A lot of commercial investments are made in regards to product placement. Miami Vice has no less than 36 placements, Talladega Nights a whopping 89 (according to my count). Now, I realise that it is difficult not to include something if you depict everyday life in a rural setting from the Western world, but there is a difference when you deliberately are earning money on it. Small movie companies and unknown directors/producers may benefit from a few extra bucks, but the big money are where the fame is because of a greater ROI.

But where’s the ethical dimension in this? Especially if producers are taking whatever they can get? As I stated in a previous post, you can indirectly support child labour or pollution-intensive manufacturing on the other side of the world by supporting products uncritically. The same must go for product placement. If I had it in my power, I would never allow product placement by Coca Cola in one of my movies for instance. Their ethiscore is a low 3/15 and community leaders in India have accused the Coca-Cola bottling plant in Mehdiganj of creating severe water shortages affecting over twenty villages, polluting agricultural land and groundwater, illegally occupying land, evading taxes and treating workers unfairly. [link].

So-called “famous” people working in the movie industry – especially when we are talking about actors & directors – usually boast about their commitment to human rights, welfare organisations etc. Their powers in this regard are sometimes unmatched and necessary. So shouldn’t it be possible through these people to support product placement that does not include companies and products that ethically are unfavourable? James Bond no longer smokes, but I will bet that there are a few other items in these movies that could use a bit of scrutinising. Overall – yes, it will be cumbersome. Yes, producers might strongly disagree. No, this should per se only be for the creators that can afford it. But why not create public goodwill towards better, more sustainable products where possible? Movies are somewhat ‘educational’ in this regard and to do this will be a great step toward a better future for us all.

On this day...

... in 2003: [°} - Now with photos!