Using equipment free, for naming product in credits?

	Using equipment free, for naming product in credits? by Samuel Smith on Aug 12, 2008 at 5:37:55 am Basically, I'm curious if a local electronics store or even a national brand electronics name would be likely to lend you some equipment if you include their name in the credits. I have in mind more of an interview with a celebrity or something that is likely to be seen by a good amount of local residents on public access, and then naming the supplier of the equipment almost immediately after in the credits as thanks. It's something where you'd probably only need a piece of equipment for a few days. Is this a worthy pursuit and how would one go about it? Just call or send a letter to the local store manager? Or try to contact the press or publicity department of the national chain? Respond to this post   •   Return to posts index

	Re: Using equipment free, for naming product in credits? by Todd Terry on Aug 12, 2008 at 5:51:54 am Sure, it can happen... Back many moons ago when I worked in broadcast TV we did a sports show that had some big jumbo monitors on the set (projection TVs, back before the plasma days). They were on loan from a local appliance rental company, who got a "thank you" in the end credits. We also had a morning talk show where all the set furniture (sofa, coffee table, chairs, end tables, lamps) were provided by the local La-Z-Boy store in exchange for credit. I think they might have gotten a free commercial schedule for it as well. While the sports show was for a planned short run, the morning show was a permanent show, and I know the furniture was kept for at least a couple of years (bascially in that case the store knew of the expected duration and just depreciated the "loan" of the furniture). In both cases it was just the local store owner and/or manager that was dealt with. It helped that they were both already commercial clients of the TV station, so we had an "in" with them. T2 __________________________________ Todd Terry Creative Director Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc. fantasticplastic.com Respond to this post   •   Return to posts index

	Re: Using equipment free, for naming product in credits? by Tim Wilson on Aug 12, 2008 at 2:42:44 pm [Todd Terry] "In both cases it was just the local store owner and/or manager that was dealt with." The more local the better. This can be true for all kinds of businesses. For example, adult beverages are sold through regional distributors, many of whom have discretionary dollars for local marketing. Much of this is done through big events, especially sporting events - local minor league baseball, a 5K race, etc. There was a big resort we worked for that had a big, big deal with Budweiser, and they basically TOLD the local Bud distributor to spend money with us. It started off a little strained to say the least, but it turned into a wonderful deal for everyone. We got to play nationally-airing Bud spots in our very, very local TV show, and when it was appropriate, we talked to the Bud distributor about why they were sponsoring this golf tournament to raise money for the hospital. No way Anheuser-Busch or their new Belgian overlords would have given a burp about us. Anyway, to underscore Todd's point, get as local as you can, and wherever you can, get somebody you know to make an introduction or otherwise help grease the wheels. Tim Wilson Associate Director, CreativeCow.net Associate Publisher, Creative Cow Magazine! Respond to this post   •   Return to posts index

	Re: Using equipment free, for naming product in credits? by Noah Kadner on Aug 13, 2008 at 3:57:56 am Are you talking about products like say a TV or something or actual production gear. The former is possible- depending on the industry, the profile of your project and how good a salesman you are. The latter is a lot trickier because for obvious reasons if it were easy to say get a free camera or lights just for asking- everyone would do it. I've had some luck with it in the past but it takes a certain type of project, good timing, very generous companies and the right approach. Perhaps you can be more specific? Noah My FCP Blog. Unlock the secrets of the DVX100, HVX200 and Apple Color and Win a Free Letus Extreme. Now featuring the Sony EX1 Guidebook, DVD Studio Pro and Sound for Film and TV. http://www.callboxlive.com Respond to this post   •   Return to posts index

	Re: Using equipment free, for naming product in credits? by Samuel Smith on Aug 17, 2008 at 11:43:41 pm Well, I can see how the prospect of borrowing an expensive camcorder would be much harder than some clothing, but in my instance, that was my hope. I imagine it'd help to have some "references" or people to vouch for you when borrowing something of that expense. In my case, it'd be more of a "one-off" borrowing for a couple days, so hopefully that would assuage the request. Thanks for the responses. Respond to this post   •   Return to posts index