FORD ON TV & FILM

Ford vehicles have rich history on the silver screen.

From the iconic chase scene in the 1968 film "Bullitt" to a pleasant drive down Wisteria Lane in "Desperate Housewives," Ford Motor Company vehicles have played a significant role in American film and television. Company founder Henry Ford forged the first relationship with the film industry. In the early 1900s, Ford sponsored films like "Keystone Coupe," providing Ford Model Ts for the Keystone Kops to drive. Ford also presented "Tin Lizzies" to the stars of the day, including Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin.

Throughout the 20th century, Ford's broad portfolio of vehicles can be seen in such classic films as "American Graffiti," "Rebel Without A Cause," "Thunderball," "Love Story" and "Lethal Weapon." Fast forward to today, and Ford vehicles can be spotted in popular movies like "Casino Royale," "Dan in Real Life" and "I Am Legend." On television, viewers can keep a sharp eye out for Ford's F-150 pickup in NBC's "Las Vegas" and a Ford Taurus in the cop drama "Life."

Flash of Genius

Key facts about the intermittent windshield wiper issue.

The film “Flash of Genius” chronicles the life story of Bob Kearns, who asserted that he invented the intermittent windshield wiper and sued Ford, Chrysler and other automakers for patent infringement. While films like “Flash of Genius” are made for entertainment purposes, the facts are often less dramatic.

Bob Kearns as well as hundreds of engineers from many companies, including Ford, helped develop the intermittent wiper as part of an evolution of existing automotive and electronic components.

While there are inaccuracies in the film, Ford sees no value in re-hashing the history of a legal case that was resolved in court almost 20 years ago, when a jury ruled that Ford did not willfully violate Mr. Kearns’ patent.

Today, Ford continues to make engineering and design breakthroughs in areas such as fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology, and is proud of its 100-year legacy of innovation in automotive technology.

Released 2008-09-26

FORD FLEX ON WISTERIA LANE

Tom Scavo behind the wheel of a 2009 Ford Flex in “Desperate Housewives”

In one of several Ford product integrations coming to television this fall, the 2009 Ford Flex will cruise down Wisteria Lane on ABC’s award-winning series “Desperate Housewives.”

Ford worked closely with Universal Studios to cast a vehicle that would best match the personality of the character Tom Scavo, played by actor Doug Savant.

Two other Ford vehicles also were chosen on the show — the new 2009 Lincoln MKS and the 2009 Mazda6.

A new character named Dave Williams will drive the Lincoln MKS and young Andrew Van De Kamp will be the owner of the sporty 2009 Mazda6. The new season begins Sunday, Sept. 28 on ABC.

Quote:
“Tom is the type of guy who wants to be seen in a car that’s different. He doesn’t necessarily belong in a high-end exotic car, yet he needs a vehicle that’s really bold and that stands out. Pairing him up with the Flex was a natural.”
- Bob Witter, Ford Global Brand Entertainment

Released 2008-09-03

FORD’S “FRINGE” ROLE

Ford vehicles featured in the new sci-fi drama series, “Fringe.”

The latest show from acclaimed Hollywood producer/director J. J. Abrams, who also is the creator of “Lost” and “Alias”, premieres Tuesday September 9 at 8:00/7:00 p.m. on FOX. “Fringe” follows the adventures of a team of FBI paranormal investigators. And, Ford matched each cast members to a vehicle that helped define their character.

FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham, played by Anna Torv, will investigate strange occurrences in a 2009 Escape Hybrid. Producers wanted a sexy vehicle for Joshua Jackson’s character Peter Bishop, opting for the Ford Mustang. Rounding out the cast, FBI Special Agent Charlie Francis, played by Kirk Acevedo, and Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Phillip Broyles, played by Lance Reddick will drive the new Ford Fusions. As well, the fleet vehicle for the “Fringe” team is the 2009 Flex.

Quotes

“There is tremendous buzz in Hollywood surrounding this program, and we’re excited to be a part of it. We auditioned three cars – the Escape Hybrid, the new Ford Flex and the Mustang – and the producers wanted them all, plus the Ford Fusion.”
Ross Mackenzie, Ford Global Brand Entertainment

Released 2008-09-03

Suggested Tags: Escape Hybrid, Ford Flex, Ford Fusion, Ford Mustang, FOX, Fringe, J.J. Abrams

SHELBY GT500KR STARS AS KITT

Anticipated “Knight Rider” television series features Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR

The new television series “Knight Rider” stars Justin Bruening as Mike Traceur, son of original character Michael Knight, played by David Hasselhoff. A Shelby GT500KR will take on the role of KITT, the super intelligent, computerized talking car.

Mike Traceur and KITT fight criminal forces that operate above the reach of traditional law enforcement. When under fire, KITT will transform into Attack mode. There will be several versions of the Shelby GT500KR, and KITT will be required to morph into other Ford vehicles throughout the season.

Viewers can tune into NBC on Wednesday, September 24 at 8:00/7:00 p.m. when “Knight Rider” premieres.

Quotes

“KITT is all about technology and speed. He’s a quick thinker, and he’s overly intelligent. Mustang is the king of cool and one of the most recognized vehicles in cinema history. There’s also an intelligence and sleekness to the car. For all of those reasons and more, the Shelby GT500KR was a perfect choice for this role.”
Al Uzielli, Senior Advisor to Ford Global Brand Entertainment

“That car is a big secret, and it will be revealed when the show premieres. We had a Hollywood car designer create a tricked-out version of the Shelby, and we’ve done some really cool things to it.”
Gary Scott Thompson, Executive Producer, “Knight Rider”

“Nothing emotionalizes a product and makes it more understandable to a potential buyer than seeing it in an entertainment media, especially seeing it with an aspirational character. When a Ford product is thoughtfully and effectively placed in a television show or motion picture, there is always the potential to raise consideration.”
Al Uzielli, Senior Advisor to Ford Global Brand Entertainment

Released 2008-09-03

WILL SMITH’S “I AM LEGEND” AND FORD

Shelby Mustang GT500, Expedition and Escape Hybrid co-star in “I Am Legend.”

In the blockbuster film, “I Am Legend”, Will Smith drives the deserted streets of a futuristic New York City in a red 2007 Shelby Mustang GT500 with signature white stripes. The first few minutes of the movie shows Smith’s character, Robert Neville, in the Shelby GT500 chasing a herd of wild deer through the empty streets of Manhattan.
Throughout the movie Will Smith also shares scenes with a Ford Expedition. At the end, Smith uses the aptly named, and environmentally friendly, Ford Escape Hybrid to depart New York City.
“I Am Legend” isn’t the first movie version of Richard Matheson’s 1954 science fiction novel to feature a red Ford vehicle. A 1971 adaptation called “The Omega Man” put Charlton Heston behind the wheel of a bright-red 1970 Ford LTD.

Released 2008-05-16