Facebook hopes to draw advertisers by guaranteeing ads will run in marquee shows like Curry'sGETTY IMAGES
Facebook is "flaunting the star power of its new show with Stephen Curry as it tries to convince advertisers that its Watch video portal is the place to spend," according to Garett Sloane of AD AGE. Facebook yesterday "hosted an exclusive screening with advertisers for Curry’s upcoming show on Watch, 'Stephen Versus The Game.'" The social network is "promoting 'Versus' alongside a lineup of more than 20 shows that it bankrolled as it tries to snare brands in the heart of NewFronts season." Facebook "hopes advertisers will be drawn to social media video if it can guarantee ads will run in marquee shows like 'Versus.'" One ad exec indicated that Facebook is "looking for large commitments" from advertisers. The source said, “It’s more expensive than I’ve ever seen Facebook before.” Curry’s show is the "second installment in the 'Versus' franchise," following Tom Brady's series that debuted in '17. Gotham Chopra, who directed both iterations, said that Brady "wants the new Curry series to score with audiences, but not so much that it beats his show" (ADAGE.com, 4/10).
