Why Are All Our Movies Ads Now?

Why Are All Our Movies Ads Now?

From How We Got Here with Chris Kohler by Kohler Media

July 13, 2026 · 53 min · Season 1 · Episode 7

About this episode

This episode explores the prevalence of product placement in movies and its historical roots in Hollywood.

When we watch a movie we see 4-5 brands every 10 minutes. The advertising is hidden in plain sight and this episode goes looking for where and how that trick first came to Hollywood. E.T. and a bag of Reese's Pieces, Lois Lane chain smoking Marlboros, Happy Gilmore’s Subway t-shirts… and Jerry McGuire taking Reebok’s money and then screwing them over. All steps on the path to the situation audiences now find themselves in - marketing campaigns dressed up as movies. All that… plus a two truths and a lie with a twist - one "casual" mention in this very episode was a paid placement. Check out Cool Shirtz - https://shirtz.cool/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Topics covered

  • advertising
  • Hollywood
  • product placement
  • marketing
  • film history

Keywords

  • product placement
  • advertising
  • movies
  • Hollywood
  • marketing campaigns

Sponsors

Cool Shirtz

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Marlboro, Subway, Reebok

Products: Reese's Pieces

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