- The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
- The True Cost (2015)
- Generation Like (2014)
- Art & Copy (2009)
- The Brand New Testament (2015)
- The Century of the Self (2002)
- The Persuaders (2004)
- The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (2011)
- The Men Who Made Us Spend (2014)
- Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
In the ever-evolving world of marketing, understanding the strategies and stories behind successful campaigns can offer invaluable insights. This curated list of documentaries delves into the fascinating realm of marketing, showcasing the creativity, psychology, and sometimes the sheer audacity behind some of the most iconic and influential marketing efforts. Whether you're a marketing professional, a student, or simply curious about how brands capture our attention, these films provide a rich tapestry of lessons, inspiration, and entertainment.
The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
Description: While not strictly about marketing, this documentary showcases the competitive world of arcade gaming, highlighting how personal branding and media attention can turn ordinary people into celebrities.
Fact: The film has become a cult classic, often cited for its portrayal of the underdog story and the marketing of personal achievements.
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The True Cost (2015)
Description: Although focused on the fashion industry, this documentary addresses the marketing strategies that drive fast fashion and the hidden costs to the environment and human rights.
Fact: The film was produced by Livia Firth, who is known for her work in sustainable fashion.
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Generation Like (2014)
Description: A Frontline documentary that examines how teenagers and young adults are both the marketers and the marketed in the digital age, exploring the power of social media.
Fact: The film features interviews with young influencers who discuss how they leverage their online presence for marketing purposes.
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Art & Copy (2009)
Description: Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in advertising, this film examines the creative process behind iconic ad campaigns and the impact they've had on culture.
Fact: The documentary includes insights from legends like George Lois, who designed the famous "I Want My MTV" campaign.
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The Brand New Testament (2015)
Description: While not a traditional documentary, this Belgian-French film uses a narrative to explore themes of marketing, branding, and the influence of storytelling in modern life.
Fact: The film was nominated for the European Film Awards and offers a satirical take on how we perceive and market ourselves.
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The Century of the Self (2002)
Description: This four-part documentary series by Adam Curtis explores how Freud's theories on the unconscious were used by his nephew, Edward Bernays, to develop public relations and marketing strategies that manipulate public opinion.
Fact: The series was initially broadcast on BBC Four and has since become a staple in marketing courses for its deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of consumer culture.
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The Persuaders (2004)
Description: This PBS Frontline documentary investigates the modern advertising industry, focusing on how marketers use psychology to influence consumer behavior.
Fact: The film features a segment on the controversial "stealth marketing" tactics used by companies to promote their products without consumers realizing it.
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The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (2011)
Description: Morgan Spurlock takes on product placement in this meta-documentary, where he funds the film entirely through sponsorships, showcasing the pervasive nature of marketing in media.
Fact: Spurlock managed to secure over 100 product placements for the film, making it a unique example of marketing itself.
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The Men Who Made Us Spend (2014)
Description: This BBC documentary series looks at the history of consumerism, exploring how marketing has evolved to encourage spending and shape modern society.
Fact: The series features interviews with marketing gurus and historians, providing a comprehensive view of consumer culture's development.
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Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)
Description: This Netflix documentary unravels the disastrous Fyre Festival, exploring the marketing hype, influencer culture, and the consequences of over-promising and under-delivering.
Fact: The festival's marketing campaign, led by Billy McFarland, was a masterclass in social media manipulation.
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