Microsoft to Sponsor Live-Action Family Guy Variety Show
Microsoft to Sponsor Live-Action Family Guy Variety Show
Posted 10/14/2009 at 8:45am
| by Paul Lilly
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Not that it probably needs it at this point, but the marketing blitz for Microsoft's upcoming Windows 7 operating system continues, taking a turn for the unexpected. The Redmond company has signed a deal with Fox to sponsor a variety show produced by "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, who also plays the voice of Peter Griffin, among others, and actress Alex Borstein, who voices Lois Griffin.
The MS-sponsored variety show -- currently called "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show" -- mixes live action "Family Guy" musical performance, animated shorts, and celebrity guest appearances. And a healthy does of Windows 7 references.
"You'll see us deeply integrated into the content. You'll hear a lot about how Windows 7 can help you simplify your PC -- it's simple, fast, and easy to use," said Gayle Troberman, general manger of consumer engagement and advertising at Microsoft. "We'll be evoking the cast of "Family Guy" in some interesting ways that integrate the product messages."
The show will air November 8 without commercial interruption.
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quantumnerd
October 16, 2009 at 8:06am
Microsoft is going willy-nilly scattering their image of their brand EVERYWHERE-
Apple's ads are winning, in part, because their ads make sense* and portray a contant image of their brand. Whenever microsoft decides to do some cross promotion that doesn't make any sense, they scatter the image of their brand. It doesn't matter how effective, how much buzz it will cause, or good the ad is if it muddles the image of microsoft.
I seriously think that the kids using the windows computers with ease was good because it contradicts the image of non ease of use that windows has. I also think that ads showing features of windows features were good- the current ads were a bit off because they showed the wrong features, but they're on the right track.
Kids + ease of use + features + THEME DAMMIT = good ads
* Yes, they suck and are 90+% lies, but they are also understandable
Humpfester
October 15, 2009 at 9:23am
A healthy "dose" of more money in Seth MacFarlane's pocket, kind of reminds of the time I was a grammer teacher at the state prison, insert funny Family guy flashback.
Dick Motorman
October 15, 2009 at 6:55am
why wont family guy die? This is so lame I may just switch over to mac... no, no, nevermind.
1337Goose
October 14, 2009 at 2:26pm
I'm no business major, but I have taken a few business courses in my day.
A previous article on MaxPC said something about Microsoft pouring money into promotion without any tangible result. Part of the issue with building brand equity is portraying a consistent image for your brand.
Co-branding is an effective strategy for boosting the brand equity of your product, and it can be a symbiotic relationship for both parties involved. However, when Microsoft takes this promiscuous approach to branding, where their brand is tied to whatever other product or name comes their way, I think it hurts their brand's overall net worth.
Don't get me wrong however, I love Microsoft just as much as I love Family Guy (yeah, I like them both). But on a similar note, I love bacon just as much as I love ice-cream. Mixing the two however, would be disastrous.
~Goose
aviaggio
October 14, 2009 at 11:01am
The show will air November 8 without commercial interruption.
Considering it's basically an infomercial, having commercials for other products would be redundant.
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