No Smoking; Philip Morris Tells Movie Studios
Philip Morris USA has asked movie studios not to use its cigarette brands as product placements in movies and to reduce or eliminate smoking scenes in movies targeting youth.
The initiative is being promoted in trade print ads in Daily Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and others.
“Movies have the power to amuse, delight, teach and inspire,” said Jennifer Hunter, vice president, Youth Smoking Prevention and Cessation Support for Philip Morris USA, in a statement. “However, some studies suggest they may also influence a child’s decision to smoke.”
Philip Morris USA said it does not want its brands or brand imagery shown in either movies or television shows. In 1990, the firm instituted a policy to deny all requests for permission to use or display its brands in movies and television shows intended for general audiences, the company said.
