Who heard of Kazakhstan before Borat came along? Definitely not bad publicity.
Anonymous - October 27, 2006
People haven’t exactly been packing their travel bags for a long-awaited vacation in Kazakhstan; I doubt that most would even know where to look for it on the map. While I don’t fashion travel plans changing any time soon for this country, whether it's considered good or bad publicity is irrelevant; it's publicity.
Kazakhstan is already favorably recognized by the US government, China and other global powers as an energy-rich resource as well as an ally and key player geographically on the war against terror. If the movie resonates with audiences in its entertainment value, a few political/social jabs will only raise "brand awareness" and garner the attention the country needs to highlight its political involvements and social interests in the media and distinguish it apart from neighboring CIS states.
Under the spotlight - successes from recent political and social reforms, a continued push to move the country to a more "democratic" state of affairs, and greater emphasis on geopolitical policies (i.e., involvement in post-war reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan/increase of foreign access to oil and gas reserves) will be critical in developing the country’s brand image and establishing long-term brand equity.
Deanna L Shaw - October 29, 2006
Don't know about you but I have a terrible sense of geography. To me Kazakhstan was just another one of those many 'Stan' countries before Borat brought it to my attention. How can a little bit of education be wrong?!
Audrey Scarff, eCommunications Consultant, Intranet DASHBOARD - October 30, 2006
What a great marketing opportunity.
Kazakhstan should simply get on board and run a cinema campaign as the movie rolls out. Embrace the publicity and turn it to their advantage. Why not a campaign developed along the lines of 'visit the real Kazakhstan' showcasing real tourist experiences and real people.
Extending it online could open up loads of other opportunities.
Peter Stephenson, Principal, On Communications - October 30, 2006
The one thing I love about satire is it makes the trivial things important an the important things trivial. Trying to have a serious in depth debate about Borat is pointless - it's a piss-take for goodness sake.
terry dear, confusion co-ordinator, eat sleep design - October 30, 2006
Apple Corps sues Apple Computer over rights to be in the music industry. While the courts decide whether this is a case of apples and apples, we debate which brand is right and which is just downright fruity.