Netflix is a dominant force in Video-On-Demand services. One of it's key attractions is the fact that it doesn't have adverts in it's offering. There are no breaks in programmes, no pre-rolls, no post rolls – not so much as a banner advert. And thats long been a source of concern for the big brands that can see audiences shifting toward VOD services.
If the eyeballs are moving to netflix, how can advertisers get their brands in front of those eyeballs?
Well, Ad Age has confirmed what has long been suspected, that Netflix are open to alternatove forms of advertising. In much the same vein as tradtional cinema or netwrok television. We are of course talking about Product Placement.
In the latest season of it's showcase series, House Of Cards, Netflix is rumoured to have signed a deal with Anheuser-Busch, to have it's beer range featured in the original programming. Observant viewers will see Stella Artois, Budweiser and Shock Top brands in the third season's episodes. However, Anheuser-Busch is reportidly not paying for the placements, but rather is exchanging product for services. Or in other words, somebody's getting free beer for quite some time to come.
It's not known if other brands have signed similar or indeed cash deals with Netflix, but trailers for the third season showed products from Apple, Coca-Cola, Samsung, and there is some talk around the amount of MacBooks, Windows powered Nokia phones and Surface tablets.
Note: the product placement arrangements are made with individual show production companies, not necessarily with Netflix.
Read the full article at Ad Age: http://adage.com/article/media/netflix-s-house-cards-tout-anheuser-busch-samsung/297318/
