“Redline” Hoax? Did TaxBrain.com's Pioneering “Stolen NASCAR” Viral Video Set Stage for Crash of $1.5 million Ferrari to Promote New Movie?
April 2, 2007
Tracy, California — “It was one of our best PR efforts,” said Craig Petz, Vice President of Petz Enterprises, Inc. whose TaxBrain.com® brand is America's fastest growing online tax service. “When we saw the video of a $1.5 million Ferrari being crashed, we couldn't help asking ourselves if that is the same thing we did at Altamont Motorsports Park in August, 2006,” he commented.
When TaxBrain.com's specially produced viral video showing a NASCAR allegedly being stolen by a fan at Altamont Motorsports Park was inadvertently aired as a real news story, the subsequent fall-out created a tidal wave of publicity. The online tax preparation service received more than $1.8 million in TV time as well as startling numbers of YouTube and Internet visits.
“Apparently very sharp movie marketing people realized that an on-track incident at a well-known racing venue was an effective way to generate enormous amounts of media coverage. Whether it was simply an accident or a clever stunt designed to generate publicity, the producers of “Redline,” a new movie starring Eddie Griffin and Jackie Chan, sacrificed a Ferrari Enzo estimated to be worth about $1.5 million. Our effort -- the first of its kind ever attempted -- cost under $50,000” Mr. Petz said.
According to published reports, “The 38-year-old actor-comedian was practicing March 26, 2007 for a charity race to promote his upcoming film, ““Redline,” when he drove too fast around a curve at the Irwindale Speedway. Video footage shows the red sports car screeching before it ricocheted off the barrier with heavy damage to its front”
As a CNN sportscaster commented on-air in August 2006, “You can't make this stuff up”
“But actually, you can, and we did,” added Todd Taylor, TaxBrain.com Director of Affiliate Marketing.
“When our TaxBrain.com YouTube commercial was aired on San Francisco's KGO-TV as a real news item, people were shocked to learn that the viral video was rehearsed on a closed track for several days so that no one would be injured. It's gratifying to see that our idea is being adapted by Hollywood producers, but it brings up the question whether a staged hoax is real, or is a real hoax staged,” commented Mr. Petz. “Redline” executive producer Daniel Sadek, whose exotic car collection is featured in the movie, owns the Enzo. The movie opens in theatres across the country on April 13, 2007.
About TaxBrain.com the Online Tax Service™
TaxBrain.com is the only web-based tax solution delivering online preparation, filing, professional assistance and representation in all 50 states. TaxBrain.com is a full-service online tax center providing tax advice, tools, and resources all year to help taxpayers manage their tax burden with greater confidence and ease. For more information visit www.taxbrain.com.
About Petz Enterprises, Inc.
Petz Enterprises, Inc. (a closely-held California corporation) is a software development company and a leading provider of tax preparation and filing solutions for the professional and consumer markets, helping to automate and simplify federal, state and local tax compliance. PEI's Crosslink line of professional tax software products enable tax practitioners and service bureaus to accurately prepare and file large volumes of individual tax returns. Founded in 1974, Tracy, CA-based PEI is dedicated to serving the needs of the professional tax community and individual taxpayers worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.petzent.com.
Source: TaxBrain.com
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