Does sex sell? Chat transcript
DenverPost moderator – audience) Hello, and welcome to our live chat with with “Budweiser frogs” adman Greg Gorman – who says its “sexist and cliche” to use beautiful women to sell beer – and Brad Baldwin, an owner of Donna Baldwin Talent, who says a pretty face never hurts in selling a product.
DenverPost moderator – audience) Welcome to our guests. Are you ready to start?
Brad Baldwin – audience) Yes.
Greg Gorman – audience) Let’s go.
DenverPost moderator – audience) Cool. Here is the first question …
ribbit – audience) How successful was/is the Coors twins promotion? Seems to have died down, a bit. Used to see billboards everywhere.
Greg Gorman – audience) Great talk value, poor sales results. Campaign was pulled.
Brad Baldwin – audience) You would have to ask the Coors marketing people.
questioner – audience) University of Colorado marketing professor Paul Herr has new research that indicates if customers want quality – as when buying a new computer laptop, for example – an attractive model can hurt a product’s credibility? What do you think?
Greg Gorman – audience) I agree, you are not looking for beauty, you are looking for function.
Brad Baldwin – audience) I think it would depend on how it is presented. If she is in a bikini maybe yes. If she is attractive but in a suit then no.
Greg Gorman – audience) You have kiss so many toads to find the princesses (three of them)!!
questioner – audience) Brad, what was the oddest promotion or advertising campaign your agency has been asked to get involved in?
questioner: Greg, you launched the Budweiser frogs campaign. How did you find such attractive frogs? Aren’t they doing Victoria’s Secret now?
Brad Baldwin – audience) We had a job where the client wanted fat women ankles. That was very awkward call to our talent. Do you have fat ankles? Great we have an audition for you.
questioner – audience) Greg, why do you think advertisers are using more normal-looking people now? And what’s normal?
Greg Gorman – audience) We are no Brad Baldwin beauties, we can’t compete. We’re all average looking Joe’s. The last great looking women I saw was the “Wendy’s, Where’s the Beef?” babe.
ribbit – audience) In terms of promotions, what are some trends for the next decade. Internet of course, but…?
Greg Gorman – audience) Multi-platform tied to TV shows or it could be just more good looking people.
Brad Baldwin – audience) More deversity. We are seeing a lot more ethnic deversity. As the population continues in that direction so will advertising
questioner – audience) For both of you: what’s your favorite ad campaign of all-time, um, besides the frogs.
Greg Gorman – audience) Clydesdales Football of course with those sexy, beautiful horses. Next the really crappy twenty other commercials I did.
Brad Baldwin – audience) My favorite is any campaign that uses lots of models or actors. Good for business!
questioner – audience) Is the sex sells equation different online than in print? What are you seeing on the Web that’s clever advertising?
Greg Gorman – audience) Obviously the rules are different, more skin to win on-line, an example naked subserviant chicken and Ted Fergusen Lap Dance.
Brad Baldwin – audience) My pop-up blocker doesn’t let me see much internet advertising
ribbit – audience) I’m sure the egos abound in terms of talent. Are there any extravagant contract requests, like taking the green M&M’s out?
Brad Baldwin – audience) Not in Denver. That’s L.A. – N.Y. stuff
Greg Gorman – audience) The frogs wanted fresh flies and the Clydesdales needed hoof manicures.
questioner – audience) After the SuperBowl, what are the biggest advertising events?
Greg Gorman – audience) Oscars and TV shows like Amercian Idol.
Greg Gorman – audience) Brad, how come the last five years the top ten Superbowl ads have had only two of fifty that included sex?
Brad Baldwin – audience) Pandering to the religous right
questioner – audience) Brad, what does it take to be a model?
Greg Gorman – audience) I thought the last Mr. Clinton enjoyed sex!
Brad Baldwin – audience) It is about 50% looks, which includes a great smile, good skin, good bone structure. A body that is in good shap and usually tall and be very phoyogentic. The other half is having a good personality.
questioner – audience) What do you two know about the Miami ad agency that’s moving to Boulder?
Brad Baldwin – audience) News to me.
Greg Gorman – audience) Outstanding creative, willing to push the envelope. Unfortunately works for the wrong team …… Miller! Does not pander to the religious right or left.
questioner – audience) Brad, given your definition, does Greg Gorman have what it takes to be a model?
Greg Gorman – audience) Women love me for my brain. 400 pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal – who wouldn’t love that?
Brad Baldwin – audience) No clue. I don’t know what he looks like. If he is interested he can go to our website and get the info for submitting.
dezinespec – audience) Are there any current ads campaigns on the Top Ten ad list that use sex? Are they working?
Greg Gorman – audience) No, tell me one.
Greg Gorman – audience) What about Comcast Slowskys? Very Sexy!
DenverPost moderator – audience) Thanks everyone for tuning in, and thanks to our speakers, Brad & Greg, for their witty responses. We will be posting the transcript from this live chat shortly on DenverPost.com.
Greg Gorman – audience) Thanks it was great. Thanks Brad, appreciate your particpation.
Brad Baldwin – audience) Likewise.
