MacDailyNews Take: “We’ll never really sponsor it. We’ll just jerk around MacFarlane et al. and ride the free publicity for the 7ista rollout, then take even more free pub when we pull out.” (laughs)
Schneider continues, “Fox still plans to air ‘Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show’ on Nov. 8, but with another, yet-to-be-named, sponsor.”
MacDailyNews Take: Note to Apple, you know what to do (or at least you should).
Schneider continues, “‘Almost Live Comedy Show’ was announced earlier this month as part of a major marketing partnership Microsoft had sealed with a wide range of News Corp. properties to promote the launch of the computer giant’s Windows 7 operating system… But that was before Microsoft execs attended the special’s taping Oct. 16. The program included MacFarlane and Alex Borstein — the voice of ‘Family Guy’ matriarch Lois — pitching Windows 7.”
“For most of the special, however, MacFarlane and Borstein made typical “Family Guy”-style jokes, including riffs on deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest,” Schneider reports. “Such material was apparently a bit much for Microsoft.”
MacDailyNews Take: The whole thing was cynically planned out ahead of time and, if not, Microsoft is even more inept than even we think.
Schneider continues, “‘We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of ‘Family Guy,’ but after reviewing an early version of the variety show, it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand,’ said a Microsoft spokeswoman.
MacDailyNews Take: Why not? Microsoft’s 7ista is a joke on everyone with a PC.
Schneider continues, “Microsoft sent MacFarlane and Fox several notes expressing their concern over the show’s content but ultimately decided just to drop out. MacFarlane and Borstein pitched Windows 7 live in front of the studio audience in the middle of taping ‘Almost Live Comedy Show.’ It’s unclear how the show will be edited and whether the duo will have to shoot new scenes with the replacement sponsor.”
MacDailyNews Take: Again, Apple should swoop in and then MacFarlane and Borstein can pitch what they actually use: Apple Macs running Mac OS X.
Schneider continues in the full article here.
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