Other than the usual television commercials or social media ads which supports the products of manufacturing companies, TV shows and movies also create a resounding impact in of sales. However, it seems that Apple is keeping an eye on how its smartphone appears on movies.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, American director Rian Johnson (Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Knives Out) reveals that one of the top names in technology warns of how the iPhone is portrayed in films: that is, in the hands of villains. Johnson pitches that, yes, Apple allows iPhones to be used in movie but not to be seen in possession of bad guys on camera.
This is an interesting aspect to Apple’s demands, but there isn’t any clarity as to why exactly are villains not allowed to show iPhones during screen time. Unless Apple is paying for product placement, then it is reasonable why they do not want their products to be represented as something the bad guys would own.
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On the other hand, since this is Apple’s wish, moviemakers have been careful about respecting the company to avoid potential lawsuit issues.
Legal director of the advocacy group Public Knowledge, John Bergmayer, also commented (via Arstechnica) that he feels comfortable in pointing out how filmmakers could use every day products without asking for a license from their respective companies.
Product representation actually speaks a lot when it is shown in public. It can either place a company in a bad light or in the spotlight. This is why making use of a variety of products—even when it’s just a relatively small project—have to be carefully chosen as to respect what they stand for.
What do you think is Apple’s reason for being wary of villains making use of their iPhones? You can let us know your thoughts on the comment section below.