A popular but grumpy Ghostbusters character is returning in the present thanks to a marketing campaign by QuickBooks. The initiative is titled ‘QuickBooks: The Easy Way to a Happier Business’ and the company taps Annie Potts who played Janine Melnitz in the iconic film Ghostbusters.
Janine Melnitz was the office manager who was "known for her abrupt demeanor and her signature phone greeting, ‘Ghostbusters, whaddya want?’ Thanks to QuickBooks’ marketing endeavor, Annie Potts receives the opportunity to relive the roll which she so expertly embraced in the 80s.
In the tongue-in-cheek ad, the grumpy Janine boldly reveals that "it was the stress of running the small business that made them cantankerous" but, thanks to its efficient service, QuickBooks turned everything around for the better.
Cult-Movie Inspired Ads
QuickBooks Taps Annie Potts’ Ghostbuster Character
Trend Themes
1. Cult-movie Inspired Ads - QuickBooks uses a popular Ghostbusters character to draw attention to its brand, opening up opportunities for future campaigns with other cult-movie references.
2. Nostalgia Marketing - The use of iconic film characters in ads appeals to nostalgic consumers looking to connect with their favorite movies and strengthens brand loyalty.
3. Humorous and Relatable Ads - Humorous ads featuring relatable characters from popular culture can effectively capture the attention of audiences and increase brand awareness.
Industry Implications
1. Accounting and Financial Services - QuickBooks' campaign serves as an example of how to incorporate humor and popular culture into marketing strategies in the accounting and financial services industry.
2. Film and Entertainment - The use of nostalgic characters in advertising can create new opportunities for brands to partner with the film and entertainment industry to increase visibility and tap into fan loyalty.
3. Advertising and Marketing - The success of QuickBooks' campaign demonstrates the potential for advertising and marketing professionals to utilize nostalgia and humor in creating memorable ad campaigns that connect with consumers.