Think about it. If there weren’t issues about product placements, there wouldn’t be so much controversy about them.

The truth is: products and their roles in television shows and movies are very important for production financing. While most of these occurrences are rarely noticed, the ones that are noticeable often interfere with audience satisfaction and, in some occasions, with the producer’s creative integrity.

Nothing proves the value of product placement better than “POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.” In the short film, renowned documentary maker Morgan Spurlock searches for sponsorships for the film.

At the other side of things, product placements aren’t as valuable to audiences. They’re the target in this situation, but when they pay to see a good movie which ends up being a 2-hour commercial, it leads to frustration.

In terms of creativity, product placements can be used to make a film or show more authentic. Some characters just fit better with certain products, making the placement more organic. This should be the ideal for any product placement opportunity. Still, deciding which product fits which character will require a whole other debate.

The whole dilemma brings to light Hollywood as a business apart from just art. Product placements are here to stay regardless of what people think of them. Producers just need to put a little more effort in making these placements more realistic and authentic. And it can be done.

Based on the initial agreement, DumbDumb will create up to six short-form comedy video—each will be featuring brand sponsors and stars from DumbDumb. The company features numerous comedic talents, including: Bateman, Arnett, Amy Poehler, and Will Forte.

“Jason Bateman and Will Arnett are two of the funniest and most creative guys in the industry,” commented Laura Dames of Turner Entertainment Networks. “We are thrilled to pair their very funny, sponsor-driven videos with TBS’s reach and distribution to bring this content to our young, comedy-loving audience on TBS.com, as well as across TBS’s social network footprint.”

As of press time, there were no sponsors mentioned for the upcoming productions.

Based on the initial agreement, DumbDumb will create up to six short-form comedy video—each will be featuring brand sponsors and stars from DumbDumb. The company features numerous comedic talents, including: Bateman, Arnett, Amy Poehler, and Will Forte.

“Jason Bateman and Will Arnett are two of the funniest and most creative guys in the industry,” commented Laura Dames of Turner Entertainment Networks. “We are thrilled to pair their very funny, sponsor-driven videos with TBS’s reach and distribution to bring this content to our young, comedy-loving audience on TBS.com, as well as across TBS’s social network footprint.”

As of press time, there were no sponsors mentioned for the upcoming productions.

Its biggest product integration was the United States Navy. According to sources, the film was basically a propaganda movie for the Navy. Producers admitted that the movie wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of the US Navy. They also mentioned that they wanted to show audiences what the modern navy looked like.

In return for the promotion, the Navy was script approval and other considerations, including a shoot on the Missouri Memorial. The Navy is currently using the film in some of its recruitment videos.

Other product placements in the movie include: Coke Zero and Subway.

Too bad all these integrations could not help the movie climb the box-office charts.

HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 18, 2012) – This partnership sounds like a match made in heaven with the announcement today that Behave Hair Products is the official sponsor for the Miss Behave finale.  “We’re thrilled beyond words to have secured our full budget through brand sponsorship” said Susan Bernhardt, creator and executive producer of the teen web soap.  “Behave is a revolutionary product that works wonders on any hair type and is ideal for both men and women.”  She continued “It’s not an easy task to find a brand interested in funding an independent production – we are extremely fortunate to have created this partnership with Behave Hair Products.  I wish more companies would understand the value of brand sponsorship when it comes to independent (web) television.  It’s innovative, strategic, and if the demographics gel, it’s an affordable means of spending concentrated marketing dollars.”

The hit teen drama is set to begin production on their three-part series finale May 26th, with a WORLD PREMIERE scheduled for early summer featuring the on screen web television debut of Behave Hair Styling Spray.  “Behave Hair products is very excited to be able to participate and work alongside avant garde producers Susan Bernhardt and Jillian Clare with Miss Behave” said Shawn Hartshorn, President.  “This multi-award winning web series has proven to be a hit over the past couple of years and we are very glad to have been given the opportunity to support entrepreneurs in the industry.”

Behave Hair Products launched in 2010, headed by Shawn Hartshorn, company president, and his father, Gary Hartshorn, leading the sales force.  Made from 100% natural and hypoallergenic ingredients, Behave Styling Spray utilizes a flex-technology, a mix of micron sized ingredients, emulsified with a water base, which infuses within and around each hair strand helping to relax and give support to unruly hair.  Behave Hair Products are positioning themselves within beauty salons, the retail marketplace and is available online at http://behavehair.com

Miss Behave debuted June 24th, 2010, with an initial twelve episodes.  Later that same year, second season began releasing an additional ten episodes.  In less that two years of web presence, the show has garnered numerous awards, including multiple accolades for their soundtrack featuring many breakout indie artists, plus nominations and wins for best drama, writing, acting, directing, cinematography and the original Miss Behave theme song.  The series finale stars several daytime faces including ex-Days of our Lives stars Jillian Clare, Patrika Darbo, Jacee Jule, and current Days cast member Eric Martsolf.  Also appearing in the finale are Brett DelBuono (Let Me In) and Michael Bolten (Flipped) plus several surprise characters.  Making her new media debut and joining the cast as Elizabeth Archer, the infamous Queen, is Terri Garber (As The World Turns).   To catch up on the series visit http://missbehave.tv/ and for the latest updates on the finale follow @MissBehaveTV and @BehaveHair on Twitter or “Like” their pages on Facebook.

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The Google-owned video site will be rolling out a couple of Electus-branded channels this July. Electus is a branded entertainment company founded and headed by Ben Silverman.

The original channel will be launching: NuevOn, a Spanish programming channel; and LoUD, a pop culture channel.

Both channels will be featuring original, branded content.

Despite all the exposure on film and

Mi Casa, a band composed of three members, unveiled its new video titled “La Vida.” In the video, the three band members are thrown into a virtual world of plastic toys.

According to sources, the video contains the world’s first virtual product placement. One of the prominent brands in the music video is Nokia, which showcases its new line of headphones in the video.

Reports say that the product placements are highly recognizable and very original.

Founded by Greg Logan and Miriam Stein, the company will focus on producing long-form TV formats across numerous genres and platforms.

“Everyone’s talking about branded content, but we believe there is definitely room for improvement, a better way to work together that leverages and lengthens the life of the entertainment format,” said Logan. “Production companies and brands speak two different languages, Hatch will bridge the gap.”

According to Stein, the company will deliver creative solutions that will make content more marketable. “We’re taking TV into tomorrow, starting from consumer trends and insights in the creation formats that are first and foremost great entertainment,” explained Stein.

The most surprising thing is: Apple doesn’t pay for any of these product placements.

According to sources, Apple product placements grew by almost 50% from 2009 to 2011.

One of its most prominent product integrations appeared in “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.” The brand received almost eight minutes of screen time for various products, including the iPhone, iPad, and iMac.

All these brand appearances compel audiences to buy Apple products. And they get the exposure for free!