Product Placement and Brand Image : the case of Music Concerts
Product placement is becoming an increasingly significant communication tool in cultural products. Product placement is traditionally studied in the field of films, but music concerts are also an attractive medium. Indeed, the crisis of the music industry leads the artists to find another way to other sources of financing. Our research takes into account the influence of this technique in connection with congruence, personality endorsement and how the audience copes when they recognize the persuasion attempt. Moreover, we considered the effect of product placement on brand image, because it is one of the most important goals according to the firms which want to use the technique of product placement. We aim to better understand the ins and outs of product placements in music concerts thanks to three studies. The first one is qualitative. We interviewed various artists, companies which deal with product placement, concert music producers and a legwoman. The second one is quantitative, and compares 4 types of product placements thanks to an in situ study. The last one is also quantitative and is linked with the previous study. It aims to focus on interactive product placement in which the interaction between the artist and the audience becomes the medium for new forms of product placement. We are not able to demonstrate significant results of interactive product placement on brand image but there is a trend showing that interactive product placement leads to a better brand image compared with the other kinds of placements. Subsequently, we underline the complex role of congruence. Moreover when the audience identifies the persuasion attempt, it does not influence negatively the brand image contrary to what the Persuasion Knowledge Model indicates. In return, product placement efficiency on brand image is linked with endorsement. Indeed the attitude towards the artist has a positive influence on brand image. The research concerning product placements in music concerts is still in its early stages but this kind of sponsorship offers promising opportunities for brands and artists alike.