Netflix Apologizes for Hiring Actors to Stage Event

[Paroxysm]

Netflix was so psyched for the launch of streaming movies and TV shows in Canada that it closed down a Toronto street and held a press event. But despite the company's internal enthusiasm, Netflix clearly wasn't confident the public would mirror its sentiment, so it hired actors to fatten the gathered crowd.

According to a Netflix-penned script obtained by the Canadian press, the actors were instructed to "play types, for example, mothers, film buffs, tech geeks, couch potatoes, etc."

"Extras are to behave as members of the public, out and about enjoying their day-to-day life, who happen upon a street event for Netflix and stop by to check it out. Extras are to look really excited, particularly if asked by media to do any interviews about the prospect of Netflix in Canada," the instructions read.

Apparently the actors weren't any good in these interviews. Suspicious members of the Canadian press found their Razzy-worthy performances so wooden that identities were questioned, and the ruse was exposed via Twitter and Facebook posts.

Now that Netflix's hitherto-untarnished reputation was sweating in the guillotine, the company admitted that the Toronto police hadn't authorized a press event, so Netflix said it was filming a company documentary, hence the actors. Then it claimed that some actors had gone rogue and gave unauthorized interviews. Steve Swasey, vice president of corporate communications for Netflix, claimed he was unaware of the script and that "some people got carried away and it's embarrassing to Netflix."

This kind of behavior has been done before by much more prominent individuals, so the egg ought to drip off Netflix's face in no time at all. It still doesn't make sense. Why would a company that's doing so well -- becoming ubiquitous with online streaming video and crushing old-school retail video stores -- pull such a childish stunt? Sure, bringing Netflix's services to Canada isn't that exciting, but this is, as Swasey said, embarrassing. Face it, Netflix: streaming video is awesome, but it's nothing to close streets or hire actors for -- it's just streaming video, our new pastime.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/20604...html?tk=hp_new

I seen a clip on the news and it was hilarious but grimey at the same time. I'm still stoked to get the service but damn, what a way to open your doors.

[TheShah]

Hahaha.

Thats sad.

[THE MR. TERRIFIC]

That's to funny!

[Parker Wayne]

I don't get why they had to hire actors. Netflix is amazing

[enterthemadness]

Originally Posted by Parker Wayne

I don't get why they had to hire actors. Netflix is lousy

Fixed that for you, I just like the old school days of renting movies in person and long lines...don't know why.

[BlackLantern]

Originally Posted by The Immortal!

Fixed that for you, I just like the old school days of renting movies in person and long lines...don't know why.

cuz you're a weirdo who hates progress.....I do not miss standing in line behind some soccer mom trying to wrangle her crumbsnatchers, one of which just peed himself

[Hush]

Right with you Immortal.

[Erzengel]

Netflix isn't the first ones to fatten up an event.

I remember hearing that TRL on MTV they always hired people to put in the background during the Top 9 or whatever the eff it was.

And in the end...it's Canada......Canada. I'm sure they think of a service that brings movies to their houses through a magic box is some sort of witchcraft.

[enterthemadness]

Originally Posted by Erzengel

Netflix isn't the first ones to fatten up an event.

I remember hearing that TRL on MTV they always hired people to put in the background during the Top 9 or whatever the eff it was.

And in the end...it's Canada......Canada. I'm sure they think of a service that brings movies to their houses through a magic box is some sort of witchcraft.

At least they know how to make beer...

[Comicfilmer]

Originally Posted by The Immortal!

At least they know how to make beer...

Beer, ay?

[redmarvel]

Originally Posted by Erzengel

And in the end...it's Canada......Canada. I'm sure they think of a service that brings movies to their houses through a magic box is some sort of witchcraft.

Right... Erzengel, I expect better of you. You oughta know, if it can't hold beer / whisky, sell us beer (or whisky), give us beer (or liquor) or arrange to get us beer (or alcohol we can drink) we probably won't even notice it exists. Whereas witches are really great at getting beer.

[HR-PUFF&STUFF]

Originally Posted by redmarvel

Right... Erzengel, I expect better of you. You oughta know, if it can't hold beer / whisky, sell us beer (or whisky), give us beer (or liquor) or arrange to get us beer (or alcohol we can drink) we probably won't even notice it exists. Whereas witches are really great at getting beer.

VIDEO-CLick to Watch!:

[Paroxysm]

Originally Posted by Erzengel

Netflix isn't the first ones to fatten up an event.

I remember hearing that TRL on MTV they always hired people to put in the background during the Top 9 or whatever the eff it was.

And in the end...it's Canada......Canada. I'm sure they think of a service that brings movies to their houses through a magic box is some sort of witchcraft.

Yeah that "magic box" is called a television and we inveted it.

[Erzengel]

Originally Posted by Paroxysm

Yeah that "magic box" is called a television and we inveted it.

I thought Baird "inveted" it.

[redmarvel]

Actually, if you research it a bit, the invention of Television is accredited to a Russian, an American and a Scot - each working independantly / separately from the other.

http://www.physlink.com/education/askexperts/ae408.cfm

[Paroxysm]

Originally Posted by redmarvel

Actually, if you research it a bit, the invention of Television is accredited to a Russian, an American and a Scot - each working independantly / separately from the other.

http://www.physlink.com/education/askexperts/ae408.cfm

Reginald Aubrey Fessenden invented the first television in North America.

http://www.ieee.ca/millennium/radio/radio_unsung.html

[redmarvel]

Originally Posted by Paroxysm

Reginald Aubrey Fessenden invented the first television in North America.

http://www.ieee.ca/millennium/radio/radio_unsung.html

That's RADIO my friend, not Television.

[Paroxysm]

Originally Posted by redmarvel

That's RADIO my friend, not Television.

Television System: Reginald A. Fessenden patented a television system in 1927

http://inventors.about.com/od/cstart...Canadian_2.htm

[redmarvel]

Ahhh, yes, there it is, he had the first working television in 1919... http://www.machrihanish.net/Machrihanish_fessenden.html

[Raiden]

I love Netflix, and with the recent report of Blockbuster filing for Chapter 11, it really validate Netflix's business model of delivering movies via mail or streaming.

[Wolfwood]

Netflix, you didn't have to hire actors, you could've just flown me out there and I would've gladly rallied for you. I love you Netflix. <3

[Harls]

Oh, silly Netflix

[terry78]

Oh, you Canucks and your wacky schemes. If your women were not fine as ****, we would slice you off like Bugs Bunny did Florida in that one cartoon.

[Paroxysm]

Originally Posted by terry78

Oh, you Canucks and your wacky schemes. If your women were not fine as ****, we would slice you off like Bugs Bunny did Florida in that one cartoon.

Netfilx is American dude.

[Paroxysm]

I knew he had something to do with a TV! lol