Shark Week Essay

Shark Week w/ Andy Samberg
Andy Samberg in the midst of a herd of sharks. He gives some observations and facts about their barbaric nature. They’re circling him. He acts frightened. He is screaming. As it turns out, you are only hearing the comical voicings of Andy Samberg (on a nearby boat) and the sharks are actually docile to the diver. The entire clip is a commercial for Shark Week on Discovery Channel. The advertisement appears to be an actual show about sharks, that has gone horribly wrong, before it reveals it’s true motive. Discovery wants viewers to watch Shark Week. This commercial played on Discovery, where people want to watch Shark Week. They pull the viewer(s) in with the idea of a real show, then attempt to frighten with
a life-or-death situation, and finally relieve stress with a comedian who will host the actual show. Part of the reason people watch it is to see sharks in a non-threatening, and informative light. Most viewers that watch Shark Week are a little older, and by bringing in Andy Samberg, they appeal to a younger demographic. The producers of Shark Week don’t have a dire need to advertise too complicatedly for it. They bring the viewer through a whirl of emotion, and then provide the necessary information to get intrigued members of the audience to watch. Discovery’s goal with this commercial is to get the viewers of the commercial to come back later to see more. Shark Week is one of the most viewed events every year. It is the longest continually-running program on cable. Millions of people have tuned in to watch Shark Week every year since 1987. Because of Shark Week’s fan base, Discovery knows that they will have many viewers. Their main purpose with any Shark Week commercial is to provide the time(s) and date(s) that fans need to watch. This commercial does that after it draws the viewer in. The information given is the time that night-very short and simple. It is mostly a reminder to the fan of Shark Week. The commercial does actually serve another purpose.
Shark Week’s main audience is men that are age 18 to 49, and usually takes the most viewership of that group during its spots. Mostly men watch, and Discovery wants a larger demographic, so that they can show a larger variety of commercials to make more money. By bringing in a younger comedian like Andy Samberg, the program appeals to a younger, and more universal, audience. The advertisement makes the viewers think that the real show Shark City is on. Andy Samberg is reciting real facts about sharks. These are all ploys to make them appear as a credible source on sharks - all to draw the fascinated viewer in. These techniques are used to build trust and seem intelligent on the subject. It also toys a little bit with emotion when you think Samberg is peril, and then he makes you laugh. These both cause the viewer to pay attention to what 's going on and want to be involved. Shark Week 's commercial with Andy Samberg in peril is very effective. It uses previous Shark Week knowledge to draw in fans from before to want to focus in, and it brings in a young, popular comedian to combine learning and comedy. The advertisement uses logos, ethos, and pathos in very simple ways so that Discovery can get across their point. They want you to watch Shark Week, and they think you will after you see this.
Works
Cited
Van, Gretchen C. "Shark Week Kicks off Aug. 4 on the Discovery Channel." The Asbury Park Press NJ. Gannett Comapny, 1 Aug. 2013. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
"Shark Week - Shark City | Andy Samberg Attacked By Sharks?" YouTube. Discovery, 04 Aug. 2011. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.
"Shark Week." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 09 Apr. 2013. Web. 16 Sept. 2013.