The Iconic Nature of Out of Home (OOH) Advertising

In today’s increasing baroque media landscape, out-of-home (OOH) advertising remains a timeless and powerful medium that pierces through the clutter to help companies and ideas stand out.

OOH ads, which include billboards, transit ads, digital displays and much more, have the unique ability to captivate audiences in their everyday environments. This form of advertising is not just about placing ads in public spaces — it's about creating iconic moments that stick in the collective memory. From the bustling streets of Times Square to the serene highways of the American Midwest, billboards have become landmarks in their own right, often immortalized in popular culture.

OOH has such staying power that over the years, countless movies have featured billboards, turning them into cultural icons. Here are just a few memorable instances where billboards played a significant role in films:

Blade Runner (1982)

The futuristic cityscape of Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" is adorned with massive, animated billboards that set the tone for the dystopian world. The vibrant, neon-lit advertisements are as much a character in the film as the actors themselves, highlighting the pervasive nature of consumer culture.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

This film revolves around three billboards that a grieving mother rents to call attention to her daughter's unsolved murder. The stark, provocative messages on these billboards drive the plot and symbolize the mother's relentless quest for justice, making them unforgettable.

Lost in Translation (2003)

In Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation," the bright, bustling billboards of Tokyo provide a striking backdrop to the story of two Americans feeling disconnected in a foreign land. The famous scene of Scarlett Johansson gazing at a giant, illuminated advertisement captures the sense of wonder (and whiskey).

The Truman Show (1998)

The film's concept of a man living in a reality TV show world is underscored by the omnipresent advertisements (basically all sponsored content in Truman’s world). The subtle yet constant product placements and billboards in Seahaven Island make it one of ad land’s favorite movies.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" features the haunting image of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's eyes on a dilapidated billboard. This billboard serves as a symbol of the moral and social decay of the American Dream, watching over the characters' tumultuous lives.

Minority Report (2002)

In Steven Spielberg's "Minority Report," personalized ads target individuals as they move through the city. The interactive billboards and their invasive nature reflect the film's themes of privacy and surveillance, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

The film uses a billboard to deliver a poignant message about love and loss. The scene where Henry leaves a message for Clare on a billboard is a powerful moment that underscores the emotional depth of their relationship and the challenges they face.

Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

In this popular TV series, the character Jimmy McGill (who later becomes Saul Goodman) uses a billboard to promote his fledgling law practice. The billboard, which features an image of Jimmy striking a heroic pose, is a clever marketing ploy that ultimately helps him gain notoriety. This scene highlights the creative and sometimes unconventional uses of OOH advertising to make a memorable impact.

Making your brand iconic with AdQuick

Just as these movies have demonstrated, the right billboard can become an iconic symbol, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. This is where AdQuick comes in. AdQuick is a leading platform for OOH advertising, offering a seamless and efficient way to plan, buy, and measure your campaigns. Whether you're looking to create a local buzz or launch a national campaign, AdQuick provides the tools and insights you need to make your brand stand out.

• Comprehensive Planning: AdQuick's platform allows you to easily search for and compare OOH inventory, ensuring you find the perfect locations for your ads.

• Data-Driven Insights: With access to detailed analytics and performance metrics, you can track the effectiveness of your campaigns and make data-informed decisions.

• Creative Flexibility: From traditional billboards to digital displays, AdQuick supports a wide range of formats, helping you create visually stunning and memorable advertisements.

In a world where consumers are constantly bombarded with digital ads which are ignored and TV ads which get ‘second screened,’ OOH advertising offers the last tangible and impactful way to reach your audience. With AdQuick, you can easily harness the power of iconic advertising to elevate your brand and create moments that resonate for years to come.