“Perrier Presents Opportunity” is a promotional film made for Perrier Carbonated Mineral Water that likely dates to the early 80s and appears to target an American audience. Perrier is a French brand of natural bottled mineral water obtained at its source in Vergèze, France. The film offers insights into the origins of Perrier, how to serve it, the drink’s profitability and health benefits, as well as first-hand interviews with American restaurateurs who choose to serve Perrier at their establishments. Additionally, the film includes some examples of other promotional materials made by the Perrier Corporation. The film especially tries to underscore the health benefits of the beverage as a low/zero calorie, sugar-free, glamorous alternative to alcohol and soda pop.
Title page, film begins (0:08). Opening skit in old time saloon: Ragtime music plays as waiter tends to saloon room full of clients, serves them all Perrier sparkling water, two guests look on as they try and get waiter’s attention, ask about Perrier (0:13-2:12). Skit ends, same saloon but clientele now in modern clothing, water speaks to camera (2:14). Aerial view of Southern France – Vergèze (source of Perrier water) (2:27). Iron gateway water bottling plant for Perrier (2:36). Château de Vergèze (former home of Garnier Family) and property at what is today Perrier Museum & Source; topiary gardens, manicured plants (2:38). Same aerial view of Southern French town, narrator details history of Vergèze beginning with military commander Hannibal tasting water from the spring 218 BC (2:45). More shots of manicured gardens, archway covered walkway (2:52). Close-up bubbly waters of the naturally occurring spring (3:06). Sparkling water slowly poured into glass with “Perrier” etched into facade, camera zooms out to reveal refreshing glass of Perrier water next to standard green glass bottle packaging (3:13). Saloon waiter, bartender speak to camera about Perrier’s growing popularity around the world/ United States (3:46). Perrier publicity campaigns in the US: Article clippings/ covers of Time magazine, New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine mentioning Perrier; Sponsorship banner for Falmouth Road Race, Perrier Parcourse (4:11). Perrier brand synonymous with healthy lifestyle, fitness: Montage scenes of runners training on trailers, pack of marathon runners at starting line, wearing sponsored shirts at trophy ceremony (4:57). Health benefits of Perrier (5:34). Camera pans clientele drinking at bar/ saloon from earlier shots, narrator details profile of Perrier drinkers – diet and health conscious upper class, teenagers (5:50). Perrier commercial interlude, camera closes in on Perrier logo on bottle (7:20). Examples of print advertisement materials (8:00). Another Perrier commercial interlude – short clips taken around the Château de Vergèze property (8:30). Small scale Perrier promotional material found around bar: Posters, bottle rack, menu notes (8:56). Waiter at saloon/ bar speaks to camera while walking amid patrons, water and bartender detail how to properly serve Perrier (9:44-12:11). Bartender and waiter sit at table after service hours, disheveled jackets and ties, talk to camera about Perrier profits, pricing (12:14). Green, Perrier serving bottle in fridge next to other beers, sodas – optimal size at 6.5 ounce bottle (12:57). Interview with VP & GM Mr. Jim Clifford of Tumbledown Dicks Inc. Restaurant – Mr. Clifford provides first-hand account of benefits of serving Perrier Water (13:29). Interior Cricket’s Restaurant; Interview with GM Mr. Alan Ireland who details why Perrier is popular among customers (14:39). Interview with assistant GM Mr. David E Stockman of Lawry’s Associated Restaurants (15:58). Film Ends (16:57).
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