BULLARD ATTENDING BELL EXPRESSVU BARBECUE
By Adnews Staff
Bell ExpressVu spokesperson Mike Bullard is seen conducting testimonial interviews in a home environment in a new 30-minute direct response television program from Toronto-based DRTV production company Channel 500. "Backyard BBQ" is running nationally in English Canada until the end of the month. The goal of the program, Channel 500 president Rod Bell said, was to provide the viewer with as much information about the product as possible while maintaining their interest. In addition to the new program, Channel 500 has also created an "online store" specific to the program with the Web site address being the same as the 1-800 number displayed on screen during the program. The company plans on using that concept in future direct response programs. Telemarketing and media buying activities for Toronto-based Bell ExpressVu are also being handled by Channel 500. Bell ExpressVu first launched a direct response advertisement as part of its marketing activities last year. The two-minute spot was also the first time the satellite company worked with Bullard, who signed a one-year endorsement agreement with Bell ExpressVu in February. "We felt that the longer format DRTV production would give us the chance to explain all the features in more depth," Bell ExpressVu marketing manager, Jason Anderson said. The DRTV program is being accompanied with new holiday television advertising from Cossette Commmunication-Marketing of Toronto.