Great Moments In Product Placement : Nokia Phones
Fresh from the news of Nokia’s Tube phone in the Dark Knight (which they vehemently denied of course), we thought it only right to start this new feature with the company that turned selling stuff into an art form.
Nokia’s presence in today’s music videos is unparalleled, and their occasional moments in the cinematic spotlight have been equally memorable. Say what you like about innovation, but the way in which Nokia leaks info on a new handset is far cooler than “OMG I gotz da new W950i!” on an unofficial blog site, or such blatant product insertion that it brings the whole experience down (’Sony Presents: Casino Royale’).
Join us for some of the best Nokia cameos, complete with timecodes in a handy ‘Mr. Skin’ fashion to ensure that you can get to the best bits without too much filler…
1. Pharrell - That Girl feat. Snoop Dogg
One of the most impressive cameos of all time, where not only is the twisty multimedia-based Nokia N93i integral throughout, but they even manage to open the entire video with the Nokia ringtone. Truly it is the Citizen Kane of product placement. Pretty sure that’s not the real user interface though…
Money Moment : Take Your Pick!
Check after the jump for some less subtle moments…
2. Sugababes - About You Now
This British entry combines the cinematic staples of love, women in tight matching outfits, a guy jumping over things and the quirky triangular stylings of the Nokia 7900 Prism. A tale as old as time…
Money moments : 1:35, 2:22, a bonanza from 3:20 onwards!
3. Rihanna - S.O.S. (Rescue Me)
Proof that even Nokia could push things a little too far… This video was banned briefly from MTV not for being too raunchy, but for having the Nokia 3250 feature SO prominently that it bordered on an advert. Watch as Rihanna enjoys the music side, then marvel as she swivels the keypad to text the literary masterpiece, “S.O.S.”! Yeah, it’s a bit much, but here’s the ‘uncut’ version for your enjoyment. Nokia are quite innovative with designs to be fair, especially when it comes to catering for the ladies. Not a fan of the phone? Simply enjoy the spectacle below for the gyration fest that it is…
Money moment: 2:04, lasts an impressive 10 seconds.
4. Alisha Keys - Superwoman
Nokia proves smartphones need promotion too, as the new E71 features in the new Alisha Keys magnum opus that is the ‘Superwoman’ video. She’s a single mum, she’s a corporate exec, an Egyptian, even a space lady! But not really. If that other video was Citizen Kane, this is the Godfather Trilogy and Short Circuit 2 rolled into one.
Money moment: 1:22
