product placement

Steve Laramie

Steve Laramie

Veteran
Trying everything to get a film financed. It isnt fully written yet so it has yet to be pitched to art investors but we want to consider mild product placement. Who would I have to talk to about this?
 
Everybody - real product placement can be a challenge because major companies want you to have a major budget. Product placement is like an investor who doesn't want a direct return of the capital you make on your movie, but it doesn't mean they don't want a return. So if they feel like your movie won't be seen by many people or if you aren't that reputable, then it's difficult.

I'd try to get small startups in your area and ask for small amounts or favors. For instance a coffee shop near me is locally owned. The owner knows she's competing against Starbucks and everyone else. She let's me shoot for free in her store on Sundays (her lowest business day) in exchange for product placement, i.e. show her sign.

You maybe able to get more companies willing to give you maybe $250 or so for small product placement throughout your movie. I doubt anyone would give you several thousand dollars, but it doesn't mean it won't happen. You might find the gem. :-)
 
Is it fairly realistic to get free products for a feature film, even if it's indie, when it comes to minor stuff? For instance, let's say I don't want to go through the hassle of trying to avoid showing the label for my energy drink that a character is holding, or I don't want to have this couple drinking generic beer / cover labels again, etc., how likely is it that with proper planning and a good Unit Production Manager with knowledge of that kind of thing that I could get, let's say, Monster or Red Bull, or Budweiser or Coors, to provide product for the scene or authorize the use of their products, etc.?

I would imagine more minor product placements like that, no cash but free products, would be easier no?
 
To Be honest, I don't know, but I do think it is possible. Coca-Cola is here in the ATL and I've talked with several employees that DO think Coke would go for it as long as your paperwork was in order. But I think a small startup would love the publicity and maybe like you said, give you a free case of Soda or whatever. I've even heard of small catering companies doing the catering for productions for free to get some recognition. So anything is possible.
 
I've had a catering company cater a short two day production in exchange for credits and a thank you on the production's web site. The production was high profile though and got a lot of web traffic, if it wasn't, I doubt they'd have offered.
 
In all cases, all those labels need to be cleared which would also be part of the product placement. As mentioned, they need to see the script and scenes where the product will be used, etc. Amount will be based on how many they think will see your film when its done. The meaurement used on the web is cost per eyeball.

Michael
 
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