The $6-Billion Sell

Genre: Educational

Year Published: 1976

Creator: Consumers Union of United States

Format: 16mm

Sound: sound

Description: Narrator, David Labiosa; performer, Billy Crystal Music by Michael Colicchio ; animation by Maureen Selwood ; film editor, Hans Dudelheim ; photographed by Tom Spain, Michael Livesey, Dan Lerner Title from film Film: 570 ft Discussion guide includes summary, objectives, discussion prompts, and activity suggestions An examination of the principles of selling products with television commercials. Emphasis is on the young consumer's reactions to commercials Abstract: Resisting the influence of television commercials is not easy until a group of young people focuses attention on the gimmicks used to create the urge to buy. Celebrities who push a product may look great; but not necessarily because of the product! Different camera angles are used to present a misleading picture of performance; toys such as GI Joe or Evil Knievel on a motorcycle never seem to live up to the television image. New and improved are possibly the most overworked words in the word game. Many phrases sound impressive but have no real meaning to the buyer. Everyone knows about those dinky prizes in the cereal boxes--but who can resist? Products that promise good times, good looks and romance can deliver, but only the product! Brand loyalty can prevent finding a comparable quality at lower price. There is a lot of choice available in the marketplace--the message is to use it