Confessions of a Sony Adman--Based on a True Story
LOGLINE: An ambitious ad exec launches an audacious ad campaign for Sony's CD player in 1985, sparking the digital music revolution and Sony’s transformation to entertainment powerhouse.
The early 80’s saw America in its worst recession since the great depression. Music sales were in decline. At Sony's sales convention, Scott Westover stands in front of the entire company and predicts CDs will outsell vinyl by 1988. He unveils an ad campaign featuring four of the most well know music artists in the world including Stevie Wonder. None is under contract.
Flashback to Scott's early career: daring air-to-air photography and interviewing a brash 26-year-old Steve Jobs. Scott struggles to sign Wonder and battles office politics. He travels to Tokyo to confront the CEO for his budget.
Scott and his wife Patti befriend Stevie. Patti shares a story of how their daughter was able to recover from Respiratory Distress Syndrome at birth. Stevie reveals he had the same sickness causing his blindness.
Scott’s commercial wins an award, but office rival John Battle attempts to block its airtime.
Frustrated with new management, Scott leaves Sony and is determined to write a movie about the CD's impact. He collaborates with music mogul Walter Yetnikoff to chronicle Sony's purchase of CBS Records.
After taking a job in the wilds of Utah at Iomega, a product flaw called the “Click of Death” tanks sales. Scott returns to Sony in 1997 to launch cellphones. His visionary campaign succeeds until a recall shuts the division down.
The story ends at a Wonder concert where Stevie gives a shout out to Patti thanking her for their special connection with a harmonica solo. Patti reflects on the gift of her daughter’s eyesight. Scott realizes technology comes and goes but storytelling lasts, having achieved his dream of sharing his story on the big screen. Audience is left with a message of gratitude and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
