# Shark Scare Pranks Discovery Channel's Shark in the Lake Prank Alarms Unsuspecting Boaters By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-08-11 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shark-in-the-lake References: [prexamples](http://prexamples.com/2014/08/fins-bury-park-punters-given-fright-with-shark-fin-boating-lake-prank/) & [discoveryuk](http://www.discoveryuk.com/web/shark-week/?cc=CA) With a name like Finsbury Park, how could the [Discovery Channel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharkey-temple) not pull a shark-in-the-lake prank to promote Shark Week? The stunt involved having a shark fin hurl towards unsuspecting boaters, which was enough to cause some Londoners to freak out. To make the shark fin look as realistic as possible, the motorized sea monster was created by Jamie Campbell, a BAFTA award winner and special effects designer. Although Discovery Channel also pulled another [shark prank](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prank-pack) in Lake Ontario this year, this one really gives people an up close and personal scare. On one side of the shark fin was a giant Shark Week sticker, letting terrified boaters in on the secret and informing them that they can find more scares by tuning in. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Interactive](https://www.trendhunter.com/interactive) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Prank Advertising:** Using realistic pranks to promote products or events can generate buzz and engage audiences in a unique way. - **Experiential Marketing:** Creating immersive experiences that elicit strong emotional reactions can leave a lasting impression on consumers and increase brand awareness. - **Viral Video Campaigns:** Creating shareable videos with surprising or shocking content can help brands reach a wider audience and increase brand visibility. ### Where This Applies - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can explore using realistic pranks to create engaging promotional campaigns for movies, TV shows, or events. - **Tourism:** Tourism companies can leverage experiential marketing by creating unique and memorable experiences for tourists, attracting more visitors and boosting destination popularity. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Advertising and marketing agencies can develop viral video campaigns to help brands go viral and increase their online presence. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Theatrical Shark Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharkey-temple.md) - [Shark-Celebrating Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-shark-cookies.md) - [Shark Attack-Themed Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shark-bite-creme-freeze.md) - [Gummy Shark-Garnished Lemonades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shark-bait-lemonade.md) - [Aquatic Shark-Inspired Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waterborne-drone.md) - [Shark Film-Inspired Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jaws-lego.md) - [Shark-Themed Dirty Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ziggis-coffee-bad-bruce.md) - [Oceanic Conservation Merch Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stop-shop-bags.md) - [Horror Film-Inspired Brick Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ideas-jaws-set.md)