If there is one thing that impacts each of our lives, it’s advertising. The advertising industry is fast-moving, creative, and often cutthroat. Is it little wonder filmmakers and creators of television shows have turned to it for a backdrop for some storytelling?
From the drama of landing a big campaign to quirky personalities behind the scenes, advertising has a lot to offer when it comes to compelling films and shows. Good movies and shows about advertising that you shouldn't miss include the following.
For any discussion of advertising in media, one probably will never be complete without naming Mad Men. This critically acclaimed series follows a charismatic, troubled advertising executive through New York City in the 1960s while he makes waves in high-stakes advertising. Indeed, Mad Men is widely recognized for its accurate projection of the advertising world, and also for its deep exposure to personal life, cultural shifts at the time, and workplace atmosphere.
Thank You for Smoking is a satirical comedy with Nick Naylor, the lobbyist resorted to by the industry for advertisements. This dark comedy has humour on how ads sometimes manipulate and deceive to influence public opinion. Smooth-talking charm and rhetoric, Nick can be rather fascinating; but once more, one cannot help it to reflect upon the ethical dilemma that comes with advertising.
The Crazy Ones was a very short-lived comedy series that saw Robin Williams play the role of Simon Roberts, a crazy brilliant advertising executive, alongside his daughter Sydney, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Situated in an energetic advertising company, the show brought to light the artistic and most chaotic process involved in making up the advertising campaigns. He packed this show full of comedic genius, and his character's crass and unpredictable behavior was somehow delightful juxtaposed against the clean-cut world of advertising.
For the much darker adaptation, 99 Francs is the product of what could be accomplished in an ad for a French version of this specific element. The movie tells the story of Octave Parango, an advertising executive who rapidly becomes disenchanted by the superficiality and manipulation inherent in the business. Visually striking and sharply satirical, the film examines the way in which advertising can shape and distort consumer desires. Rather, it is an eye-opener to all the ethical questions surrounding the industry.
The documentary of Art & Copy follows the creativity in advertising by documenting some of the most famous ad campaigns ever created. This film is a gigantic tribute to the creation of an unforgettable ad, filled with interviews of legends behind iconically catchy ads, such as George Lois and Lee Clow.
This documentary is both instructional and motivational, as it talks to the "how" in creativity and strategy in advertising. It's perfect for those interested in the practical process that ends up displaying some of the most influential ads in history.
The Joneses takes yet another approach toward the world of advertising, that of "stealth marketing." It speaks about a picture-perfect family who are really composed of undercover marketers. Their M.O. was to cultivate luxury goods among their neighbors and community through living the life of utmost extravagance.
All these depictions about the world of advertisements have something that fits every taste while keeping both entertaining and informative.
