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Netflix Hired Actors to Show up to Canadian Launch Event, Promptly Apologizes
As the Globe and Mail reports, the online video rental and streaming company has now admitted to having paid extras to show up and "play types, for example, mothers, film buffs, tech geeks, couch potatoes, etc." An explanatory handout that Netflix distributed to extras asked them to "behave as members of the public, out and about enjoying their day-to-day life, who happen upon a street event for Netflix and stop by to check it out."
Shortly after news of the hoax broke, Netflix responded with an apology to all of its real customers. "I was unaware that script was handed out to extras and that was not supposed to happen," says Steve Swasey, VP of corporate communications for Netflix. "Some people got carried away and it's embarrassing to Netflix."
Embarrassing as it is, the ruse may say much more about the company's insecurities about venturing into the Canadian market, where it will face competition from pre-existing online rental and streaming companies like Zip.ca, as well as various TV networks. Even after having enjoyed widespread commercial success in the U.S., then, Netflix clearly thought that its north-of-the-border reputation needed some artificial inflation.
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Comments
30
Subscribe to commentsjunkfacebookmailSep 24th 2010 11:55AM
Not so sure WHY this is surprising to anyone?? Isnt it the same as an EXCITED "Customer" on a commercial for a product saying how much they love it and then at the very end they flash small print at the bottom of the screen that says "Paid actors used to make this commercial" or something to that effect?? I would almost EXPECT that Netflix or any other company DO, do this type of promoting all the time... Well enough on that, I gotta go rent a movie off netflix :)
EllEmmEnnOSep 24th 2010 5:21PM
@(Unverified) Did you get paid to say that? LOL.
sarasluv23Sep 24th 2010 12:59PM
Netflix rocks...I mean 9 dollars for unlimited movies streamed straight to my tv and in the mail...they don't need to pay people to act like they like it. Really...I agree with you unverified...I need to go rent a movie off of netflix now =)
tanirockerSep 24th 2010 10:54PM
@(Unverified) This is nothing but an AD for Netflix, NOT a "comment."
mausinnSep 24th 2010 1:01PM
This isn't called news, it called Marketing...DUH.!!!!!!
DebSep 24th 2010 1:23PM
I don't think that they need to apologize. Other companies do this as well....often.
CarlosSep 24th 2010 1:59PM
Dude, it's canada, who cares?
gendroffendrSep 24th 2010 2:08PM
yeah, gosh, in the sequence of relevent news issues, this one sure matters. maybe since the arizona immigration issue is dying down, now we should get emotional and boycott netflix. because we all need something to get fired up about, dont we?
Joe Papierz JrSep 24th 2010 9:49PM
@(Unverified) - Your comment doesn't make any sense.
Potbelly PiggSep 24th 2010 2:25PM
exciting news. {yawn}. whats for lunch?
Dstonehead1Sep 24th 2010 2:23PM
I love netflix
TomSep 24th 2010 2:29PM
This is nothing new. Obama always filles his audiences with hired actors. How else would he get people to applaud him?
szbSep 24th 2010 2:35PM
I am not sure why Netflix would do this - It is a product that sells itself - Unlimited movies for less then $20 month - it is truly revolutionary and has really changed peoples viewing habits. Maybe they do know a great thing when they have it.
VivSep 24th 2010 3:29PM
What's the big deal? Netflix is the best. Read the article and thought, Huh? Did I miss something? Can't imagine a legitimate reason for an apology.
Hey, Netflix...no problem from here. Keep doin' what you're doin'. It works.
NetFlixPaidActorSep 24th 2010 4:04PM
Double promotion.....
They hired actors to attend their event (opps we are sorry). Who call them on it? They leaked it to the news. Then they get to make a public apology to get double the airtime.
TonySep 24th 2010 4:31PM
They sound like con artist. Would you really like to do business with them?
anniewheelrSep 25th 2010 1:16AM
@Fathertimema Just because some knucklehead advertising guy was stupid and some dunce approved it doesn't make Netflix a bad company.
You get awesome turn around time on the discs and unlimited streaming for the same price you paid for just the discs. It's well worth the money and I more than get my money's worth....
And if you are thinking about Redbox as an alternative....that's a dollar a day,,,,with Netflix you can keep it out as long as want...and if you keep it too long, you own it.
Thinking about Blockbuster Online? Less movies available, slower turnaround time since they don't work on Saturday. And last time I checked you couldn't get streaming without a special device.
Netflix streaming comes to most new blu ray players, X360, WII and PS3....and multiple people can stream different videos at the same time. We've had one going on the computer....one in my son's room on his XBox and me watching mine on the TV....can't beat that for availibility and value,
So I wouldn't be too hard on Netflix. Even the best companies do stupid things at times.
Annie
J ArtizconSep 24th 2010 5:20PM
Sorry. I'm a Red Box fan.
Pks29733Sep 24th 2010 6:00PM
Why bother renting, wait two months and it will be on cable!! And half the movies out there aren't even worth wasting the time watching if they were FREE!!
Julie DoeSep 24th 2010 5:55PM
I love Netflix and I especially love the facts that I don't have to drive anywhere to get my dvd's, can return them when I want and put 'em in the mailbox when I am ready. Plus, by not buying dvd's, it's less junk taking up space.