Extremely interesting article in the New York Times today about how disney is working to try and disect the minds of 12 year old boys in order to capture more market share and sell more stuff. Disturbing yet fascinating at the same time.
here's an excerpt:
"Kelly Peña, or “the kid whisperer,” as some Hollywood producers call her, was digging through a 12-year-old boy’s dresser drawer here on a recent afternoon. Her undercover mission: to unearth what makes him tick and use the findings to help the Walt Disney Company reassert itself as a cultural force among boys.
Ms. Peña, a Disney researcher with a background in the casino industry, zeroed in on a ratty rock ’n’ roll T-shirt. Black Sabbath?
“Wearing it makes me feel like I’m going to an R-rated movie,” said Dean, a shy redhead whose parents asked that he be identified only by first name.
Jackpot."the rest of the article is here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/arts/television/14boys.html?hp
