Alltel might want to rethink their new commercial. It features the typical cell phone using family struggling with their current cell phone plan. This time the poor customers are waiting under a roller coaster hoping to catch falling change so that they can afford their plans. On the surface it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but when you consider the two high-profile accidents last year including a beheaded teen at Six Flags Over Georgia who was trying to retrieve his hat, this commercial might send some the wrong message.
Watch the Alltel commercial below. It features Los Angeles park Knott’s Berry Farm and the Silver Bullet:
I guess Alltel’s creative team doesn’t pay attention to the news. Now, IAAPA (The International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions) has issued a statement to Alltel. Here’s an excerpt:
Our specific concern has to do with the way the Alltel commercial implies that looking for lost articles underneath amusement park rides is a good idea. That is not the case. Unfortunately, there have been a few tragic instances where individuals have been seriously or even fatally injured while trying to retrieve lost articles from well-marked restricted areas under rides. … It’s critical for the general public to understand they should never enter a restricted area around or under a ride for any reason. … We are concerned guests (particularly young guests or teenagers) might try to retrieve lost articles in restricted areas after seeing the spot.
The commercial’s kind of funny and seems harmless enough, but due to recent events I feel that the commercial should be pulled. Also, check out Coasterdom’s post “Really Alltel?”. It inspired me to write this post.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think Alltel should pull the ad? Or do you think the commercial is harmless? Leave a comment below.
March 23, 2009 at 19:18
I am a alltel customer and I was appalled when I seen the commercial. It was in extreme bad tast and I feel it should immediately removed.
March 24, 2009 at 12:07
These accusations are dumb. Just another reason to b#*@h.
March 26, 2009 at 06:57
What is the name of the actor who plays Billy in the coaster commercial?
March 28, 2009 at 03:41
Maxine, I have no idea. And I'm pretty sure IMDB doesn't list commercials.
April 1, 2009 at 17:33
Bridger Zadina is the actor's name. He played a transgendered teen "Hailey" in an episode of Law and Order SVU called "transitions". It was awesome. This info is on IMDB
April 1, 2009 at 18:09
I could not believe that commercial after the two horrible incidents last year under roller coasters. I fear that others (teenagers especially) will get ideas. It's just dangerous in general. A young man was BEHEADED from doing that for god sakes! IT NEEDS TO BE PULLED ASAP.
April 15, 2009 at 08:10
I've never been to the park, but shouldn't there be a net behind that inversion?
January 18, 2011 at 15:50
That close to the ground, You'd lose your foot!
April 19, 2009 at 16:28
Not always. Some parks may decide to put nets under inversions if those occur to have strong G-forces and pass over a walkway for safety and item property (this one I'm not su sure xD) purposes.
If it isn't the case, the don't have to put nets.
April 22, 2009 at 20:01
Hi there,
Thank you! I would now go on this blog every day!
Dirnov
April 29, 2009 at 03:22
I'll do a follow up soon to see if Alltel pulled the commercial or not. They must have other commercials that they can run instead.
May 12, 2009 at 16:02
The boy in the commercial is adorable.
May 31, 2009 at 17:51
The boy looks like he could be the son of Alyssa Milano. He is a dead ringer for her.
May 31, 2009 at 19:19
I think it should be pulled immediately. Very very poor taste.
June 11, 2009 at 16:24
Tragic accidents happen all the time, and its sad. But Sprint did an ad with a woman on a ledge of a tall building. Should Sprint have pulled that ad because of all the people who have jumped off ledges? Ads are run everyday that show people in all kinds of dangerous situations, but the ad agencies can't be expected to "moron proof" their commercials.
June 30, 2009 at 19:14
To me, it looks like the people are clearly on the public side of the fence. For those familiar with Silver Bullet, it may look like they are in a restricted area, but that commercial was made from two different shots that put a grassy area in front of and outside the safety fence.
July 1, 2009 at 03:10
no doubt: that was their worst commercial. They should have never put that on in the first place!
July 20, 2009 at 20:30
People, it's a commercial!!! I found it very humorous and entertaining. If you can't see the humor I feel sorry for you. As for teens or others rushing to go retrieve coins or other articles under rides is ridiculous. Those that try this are breaking law by trespassing and should be jailed for putting themselves and others in danger. Doesn't anyone have common sense anymore?
September 10, 2009 at 19:27
I think if people are dumb enough to enter an area marked danger and no entry then they deserve to be hurt.. I mean .. people blame the media for everything.. but it's really just ignorance that gets them into trouble.
September 11, 2009 at 12:43
Although I like the exposure it gives to rollercoasters, I do think it should be pulled, because of the dangers of people who may now try to do this stupid stunt. I mean, come on, can't they get their point across in a better way than loose change under a coaster? I mean, you can find more change under a couch in a hotel room that you stay in while visiting an amusement park probably. LOL.
September 11, 2009 at 15:27
umm… not the best idea to give teenagers.