Seth MacFarlane sells out to Microsoft for Windows 7 Family Guy promo
Microsoft is going all out with its promotion of Windows 7. The next few weeks are going to see the new OS plastered everywhere, with adverts on television, in print, and on the Web on and after the Oct. 22 release date. And it’s even sponsoring a Seth MacFarlane variety show, meaning Family Guy has sold out to the might of Windows 7.
Microsoft’s promotional push of Windows 7 has had a mixed response so far. The TV adverts were well-received but the concept of Windows 7 launch parties was derided in most quarters. And not just by those who missed out on hosting one. But the next initiative will likely prove both popular and successful at getting word out there about Windows 7.
Seth MacFarlane is a comedy genius best known for Family Guy. He’s also created American Dad, The Cleveland Show, and Seth MacFarlane’s Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy. The latter was a Web-only series made in partnership with ad agency Crispin, Porter & Bogusky, Google, and Burger King. And now MacFarlane is taking the Microsoft dollar.
As part of a Seth MacFarlane night on Fox, Microsoft will sponsor Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show. This will be a 30-minute show featuring live-action Family Guy musical performances, animated shorts, and new sketches. The Alex in the title is actress Alex Borstein who plays Lois Griffin on Family Guy.
According to AdAge, the show will have no advertising breaks, with Microsoft essentially hijacking that whole side of things. Windows 7 will feature heavily throughout the show, in similar ways as can be seen in the video below.
Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show is to air on Nov. 8 at 8:30pm. Microsoft must be hoping this strategy works, with a large number of viewers and a wide range of demographics hopefully tuning into the show. With it being reported last year that a 30-second spot on Family Guy costs $200,000, this must be setting Microsoft back a few dollars.
On its own, this kind of branded entertainment wouldn’t work, but with the range of other Windows 7 promotions also going on, it may well do. But at the end of the day it’ll all come down to word of mouth advertising on the Web once the product launches and everyone starts using it.
Related Posts:
October 16th, 2009
Damn not family guy too
October 17th, 2009
If I pay for the use of a jet it isn’t hijacking to dictate the destination or flight plan.
October 17th, 2009
Whatever it costs Microsoft, it will be a drop in the bucket. Seems MSFT is pulling out all stops to make sure Windows 7 is a success.
Still, it is Windows..and you must use another software (anti-virus) to make sure this software is running correctly.