Amusing Netflix PR disaster in Canada

[Bragi]

When PR astroturfing goes bad, comedy ensues...

Netflix apologizes for using actors to meet press at Canadian launch

Video-streaming website Netflix Inc. (NFLX-Q156.93----%) closed down a Toronto street Wednesday and attracted dozens of onlookers for a splashy launch to promote its highly anticipated foray into Canada.

Problem is, many of those in the crowd were actors who were paid to be there. Many of the “extras” on hand were interviewed by journalists, who didn't realize they weren't real consumers interested in the product.

As a news conference was kicking off to announce Netflix's service — which uses the Internet to stream unlimited access to thousands of movies and TV shows for $7.99 a month — extras were asked to spill into the street and encouraged to “play types, for example, mothers, film buffs, tech geeks, couch potatoes etc.”

“Extras are 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,” reads an information sheet handed out to extras.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/netflix-apologizes-for-using-actors-to-meet-press-at-canadian-launch/article1718924/

[ejpoeta]

1. that is so funny. they couldn't get real people who wanted the service???

i bet they could have.

[Bragi]

2. Except few in Canada know what NetFlix is

It's a new product in Canada, so it's difficult to imagine that people would know exactly what the service is. I think this is why media eventually realized these passers-by were paid fakes.

[JonLP24]

3. This article doesn't mention it

but they were unable to get a permit to close of the streets for the launch so they got a filming permit instead and pretended to shoot a documentary. http://www.dailytech.com/Caught+Red+Handed+Netflix+Hired+Actors+to+Fool+Press+During+Canadian+Launch+Event/article19704c.htm