If you watch reality TV, you’ll notice there’s a proven formula that some of the biggest series love to use. They start with a group of unique individuals, show them working through remarkable conditions and throw in a few dramatic twists.
It’s a simple premise, but it always works. Millions of viewers tune in and ordinary people become household names. Just ask the stars of “Ice Road Truckers,” “Coast Guard Alaska” or “Duck Dynasty.”
Now it’s my turn to launch a “reality at work” hit.
I’m pitching a new series idea called “Extreme Marketing.” It follows the adventures of an agency that faces some completely unexpected challenges but somehow always comes through.
My inspiration for “Extreme Marketing” is actually drawn from the last 14 years at Jacobs & Clevenger. In that time, we have persevered through oppressive heat, an office flood and even an alien invasion from the planet Cybertron. That’s must-watch material.
Here’s a quick plot synopsis of the first three episodes.
Episode one: Hot presentation
The heat is truly on as the J&C team races to present a big new summer campaign. Everything seems to be coming together perfectly when the unthinkable happens: The building air conditioning abruptly shuts down. To complicate matters, it’s well over 90 degrees outside and the temperature is starting to soar inside.
Will our brave marketers lose their cool? Will the campaign be finished on time? And will the leftovers survive in the fridge?
Just at the pivotal moment, someone remembers the Starbucks across the street. Everyone downs Venti iced coffees, and the magic of cold caffeine does the trick. The AC starts to work again. The campaign becomes a huge hit. And we all talk very, very fast for the rest of the episode.
Episode two: Marketing pipeline
As the show begins, it’s 2 o’clock in the morning and the agency is dark. The hot water pipes in the law firm above are making ominous groaning sounds, like a 3-year-old after too many sugar cookies. A single drip falls in slow motion from the ceiling. Then another. The pipes moan one last time and a wall of water comes cascading down.
Will all our dreams be washed away? How long will cleanup take? And will we need big-budget special effects to film this episode?
After the water settles, the Great Flood is quickly transformed into a small drop in the bucket. The J&C crew rolls up their sleeves and never misses a beat. We shift some offices around, move a few files and jump right back in to work. On a side note, the indoor pool was a staff favorite for a while.
Episode three: The War Room
In the middle of an important J&C client status call, the world is invaded. Outside of the agency, there’s a firefight raging. Jeeps are exploding, huge pieces of street debris are hurled around like Styrofoam, and everyone is running for their lives. It’s utter chaos and it’s all being caused by an alien invasion of Earth by the insidious Decepticons.
Is the world doomed? Will J&C finish the status call? And what the heck is a Decepticon?
Actually, it’s just the latest “Transformers” movie being shot outside on Wacker Drive. The J&C team takes a few pictures, emails them off to our client and keeps right on going with the status call. And that movie set street debris really is Styrofoam after all. Just another day at the office.
That’s my reality TV pitch. Hopefully A&E, MTV or The Weather Channel will see the potential and buy in.
In any case, the extreme marketing continues. As I write this blog article, it’s 14 below here in Chicago. The wind chill is 45 below. That should break a record for the Windy City, but no worries.
We’ll make it through just fine. Somehow, we always do.
We want your project to be featured on on our next episode of “Extreme Marketing.” To experience the exciting marketing reality firsthand, contact J&C.
Topics: CMO
