You wouldn't steal a ....?

In 2004, the MPAA launched a campaign aimed
at insulting everyone who had purchased a ticket
to see one of their movies in one of their theatres.... as well as those who had purchased a DVD,
or rented one at an authorized outlet. 

Similar in tone and spirit to the music industry's celebrated "Home taping is killing music" campaign of the 80s, "You wouldn't..." was nearly as well-received by audiences everywhere.


"You wouldn't..." was a bold, edgy remix of the entertainment industry's favourite and most enduring obsession - that on a good day, the rest
of us are stupid, greedy and amoral assholes.

Naturally, there was blow-back: people were annoyed, amused and sometimes even
inspired to parody...

It was pure catnip to the Demotivator crowd...

One of the most widely shared was from an episode of the British television series IT:

[2.3]

Narrator: (Parodying the PSA shown before films) You wouldn't steal a handbag. You wouldn't steal a car. You wouldn't steal a baby. You wouldn't shoot a policeman. And then steal his helmet. You wouldn't go to the toilet in his helmet. And then send it to the policeman's grieving widow. And then steal it again! Downloading films is stealing. If you do it, you will face the consequences. (Man bursts in behind the girl downloading the film and point a pistol at the back of her head and a pool of blood is then seen on the keyboard)

Roy: (sitting with Moss in a dark room, watching the PSA) Man, these anti-piracy ads are getting really mean.

***

Naturally, things soon went on
to a variety of meta-levels...

...including at least one clearly influenced
by the music industry:

Unfortunately, i wasn't able to find any data about just how effective this campaign has been in teaching people how to be better people. according to industry sources, the sky is still falling so i guess the bottom line is "not effective enough".


go figure... 

want to make your own? here's a blank

PLACES TO GO

http://www.ipos.gov.sg/topNav/news/pre/2004/Launch+of+anti+piracy+movie+trailer.htm


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_wouldn%27t_download_a_car#You_Wouldn.27t_Steal_a_Car


http://thisrealitypodcast.com/?p=1241

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