Lonelygirl15 Breaks New Ground

Lonelygirl15 has gone corporate.

In a clever move to boost financing for the show, the creators have begun integrating product placement ads for Ice Breakers Sour Gum into the production.

Big deal.

Advertising has been a part of television entertainment since it began. In the early days of television, viewers were treated to 10 to 15 minute advertising segments produced by the show’s sponsors. Thank goodness I missed those days.

Product placement is just the latest and least offensive method to boost the necessary advertising ratings that keep independent shows like Lonelygirl15 afloat.

Does it really hurt the episode if Bree and her friends chew Ice Breakers Sour Gum and the camera zooms in for a close up shot? I don’t think so.

I would rather see a product placement ad than lose the flame of inspiration found in episodic shows produced by independent filmmakers.

Bravo to the creators of Lonelygirl15. You have once again shown your ingenuity and resourcefulness as you forge the identity of a new entertainment medium.