How’s That For Free Advertising? Starbucks Cup Makes Rogue Appearance On GoT Set
Game of Thrones fans are having an absolute field day over a rogue Starbucks cup that made an appearance on last night’s GoT episode.
While it has been confirmed by HBO that the cup was indeed a major oversight, Starbucks is forevermore part of GoT history.
HBO released a tongue-in-cheek response to the error: “In response to inquiries from those who saw a craft services coffee cup in Sunday night’s episode of Game of Thrones, HBO states, ‘The latte that appeared in the episode was a mistake. Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea.’”
Thanks to the major blunder, however, the global coffee company received plenty of free advertising from the production mistake, which was magnified due to the fact the latest season of GoT took two years to film.
Stacy Jones, CEO of Hollywood Branded, a company which specilaises in product placement, told MarketWatch that HBO doesn’t accept payment for product placement in its show because customers are subscribing to an ad-free experience when signing up for the premium cable network.
She said, however, if GoT decided to include an ad for Starbucks, then placing the cup in front of Daenerys (a character on the show), would cost $250,000 in product-placement costs.
Jones said: “We’re saying this is a Super Bowl–sized television series. We’re comparing this to a ‘Transformer’ franchise, and ‘Transformer’s’ deals of this type are around $250,000 to $1 million.”
Due to the fact the cup was only on screen for a few seconds and no one was seen using it, Jones said it would be on the lower end of product placement fees.
Jones said the PR value of the slip-up is up to $1 million in word-of-mouth.
She said: “It doesn’t even matter whether the brand on that cup is Starbucks or not, because so many people think that it is, and hundreds of thousands of people are already commenting on it. I would say the value for Starbucks on this scale is well into the millions, plural, of dollars.”
According to a Twitter spokeswoman, Starbucks tweets are running at 10 times their average hourly tweets for a Monday morning (US time). She said: “There have been more than 310,000 tweets today, and I’d say on an average normal day there are usually less than 100,000 tweets.”
Check out some of the tweets below.
You might be having a rough Monday, but at least you weren't the person who left a Starbucks cup in Game of Thrones pic.twitter.com/GgP1Knz8uV
— Betches (@betchesluvthis) May 6, 2019
Give me the oral history of the Starbucks cup in the frame!!!! pic.twitter.com/4CkFJXFQ91
— Jordan Crucchiola (@JorCru) May 6, 2019
Dany on her way to king’s landing w her iced coffee in her starbucks cup pic.twitter.com/jO4z4lVm5a
— Benjo Juco (@baenjojuco) May 6, 2019
My nephew Lyle is upset about a Starbucks cup appearing in his ridiculous sword fight program.
The real issue is NO COASTER. pic.twitter.com/Yt0BbmYwF6
— Myrna Tellingheusen (@PearlsFromMyrna) May 6, 2019
Please login with linkedin to comment
-
Latest comments
-
Alex Saxon 1 year ago
A GoT Art Director actually confirmed it’s NOT from Starbucks, but rather a local coffee shop in Banbridge, Northern Ireland near where they filmed.
Latest News
I’m Not Loving ‘Karens’, For What They Highlight About Our Society
In this guest post, the CEO of PR/comms agency Extollo, Katy Denis, examines the social phenomenon of our time – the entitled ‘Karens’ amongst us & why they can be such a danger… Until last week, I had no idea who or what a “Karen” is. Thanks to (and I use that term very lightly, […]
Telstra Calls In ABC Comic Mark Humphries To Hilariously Debunk 5G Conspiracy Theories
B&T finds the 5G conspiracy theories truly laughable, except Bill Gates wanting to microchip us all. That appears legit.
The Mint Partners Wins Pernod Ricard, Cemoy & Little National
Independent communications consultancy The Mint Partners has bolstered its integrated client roster and signed a number of premium lifestyle brands to kick start the new financial year. With an array of new products, services, and a focus on insight-led and creative integrated communications, MINT has enjoyed recent success with an expanded portfolio across new categories including fintech, […]
Activist Who Wanted Coon Cheese Shelved Now Wants Paul’s Smarter White Milk Renamed
B&T suggests new, less offensive names for Smarter Milk could be Udderly Delicious or the Liquid Lactose Lash.
University Of Tasmania Appoints Pivotus To Digital Advertising Strategy, Buying & Analysis
University Of Tassie set to debunk rumours its courses only include woodchopping, cider maker and a PHD in David Boon.
Aussie Agencies Top AD STARS 2020 Shortlist, With Ogilvy, M&C Saatchi Sydney And VMLY&R On Top
Aussie agencies dominate AD STARS shortlist, sending a clear warning to the likes of Bhutan & Kiribati in the process.
“I’d Rather Die Than Do This For A Day!” Influencer Lampooned For Job Ad From Hell
Who doesn't love to laugh at a "job ad from hell" story? Unless you once answered one and now have the job from hell.
