by Scott Lawson
The word can often suggest that the movies have a loyal following, but they are not necessarily a box office success.
It’s tough for a cult classic to enter the mainstream, but a certain loveable, if irreverent bear, has managed to gain a wider audience. Ted is his name and, through some clever merchandising his appeal is reaching some unexpected places.
Top of the Slots
Casino game developers have been using film releases as inspiration for many years. Some translate from the big screen to the reels, much better than others. In many cases, it’s not possible for game producers to gain a license, so we will see slot characters such as Rich Wilde inspired by a famous adventurer played at the movies by Harrison Ford.
Ted has appeared in multiple casino titles and his persona helps to make these some of the better film-related options. Those who play slot games can choose between the initial ‘Ted’, plus Ted Cash Lock, Ted Megaways and Ted Pub Fruit.
It’s an unlikely way for a film franchise to be immortalized, but many see it as a tangible mark of recognition. Ted the indefatigable character has made it in this sense, but this isn’t the only piece of unusual merchandising to ‘bear’ his name.
Ted Talks
Many of Ted’s funniest slogans can be carried over into a range of merchandise. Leaving aside those that contain multiple profanities, some of the fans’ favourites will include ‘I am not an ‘it’ pal’.
T-shirts and slogans are perfect partners and there are many Ted-related options to choose from. As we hinted earlier, there are some more outrageous designs for those who are feeling a little braver as they head out to the shops.
Other T-shirts carry a plain image, but Ted is the star and the focal point in each case.
The Role of Merchandising
Aside from being seen as a cynical way to cash in and make money, merchandising is also designed to keep our favourite characters firmly in the public consciousness through brand awareness. Many major films regard this phenomenon as an important part of their overall marketing strategy.
That’s why characters such as Ted can still make us smile in so many ways. Aside from the games and the T-shirts, there are mugs, pens, tea towels and a whole lot more that help to keep him in the public eye.
Perhaps the most fitting tribute comes via the range of beer glasses that use his name. We all know that Ted loves a beer, and these would probably be among his own favourite souvenirs on his shelf at home.
In the case of Ted, whose first film release came out in 2012, there is a danger that he might fade into obscurity if another production isn’t forthcoming. He’d doubtless have a colourful reply to that suggestion but, as long as the merchandising bandwagon keeps rolling, Ted is unlikely to be forgotten.
