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Booming Brazil Nabs A-List Ad Campaigns

From SJP to Richard Gere, American stars making pitches in Rio

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2008 9:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – If you want proof that the Brazilian economy is on fire, look no further than the TV ads. While Sarah Jessica Parker professes her love for a Sao Paulo mall, Richard Gere promotes hair care products in dubious Portuguese. What's made the influx of American stars possible, writes Bloomberg, is Brazil's booming currency—the real has been the biggest gainer of the world's most traded currencies for 4 years straight.

The real hit a 9-year high against the dollar this month as Brazil has established itself as the Western hemisphere's new economic powerhouse. Analysts are predicting a fall—but they've done so for the last 5 years, and every year they've been wrong. While Brazil booms, celebrities from Kiefer Sutherland to Pierce Brosnan will keep flying down to Rio; as one ad exec said, "Now they are not only affordable, they are actually cheaper than the locals."

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

Traders work on the floor of the Brazilian Mercantile and Futures Exchange in Sao Paulo, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

The Brazilian real has rallied so high against the dollar that local ad agencies are hiring American celebrities. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends a session of the Brasilia G8 5 Legislator Forum in Brasilia, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Actress Sarah Jessica Parker arrives at the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday June 1, 2008 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

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Sarah Jessica Parker promotes a new Sao Paulo shopping mall in this ad on Brazilian television. (bichodegoiaba1)

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Booming Brazil Nabs A-List Ad Campaigns

From SJP to Richard Gere, American stars making pitches in Rio

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advertising • Richard Gere • Brazil • Sao Paulo • Sarah Jessica Parker • emerging markets • Pierce Brosnan • Brazilian real

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'Avoid surprises like this one,' Brazilian firm suggests

Months of ATM Heists Leave Brazilians Short on Cash

Five current or former police officers were arrested, more suspected

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Heiress' behavior actually tame, but ad that may be pulled

Brazilian Teen's Ride: Pink, Sporty, Bulletproof

In Sao Paulo, armoring a car is as much about status as protection

Investors Rush Back Into Risky Emerging Markets

After a season of defensive investing, money flows to developing economies

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Booming Brazil Nabs A-List Ad Campaigns

From SJP to Richard Gere, American stars making pitches in Rio

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[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

advertising • Richard Gere • Brazil • Sao Paulo • Sarah Jessica Parker • emerging markets • Pierce Brosnan • Brazilian real

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Condom Maker Sends Friend Requests From Unborn 'Sons'

'Avoid surprises like this one,' Brazilian firm suggests

Months of ATM Heists Leave Brazilians Short on Cash

Five current or former police officers were arrested, more suspected

Paris Hilton Beer Ad Too Naughty for Brazil

Heiress' behavior actually tame, but ad that may be pulled

Brazilian Teen's Ride: Pink, Sporty, Bulletproof

In Sao Paulo, armoring a car is as much about status as protection

Investors Rush Back Into Risky Emerging Markets

After a season of defensive investing, money flows to developing economies

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?