Hi Dan,A friend forwarded me your posts about Brendan Hayward, the character we have been featuring in our Rhapsody commercials. Wanted to let you know that we just released a third spot in the campaign in which she tells him about how she can play songs immediately with Rhapsody when she searches for an artist on Yahoo.
Both Brendan and Molly are a blast to work with and all around good people. Look out for more fun Rhapsody spots with them through the rest of the year. Enjoy.
Ronan O'Mahony
Sr Manager Brand Marketing
Rhapsody International Inc.
Wait—so now I'm a tool in the marketing campaign? I'm happy to help—but first a couple of questions: Why is Brendan—I thought it was Branden?—staring at himself in the mirror? Why is he wearing a tool belt? Why isn't he covered in sweat, as in the first ad? Why isn't he shirtless?Thank you in advance for your prompt response.
Dan Savage
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Founding Member
The Branden Hayward Fan Club
Ha! All great questions!You are right, it is Branden. Sorry—my typo. I am mixing up names with my boss, Brendan, who is not quite as sweaty…
We had Branden staring at himself in the mirror because we always thought of his character as being in love with himself, but not in an arrogant narcissistic way, more in a charming ridiculous way. We envisioned the two characters as a young couple, starting out in a new house together. They’re sorting out their finances and setting up their life together. He’s wearing a tool belt because we envisioned that he is about to do some “handy work” around the new house, but first wants to check out how cool he looks wearing the tool belt. I suppose we could have made him sweaty and shirtless, but then again, we have to leave them wanting more…
Ronan O'Mahony
Sr Manager Brand Marketing
Rhapsody International Inc.
At a certain point you're going to make Branden look so dim that viewers will conclude that he is... developmentally disabled somehow. Perhaps severely so. Which calls into question Branden's ability to consent to being in a relationship (with Molly, with Rhapsody, with me). Has that concern come up? Do you plan to address it in a future spot by having Branden do long division in his head or something?Dan Savage
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Founding Member
The Branden Hayward Fan Club
We have been having that exact conversation. Yes, in the near future he will be “brightened up.” Stay tuned!Ronan O'Mahony
Sr Manager Brand Marketing
Rhapsody International Inc.
Will do, Ronan. And could you please pass this link along to Branden and Molly? Thank you.Dan Savage
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Founding Member
The Branden Hayward Fan Club
