Always nice to discover a familiar face in a TV commercial! atechbook knows which stars have already advertised products or brands in the field of technology, and shows you a few real darlings here.
Celebrity endorsement – i.e. the acquisition of celebrities as advertising faces or brand ambassadors – is and remains one of the most successful measures for companies to market themselves or a product. The reasons for this are obvious: fans want to follow in the footsteps of their idols, the sender is portrayed in a positive light, this is good for the image and sales figures, and so on. For the stars, appearing in commercials is worthwhile, not least from a monetary point of view. And it’s often worth it for the viewer, too: the spots are usually produced to a very high standard and are sometimes extremely entertaining. atechbook shows which stars have already advertised for technology.
Overview
- Jennifer Aniston & Matthew Perry for Windows 95
- Jerry Seinfeld for Microsoft
- David Beckham for Motorola Aura
- Kate Moss for Nikon S9
- Shakira for Nokia 5110
- Paul Rudd for Super Nintendo
- Catherine Zeta Jones for T-Mobile Wireless
- Justin Timberlake and Peyton Manning for Sony
- Kevin Costner for Apple Lisa
- Shaquille O’neal for Comcast
Jennifer Aniston & Matthew Perry for Windows 95
In a cult Windows 95 commercial, Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry, both stars of the popular U.S. sitcom “Friends,” show their usual amusing side. However, the commercial is longer than the individual episodes of the series were back then: The actors spend around 30 minutes at Microsoft headquarters explaining the Windows 95 operating system. The funny story about Aniston and Perry’s Windows 95 commercial with the whole video is available at atechbook. Here’s a sneak peek:
Jerry Seinfeld for Microsoft
While Microsoft founder Bill Gates didn’t show his face in the Aniston-Perry spot, he makes a grand entrance alongside actor Jerry Seinfeld.
The stars play themselves in the ad. It shows Seinfeld strolling through a mall, where he discovers mega-entrepreneur Gates in a discount shoe store, of all places. He rushes up to him and advises him on his choice with all his body. In the end, they stroll together into the parking lot, both holding a Churo, and Seinfeld asks extremely unusual questions about future Microsoft products.
Also interesting: Windows can soon only be used with a Microsoft account
David Beckham for Motorola Aura
In 2008, ex-football star David Beckham was also in front of the camera for electronics manufacturer Motorola, or more precisely for its cell phone Motorola Aura. In the spot, Beckham does what he does particularly well: look good. From the lower part of the body upwards, the camera travels over the athlete’s steely upper body and up to his serious-looking face. Together with the lighting effects, the Brit looks like a robot. In his hand he holds the advertised device, whose look – according to the company – is inspired by luxury watches. However, the price also promises luxury: The phone was launched at an RRP of 1999 euros.
Also interesting: Many strengths, small weaknesses – the Motorola Edge 30 Pro in test
Kate Moss for Nikon S9
This star is also associated primarily with good looks: Supermodel Kate Moss. In 2009, she advertised the Nikon S9 camera. Not much happens in the spot: Moss lolls lasciviously on a staircase and shows herself with the digital camera.
Shakira for the Nokia 5110
All the more happening for it in this Nokia commercial from 2001. The ad shows a concert by Colombian singer Shakira, but she herself is stuck in a traffic jam. Shakira picks up her Nokia 5110 and calls her very tense agent. In order not to keep the fans waiting, the two come up with an idea: Shakira sings away – into the cell phone, and her agent holds the speakerphone to the microphone. She sings and sings, jumping onto a motorcycle that allows her to pass the parked cars. Finally arriving at the stage, she exchanges the phone for her mic.
Paul Rudd for Super Nintendo
In 2021, actor Paul Rudd was named the “Sexiest Man Alive.” This has left the actor, who is actually known more as a gobshite as well as for self-deprecating characters, even more surprised than the general public.
A truly quirky appearance that, again, suits him perfectly: Rudd’s role in a Super Nintendo commercial from 1991. The then 22-year-old discovers an oversized screen and a console – a Super Nintendo – on a dark street. With dramatic determination, he plugs in a game cartridge and gets started. He is not alone for long: his performance attracts numerous spectators who enthusiastically gather around him. The words are almost prophetic: “Now you’re playing with power. Super power.” One of Rudd’s greatest successes to date will be his role as Ant-Man in the Marvel universe years later.
Catherine Zeta Jones for T-Mobile Wireless
Finding the right phone plan can be a relatively humdrum topic. The best way to sell the rate is probably with a beautiful woman. T-Mobile also flirts with this idea in a commercial from 2007, with superstar Catherine Zeta-Jones as the protagonist.
The ad is set in a U.S. suburb where a team of economists has been sent out to explain to residents how to optimize their telephone contracts. The door is slammed in their faces one after the other. It is only when actress Zeta-Jones appears at the threshold, with her mane in a magenta-colored, tight-fitting dress, that the potential new customers take notice.
Justin Timberlake and Peyton Manning for Sony
Musician and acting star Justin Timberlake has appeared in a number of commercials and promotions for Sony. Often at his side: former American football player and quarterback legend Peyton Manning. In this i
One can already speak of a major advertising offensive. The background was a drop in sales due to the severe recession in the USA. In addition to Timberlake and Manning, Sony has acquired numerous stars to stimulate demand for its camcorders, e-books, televisions, laptops and cameras, for example, through funny commercials.
In one of the spots, Timberlake plays “Media Monster Wars.” It’s a social media app that Sony claims to have developed with the star. As the ad says, the app creates “an unbeatable monster” based on the user’s Facebook wall (photo and video uploads, comments and likes). With this, users are then supposed to be able to compete against Timberlake.
Also interesting: Why does Sky show ads, but Netflix and Amazon Prime do not?
Kevin Costner for Apple Lisa
Granted: Kevin Costner is only one of countless stars that Apple has been able to win over for advertising. But his spot still stands out.
The actor presents Apple’s first computer with a graphical user interface and mouse: the Mac predecessor Lisa. This soon proved incompatible with other Apple products, which is why Lisa sold poorly and was soon discontinued. Costner, who of course could not have known about the technical problems, shows in the promotional film how easy office work should be with Lisa.
Shaquille O’neal for Comcast
Last but not least, a fun tech commercial from Comcast Corporation. In addition to ex-basketball star Shaquille O’neal, the cable network and Internet operator was able to enlist the services of U.S. actor Ben Stein and host Giuliana Rancic. The plot: an awards ceremony – complete with flashing lights, red carpet and all – where O’neal and Stein are honored as business partners and for their joint work, the “Hollywood HD Triple Play.”
Sources
- Complex
- Macworld
- NY Times
Topics
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Nokia