a.How does the issue you’re interested in come up in the movie? (Give a very brief summary of the plot to illustrate.)
Advertising is subtly placed within the show “The O.C.” The way the actors use certain products or the way they show off their new cars makes it apparent that they are not just using products to make them look like normal people, the producers are being paid to endorse certain products on the show. The show features young teenage people who live in Orange County. They live very posh and spoiled lives that are filled with drama and teenage romance.
b.In your view (based on what we have discussed in class) do you feel that the issue is dealt with in a realistic fashion? Explain why or why not.
The way products are featured in the show is designed to not be shoved into the viewers face. Products such as fancy cars and clothes or musical bands are displayed or featured in a way that normal teenagers would view as “cool.” The issues are dealt with in a realistic way.
c.Do you feel that the movie has the potential for positive or negative effects with regard to your issue/topic? Describe what kind of effects you think the movie might have.
The endorsement of course has potential for positive effects for advertisers. The show is very popular within their target demographic and it has become part of a teenage culture phenomenon. The endorsement or use on TV of BMW cars will present the likely possibility of increased desire of BMWs in future drivers.
d.Give your opinion of the movie based on your answers to the first three questions. If you had been the director, what might you have added or changed? Or if you think that the movie is a good one, explain why.
e.
If I was the director I would continue to place product endorsements on my version of the show. Featuring products brings financial gain to the show and really offers no harm. I believe it is done tastefully in the show in question. I have seen endorsements that go over the top. The movie “National Treasure” with Nicholas Cage features a scene where Visa is prominently displayed. I believe that particular scene was too obvious and as a viewer I felt sold out. As long as The OC continues to tastefully display products without making them the focus of the show I would not change a thing.