In 2004, in a marketing/advertising campaign made exclusive for the web, American Express orchestrated the best buddy film ever. Directed by Barry Levinson, Jerry Seinfeld and Superman teamed up to discuss costumes and hindsight, talk about nothing, and show off the benefits of Amex’s theft and damage, 90-day warranty and roadside assistance.
Mo Rocca and persons-on-the-street don’t quite make as entertaining a duo, but it’s the latest coupling developed by a big-named brand aimed to woo potential users through web video.
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Produced by Bank of America, Mo Banking puts the comedian, political satirist, Daily Show correspondent, and “fundit” back on the streets of NYC, asking passers-by about overdraft protection, bringing sexy banking back, and mobile account alerts. Unfortunately, there are no questions about spank banks.
###They’re cute and punny, with Mo Rocca’s friendly, sly style, and probably dirt cheap to produce, but a little too shill for my tastes. IMO, the best forms of marketing fit the product nicely into the pitch instead of making it the focus.
The Amex card in Seinfeld and Superman was incidental, almost an after thought. Mo’s rockin’ the BofA banking tip just a touch too hard. Definitely watchable, but some subtlety could’ve gone a long way.
