Aren't blockbuster films and award-winning TV shows enough, or do celebrities really need to pad their pockets with TV commercial income?
Fans have really begun to wonder whether A-list celebrities are popping into TV spots because they want to, or because there's some weird psychological ploy at play to get consumers to buy more... well, everything.
Commercial Work Is Easy Peasy For A-Listers
One reason why many celebrities choose to dabble in commercial work? It could be that TV spots are easy money compared to longer-term projects, from grueling filming schedules for movies to seasons-long commitments to sitcoms.
There's also the fact that other types of celebs -- like musicians -- need to keep churning out music to make money in many cases. Of course, that doesn't explain why, for example, Drake opted to appear in a State Farm commercial with the new Jake.
So maybe filming commercials is just plain fun sometimes? Besides, Drake likely fetches a very high fee -- but clearly, State Farm can afford him.
Some Commercials Mean Steady Work
While A-listers likely don't struggle to find lucrative gigs, it's true that commercials can offer a steadier source of income. But they also offer celebs steady exposure to their fans and a greater audience that may begin to develop brand loyalty -- both to whatever the celeb is selling, and the celeb themselves.
Of course, the commercial work doesn't always go as planned, even for A-listers. While Drake's insurance bit was funny, viewers weren't thrilled with Khloe Kardashian involving True in her commercial for migraine medicine.
But other celebrities went the opposite route; starring in TV ads before becoming true A-listers. And the thing is, plenty of previously obscure actors have become more sought-after because of their acting abilities in commercials.
The wife from the 'Jake from State Farm' commercials, for example, has a lengthy Hollywood resume that's only grown since she appeared as the suspicious, bathrobe-wearing wife at three in the morning.
Why Do Companies Hire A-Listers For Commercials?
It makes sense that celebrities would want a cushy paycheck, a bit of PR and more visibility, and maybe even some product perks. But why would a big-name company invest in a high-level celebrity for a commercial?
Because, science. Research has confirmed that celebrity endorsements are part of modern marketing because they're effective at promoting products. Over time, studies have confirmed that "there is a direct relationship between the use of celebrities in advertisements and improvement in company profits."
So even if a company has to pay tons of cash to get a celeb to rep for their brand, it's most often worth the investment.