‘Tis the season once again for For Your Consideration (FYC) events, stunts, and promos in the entertainment industry. Hollywood is buzzing with activity as actors and creators go all out to promote their projects in hopes of garnering awards recognition. One such actor who is experiencing this whirlwind for the first time is James Marsden, who recently made an appearance in Studio City to promote his Freevee series “Jury Duty.”
On June 14, Marsden stood on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in front of a taco truck to greet fans and speak to the press about his show. This traveling taco truck is just one of the many creative FYC offerings that have rolled across Los Angeles in recent weeks. Peacock launched a “BLSHT Day,” where consumers could score “Poker Face”-themed items at various shops. Max’s “Barry” stunt at Canter’s Deli featured Henry Winkler handing out pastrami and reuben sandwiches. Hulu collaborated with Yeastie Boys for “Only Murders in the Building,” rebranding bagels in honor of the show’s main characters. And now, Netflix is preparing to mount its first-ever restaurant, a Los Angeles pop-up featuring renowned chefs.
For James Marsden, all of this is new territory. He expressed his excitement about being part of the FYC swirl and how it has made promoting his project much more enjoyable. Marsden explained, “Promoting projects can sometimes be a slog, especially if you don’t like the project. I’ve been really lucky over the years that it’s usually something I’m proud of, and [Jury Duty] was a completely different experience.”
Marsden further highlighted the power of social media in boosting the visibility of his show. He attributed much of the success to TikTok, which helped the show gain traction and reach a wider audience. Marsden commented, “TikTok grabbed it, and we got to witness the power of that engine.”
Although it may seem unconventional to be selling tacos on the side of the road, Marsden sees the value in connecting with fans in unique ways. He stated, “Whatever speaks to the audience and the fans, it will work. We’re here just hanging out with people who love the show, and there’s an element of fun to it.”
Marsden’s series, “Jury Duty,” created by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, takes a humorous approach to exploring the inner workings of a jury trial. The show follows the perspective of juror Ronald Gladden, played by a non-actor who is unaware that his jury duty summons is not official and that everyone else in the courtroom is an actor. Marsden stars as a fictionalized version of himself in the show.
According to Marsden, the show provides an opportunity for him to not take himself too seriously and poke fun at the Hollywood actor stereotype. He shared, “There’s a whole element of this that is me not taking myself too seriously and being able to make fun of myself and lampoon ‘the Hollywood entitled actor.’ I just think it’s hilarious and it was so much fun for me to dive into.”
As the FYC season continues, Marsden and his fellow industry professionals are utilizing various platforms and strategies to promote their projects. From traditional sit-down dinners to unconventional taco truck events, the goal remains the same – to showcase their work and garner recognition from industry peers. These creative promotional efforts not only capture the attention of fans but also add an element of excitement and fun to the process.
In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, where streaming platforms and social media play a significant role, actors like James Marsden are quickly adapting to new methods of promotion. Marsden’s experience with “Jury Duty” exemplifies how a show can gain popularity through platforms like TikTok and how embracing a lighthearted and self-aware approach can resonate with audiences.
As the industry continues to reimagine the traditional ways of campaigning for awards, it is clear that creativity and audience engagement are key. From taco trucks to pop-up restaurants, these unique events create memorable experiences for fans and serve as a reminder that Hollywood is constantly evolving, embracing new technologies, and finding innovative ways to connect with its audience.
