$10M for Jerry Seinfeld May — or May Not — Help Microsoft

Microsoft will pay comedian Jerry Seinfeld $10 million to advertise its Windows Vista operating system. In all, the campaign, which includes a series of ads featuring Seinfeld and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, will cost $300 million.Based on the theme “Windows Not Walls,” the series aims to shed a more favorable light on Windows Vista. Launched by Microsoft’s new ad agency, Miami-based Crispin Porter + Bogusky, the campaign is set to debut Sept. 4 and will be one of Microsoft’s largest ad blitzes. Crispin is credited with turning around Burger King’s image.

But will it work? That depends on whom you ask. Some public-relations pros think it’s a slam dunk. Others say it’s all in the execution. Still others say Seinfeld won’t reach the right demographic.

5 comments August 22nd, 2008