American Visionaries is designed to celebrate the best of blending the arts, culture, community and commerce. These stories are mostly case studies of the innovators in the 20th century.
But, Starbucks Snow (3/2/06 Post) and Spring Break and No Escape (3/10/06 Post) have delved into a darker side. The desperate expressions from the media, advertising and corporate worlds that have led us into new frontiers. The grasping side that appears to lack the integrity and authenticity our young Civic Generation wants and deserves. (Remember - we're all part of this new Civic Generation from 2003-2043 ... it has nothing to do with when you were born, it has everything to do with when you live.)
- The grasping side that honors advertising on the side of a coffee cup you just bought.
- That plasters hotel lobbies and elevators with a brand's posters.
- That allows your hotel room's pillowcase and shower curtain to be sold to carry a brand.
After a well-publicized battle for control, the new team at Six Flags announced last week they'd be showcased on the big screen -- new ads in theaters surrounding their locations will break on over 1,100 screens in June 2006.
I thought what a few others thought - see these quotes, following the release from thrillnetwork.com:
- "That is exactly what I was thinking sfft. Another thing to add to the already elongated section of previews." - G_Adv_123
- "Lol I think this sounds cool... If I have to sit and watch ads for crappy movies I might as well watch a SF ad." - James
And, why not incorporate theater advertising into the plan?
"We have a captive
audience watching your advertisement. No interruptions! The patrons
sitting in the theaters are not going anywhere."
- ScreenVision Cinema Network web site speaking to potential advertisers.
"CaptiveAudience.org has one primary goal: to urge theater owners to discontinue showing invasive TV-like commercials before the beginnings of movies."
They encourage movie-goers to print "Reserved" seat signs like the one below to come early, get your seat and go somewhere else while the advertising is showing.
Ralph Nader distributed a news release, in 1998, stating, "We are calling for commercial-free movies – no ads, no product placements," Nader said. "Movie theaters should be a sanctuary, a refuge from the ad barrage. We are challenging movie and theater companies to rid themselves of commercials and product placements."
One of the major points mentioned by Jason Thompson, Director of Captive Motion Picture Audience of America is that "Commercial presentations continue to detract from the escapism and unique experience that movie theaters provide."
Destroy the integrity of the experience and you destroy the experience.
