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Back in May we were talking about ever-blurring lines between advertising and TV shows. This direction is accelerating as people try to find new ways to make revenue and connect with TV audiences. The latest:

AMC and Banana Republic are offering shoppers a chance for a walk-on role on the network’s Emmy Award winning drama Mad Men.

As part of marketing partnership, the parties are co-sponsoring a contest where customers can enter to win a walk-on role for an upcoming episode, plus a $1,000 gift card from the retailer.

Beginning July 21 and leading up to Mad Men’s third-season premiere on Aug. 16 at 10 p.m. (ET/CT), Banana Republic’s 400 U.S. and Canadian outlets will showcase mannequins dressed in modern takes on classic, iconic 1960s style, along with series imagery and tune-in details.

Banana Republic is also creating a style guide profiling the Mad Men character profiles and images alongside quintessential work looks from Banana Republic. The Guide will also be available in stores, while supplies last and offer U.S. customers a free gift-with-purchase — a free iTunes download of the show’s pilot, as well as an exclusive look at Mad Men style.

The campaign marks the first time the national retailer has featured an original scripted drama series in-store.
As for the sweepstakes, shoppers can up their “ticket” to enter the contest and use the ticket code also found on the Style Guide to enter the casting call at madmencastingcall.amctv.com. This code will allow customers to upload photos of themselves wearing their best Mad Men look, male or female.

Banana Republic will send email newsletter blasts to its customer database detailing the casting call contest and promoting tune-in to the season three premiere. AMC will also pre-promote the casting call contest on-air and online, driving consumers to the retail stores.

(Thanks, Multichannel News)

Other reading on the topic at Racked and the New York Times.