Rumour Has It James Corden Will Replace Ellen If She Steps Down
Ellen set to join the list of ex-TV villains that also includes Ryan Phelan, Kerri-Anne Kennerley & Humphrey B. Bear
Indie Industry Body IMAA Launches First Radio Campaign With ARN
In what no one is calling a delicious irony, independent advertising body puts money where its mouth is by advertising.
opr Adds DocuSign To Client Roster
Sure, it might not be a Coke or a Qantas, but opr think this win significant enough to send well-meaning press release.
Stan Acquires Heckler Co-Produced Biopic On F1 champion Sir Jack Brabham
A feature length documentary on the extraordinary racing career of Australia’s first Formula 1 champion, Sir Jack Brabham, co-produced by design, animation and visual effects house Heckler, will be available on Stan exclusively from this Friday – 7 August. Directed by Ákos Armont (Aurora Films) in association with Heckler, whose co-founder Will Alexander served as […]
Monday TV Wrap: Bells Ring For Seven As Farmer Wants A Wife Continues Good Run
Farmer Wants A Wife does the business for Seven & we're yet to get to the neutering or the dagging part of the series.
Is This The End For Cash? 62% of Aussies Now Use Card Payments For Just About Everything
Dodgy tradies, international drug cartels and fountain wishing-wells set to be most effected by move away from cash.
ET Collective Announces 2020 Winner Of WomenKind X ET Initiative
Much like a winner's envelope that refuses to open, get past this confusing headline to reveal the winner inside.
“Notable For Its Exotic Plumage!” David Attenborough Lends Voice To Hilarious Anti-Trump Campaign
You rarely equate humour with political ads, & that just proves what a wonderful anomaly the Trump presidency truly is.
Seven Turns To Hit UK Format Beat The Chasers Comes To Find Australia’s Smartest
Seven unveils plans for a quiz show that sadly doesn't include a dunking machine or electric shocks for a wrong answer.
Adrian Farouk Appointed CEO Of Publicis’ Epsilon In ANZ
Adrian Farouk now guaranteed a spot in the Publicis' staff car park after promotion to Epsilon CEO.
“Now That’s A M***** F***** Burger!” Provocative Ad Sells Merits Of Going Vegan
The many advantages of veganism is getting to tell people 147 times a day & annoying the crap out of restaurant chefs.
Hays: 39% Of Job Applicants Have No Idea How To “Gain A Place On An Interview Shortlist”
Here's top tips for job applicants that include excluding juggling, the bagpipes and your Bali arrest on your resume.
Study: 1.5 Million Aussies Watch Netball On TV (& Third Of Those Are Men)
Study finds men are increasingly watching netball. Not helping with the housework, but definitely tuning-in to netball.
Hindus Rage At Unsavoury “Namaste Mother F@cker” T-Shirts
Sure, this T-shirt is kinda witty. Yet not appropriate for job interviews, a visit to nan's or Hindu cremation ceremony.
Would TikTok Be Missed?
Columnist poses the question - would TikTok be missed? B&T says not as much as vanilla Paddle-Pops or Best Of Red Faces.
NextMedia’s frankie And Gardening Australia Magazines Report “Surge In Sales”
Reports say frankie & Gardening Australia mag sales are soaring. Further proof that frankfurts & potted annuals are hip.
Mag Closures & The New Landscape For Earned Media
This columnist argues that fortune favours the brave. And that's from a media perspective, not a dragon fighting one.
“Worst Year In Living Memory!” Aussie Ad Spends Plummet 14.7% In 2019/20
As expected, 2019/20 ad spends make for very difficult reading indeed. Even more so if you've forgotten your glasses.
Jamie Whincup And A Host Of Aussie Personalities Star In Club Marine Series
In a first for the Australian insurance market, Club Marine, Australia’s largest provider of boat and pleasure-craft insurance, has released a new series of videos to help explain insurance cover. With a few familiar Aussie personalities to help out, Club Marine is helping its members, as well as the broader boating community, to understand the […]
Ultimate Edge Communications Welcomes Michaela Fulop Back As Client Success Manager
Sydney, July 31st, 2020: Sydney-based media marketing consultancy Ultimate Edge Communications (UEC) announces a new hire in the company’s media team; Michaela Fulop returns to fill the vacant role of Client Success Manager, to be the go-to person across the full client roster.
No Change At The Top! Initiative Remains Top Performing Media Agency For June
June's new business wins is pretty much the same as May's, just with a few less factual inaccuracies this time around.
DDB Still Top Dog For New Business Wins For June
DDB still top agency for new business wins. Sadly, has postponed celebratory rooftop effigy burning due to high winds.
Australian Advertising Students To Compete In Advertising Capstone Challenge
Ad grads set to compete in the Capstone Challenge. Which sadly doesn't appear to include a hotdog eating component.
