I’ve always dug the whole Current TV concept - anyone can submit a video concept, which is then voted on to determine what content makes the tv channel. Given the utter shit that has taken over much of television (thanks, Reality TV!), stations like Current could be our deliverers.
Little did I know that Current TV was started in part by Al Gore (my god he’s come a long way from Robot VP!). And now, riding the Live Earth wave from July, Current TV is currently running a “:60 Seconds to Save the Earth” campaign. Despite the misnomer (really, this is about saving humans, isn’t it?), this is a pretty cool idea. Yes, user-generated ads is a well-worn path by now, but it takes on a different air when the goal is something bigger than selling Doritos, doesn’t it? And really, all those ad contests are just following Current TV’s lead.
The :60 Second campaign was kicked off on July 7th with a promo spot by Cameron Diaz. In a departure from her normal shtick, she opts to go for the “goofy, clumsy, cute, bat-my-eyelashes-at-the-camera” play. Way to stretch, Cameron. Anyway, since Environment’s my hot button issue, I’ll be nice. Users can submit through Sept. 12, after which winning ads will be chosen and used by the Alliance for Climate Protection. The grand prize winner will receive an SUV… wait, did I read that right? Hmph.. holy shit. Yeah, an SUV. (okay, so it’s a hybrid.. meaning it gets almost as good a gas mileage as my 10 year old Volkswagen)
Be sure to check out AskANinja’s take on the campaign, too. He’ll blow your mind.
