Microsoft Decides Vista Is Funny
Microsoft has decided to use comedy to promote their new Vista OS.Many people are probably making their own jokes right now after reading that headline and recalling some of their own experiences with Microsoft's products.
But CNET reports today that an "up-and-coming" comic has signed a deal with Microsoft and Comedy Central in a three-way partnership that gives him a presence in primetime, online and more.
His name is Demetri Martin and he was a former intern on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" back in the days when Craig Kilborn was the host.
Sources said Microsoft plans to make Martin the "face of a massive multipronged campaign" in support of its upcoming Windows Vista operating system, an updated version of Windows scheduled to roll out for consumers in January.
Part of the campaign will be 10 "webisodes" featuring Martin that will run on Microsoft's portal, MSN, which has been making a strong push into original entertainment.
Microsoft had no comment. But Comedy Central did, regarding Martin's role.
"He'll be out there on all platforms, which is where our audience expects him," said Elizabeth Porter, Comedy Central's senior vice president of specials and talent.
His first comedy recording, "These are Jokes," will be released in September, as well as launching a 25-city stand-up tour the following month. In addition, he will shoot a primetime special in the fourth quarter that will likely air early next year.
Microsoft will sponsor Martin's tour and buy substantial advertising on his TV special. It's said that Microsoft is making a hefty investment in this deal, though they refuse to release any details.
Comedy Central, on the other hand, appears to be getting what CNET is calling "alternative platforms" -stand-up tours and record deals. No mention has been made if Microsoft will bring them any expanded presence on the Web. Microsoft's (big) financial presence seems to be what Comedy Central, and Martin, gets from the deal.
Martin is currently co-starring in a yet-to-be-released movie named "Will", that he wrote and is being produced by Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks.
How all of these projects will help promote Vista remains to be seen.
By: Alex Bard on WebProNews ^ TOP
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