Product placement opportunities – including an entire scene in which the lead characters discuss its products – was one of the elements that attracted Lise Watier to become the first major marketer to sign on as a sponsor of Rumours. The Montreal-HQ’d cosmetics company’s relationship with the new series also includes advertising exposure for its extensive line of makeup, fragrances, skin care and spa items.
Premiering on CBC on October 2 at 9 p.m., the half-hour comedy is set in the high-drama world of a Toronto women’s magazine and is based on the French series Rumeurs, which has been a hit in Quebec since 2002. Former Citytv guru Moses Znaimer is the executive producer and the series is an MZTV/Sphere Media production in association with CBC Television. With story lines built around love, friendship, family, business and, of course, sex – plus an attractive albeit mostly unknown young cast – this environment could be profitable for a wide array of advertisers.
