Veronica Mars is a fictional character from the television series, Veronica Mars, which aired on the UPN and CW networks from 2004 to 2007. It is also a title of the 2014 movie, co-written, produced, and directed by Rob Thomas. The movie Veronica Mars is a continuing film adaptation based on the aforementioned TV series and it stars Kristen Bell in the role of Veronica Mars.

The interesting aspect of the movie is its financing. A year ago Thomas and Bell launched a fundraising campaign to produce the film through Kickstarter and in one month they raised more than $5 million. The movie was released on March 14, 2014 in theatres and through video on demand and online platforms.

Even though it was funded through Kickstarter the movie included a hefty dose of product placement.

Samsung

Samsung was everywhere. All phones, tablets, laptops and even TV sets were provided by Samsung.

Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)
Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)
Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)
Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)
Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)
Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)
Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)
Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)
Samsung in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)

Bud

Bud could be seen in one scene with Veronica and her friends, but was also included in the dialogue, when she offered them Bud and Bud Light.

Bud in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)

Pepsi

Pepsi can was included in two scenes.

Pepsi in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)

BMW

The only notable car was BMW M6 convertible.

BMW M6 in Veronica Mars (2014, Warner Bros., screen capture)

Veronica Mars is one of those movies where product placement is clearly visible (Samsung), but it feels forced: in real life there’s absolutely no chance that Samsung would have such penetration. Samsung got good exposure, but I would suggest a slightly less aggressive approach.

4 Comments
  1. I completely agree that the Samsung placements were forced and unnatural. I thought the Bud mentions (it happens again at Gia’s party — Wallace calls out that he wants a Bud) were also awkward.

    On a kind of related note, it really bugged me how the screens stayed lit while the characters were talking on their phones. That doesn’t happen!

  2. This was a bit disturbing in an otherwise fairly likeable movie. Its strange enough how big a role these phones and brands play in our daily lives. After watching this I have by coincidence begun watching Spike Lee’s remake of the Korean classic ‘Old Boy’. A bit on edge, a bit arty you might be thinking but it’s also a giant frigging iphone advertisement

  3. I’m so glad someone has already called this movie out for the “unnatural and aggressive” use (read:advertisement) of Samsung products. Let’s not forget the scene when Kristen Ritter’s character got shot and Veronica dives to the floor to find safety behind the brick wall. Lucky, Veronica has her samsung phone on her to call for help. That lucky, lucky Veronica.

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