When I first heard about the idea for the new Discovery Channel docudrama "Pitchmen," I have to admit that I was skeptical. A series starring uber-informercial pitchmen Billy Mays and Anthony 'Sully" Sullivan? Sure, they're fun to watch in two-minute bursts, but would they be interesting to follow for an hour every week?
Based on the first episode, "PItchmen" is a hit and easily the most compelling docudrama since "Deadliest Catch." It's a surprisingly entertaining series that offers viewers the chance to see just what it's like to find that perfect product to bring to the infomercial audience.
The first episode shows a bit about how new products are uncovered, and it quickly focuses on two very different potential goldmines. "Impact Gel" is a shoe insert that has an amazing ability to protect and cushion the soles of your feet. When Mays and Sullivan are introduced to the product in a pitch meeting, the co-inventor places his hand between two sheets of the gel and smashes it with a hammer. It's a great demonstration and immediately captures everyone's interest.
Product idea number two comes to the duo through what looks to be an almost open cattle call at Telebrands, the industry leader in direct response commercials. "GPS Pal" is a cup-like device that you can use to move your GPS device off the dashboard and onto one of the cupholders of your vehicle. It stores the extra wires in the back and is designed to allow drivers to easily store and move their GPS.
While Mays and Sullivan are thrilled with "Impact Gel," Mays is luke-warm about the "GPS Pal." He worries that it's a product with no visual excitement and that it solves a problem that most people don't think they have.
Telebrands is interested in testing both products, but the "Impact Gel" team is worried about the marketing plan. They think a longer informercial might work, and they worry that the plan to sell their product for twenty bucks will leave them in the red. They delay signing the contract, and it's one of those situations where you find yourself yelling at the TV for them to agree to the deal.
Ultimately, both commercials are produced and tested and it's fascinating to see just how these ads are put together. The "Impact Gel" spot in particular is an interesting case, when Mays decides he's not sure he wants to put his gel-wrapped hand under a car wheel.
By the end of the test marketing one of the products is a hit, and the viewers get an update on the sales figures and long-term potential of both products. It was a good way to end the episode, and it left me really looking forward to next week's show.
"Pitchmen" is a pitch-perfect reality series, and a real treat to watch.
Now if they could just explain that commercial in which Billy Mays is selling health insurance like it was a type of new mop.
"Pitchmen" premieres on the Discovery Network on Wednesday, April 15th, 2009.
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Comments
Impact gel, thats so 1980's. Something exactly like that was on the show That's Incredible.
They did the exact same demonstrations almost 30 years ago. They also put an egg between 2 pieces and hit it with a hammer.
But since I never saw their stuff forsale I want some.
I sit in a wheelchair all day and I think you should consider using this for a cushion for a gushy cushy to sit on. I get pressure sores if I sit too long so this could be a big deal and more then just for comfort.
I saw the show myself and I thought it was a bit funny about the business side of pushing this product, but even after all the three stooges nonsense, the product is great and has a medical use. I think that's why the inventor appeared so upset about the whole thing.
I work for a podiatrist and we have the product and they are an inexpensive alternative to cure foot pain. In fact, the material is also used for making custom orthotics to correct serious foot issues.
I vote them up
The show is entertaining but not really that honest. Many of the situations seemed put-on and forced.
I'm also an inventor of a new mixer.How would I get you a copy of a DVD of it in use.Yes I do have a U. S. patent. Thank you, Wil Parker
Rick, you have no doubt already seen that you got quoted in an ad for Pitch Men. Nice work!
Lexie--Actually, I hadn't seen that mention in the advertising. I'll have to check with Discovery, and see where it's running.
I did just see that a blurb from my review was included in Fox's ad for the new "Glee," but since I'm one of about 20 blurbs in the ad, it's not such a big deal :-)
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