staring Miley Cyrus or the Twilight saga’s “Breaking Dawn?” Well how would your kids like to BE in a smash hit movie like “The Last Song”or “Breaking Dawn”or how would your kids like to BE on the Disney channel!!!? If its your kids dream to be in a movie or on the Disney channel then listen up!! This weekend a world famous agent will be in your area looking for kids just like yours ages 6-17 for TV commercials, TV shows and even Movies. Can you imagine your kids being on TV?!!! How amazing would that be?! If your kids love the Disney channel or movies like “Breaking Dawn” then this could be their shot!! Check it out if your kids want to be on the Disney Channel, or in a blockbuster like “The Last Song” or “Breaking Dawn” be one of the first 200 callers right now. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and Space is limited so call right now(emphasis) !! Call 888-999-XXXX, That’s 888-999-XXXX, 888-999-XXX once more guys 888-999-XXX good luck. Brought to you by the New Event Inc
Dan Replies:
As always, I am not offering legal advice.
But my nonprofessional, layman’s understanding is that:
1. If there’s no such company as “New Event Inc.,” then you’ll violate FCC regulations by airing the commercial.
2. Every entity named in that commercial could and should sue for trademark infringement.
It would be interesting for you to ask the agency that made the buy:
* To provide you with information confirming the existence and full identity of the advertiser
* To indemnify your radio station against any trademark infringement claims.
Comments on this entry are closed.
Wow, that is some bad copy; repetitive, annoying and poorly written. If they’d worked with an actual writer, they could have come up with a decent spot – that doesn’t sound TOTALLY DODGY!
I’ve heard this spot airing in the Seattle market – it just makes me shake my head. But, lots of unsuspecting parents will no doubt jump on this opportunity. Very misleading and “scammy”.
My experience is that most of these types of commercials are no more than free meetings to upsell photos, acting classes and sadly false hope.
John Robert Powers is a major force that uses made up company names to get stations to accept the advertising.
Vague, nonspecific claims = shady. I love how it says “a world famous agent…” If he/she truly is “world famous,” then they should have no problem identifying this so-called agent to lend a modicum of credibility to this garbage.