Microsoft signed Jerry Seinfeld to do advertisements with Bill Gates almost two weeks ago. This is Microsoft’s attempt to show how Windows connects everyday common people through a series of dry humor comedy. This campaign is a part of approximately $300 million overall investment developed by edgy ad shop Crispin, Porter and Bogusky. Jerry Seinfeld earned $10Million dollars from the first ad alone, which is 3% of Microsoft’s annual advertising budget alone.
The videos will probably not benefit Microsoft at all considering this is their first attempt to compete with Apple’s videos which get straight to the point. Apple’s advertisements concentrated on comparison of Apple vs PC where as Microsoft’s attempt so far is well, umm, no words to describe it really.
According to an article by Reuters, “Microsoft said the commercial is part of a broader, long-term initiative to change consumers’ perception of Windows, which will include setting up a retail corner at several hundred Best Buy and Circuit City stores staffed by “Windows Gurus” to explain the benefits of Windows.”
Here are the first two ads:
