'Wii Fit Girl' not a marketing ploy for Nintendo

Titled "Why every guy should buy their girlfriend a Wii Fit," the YouTube clip shows 25-year-old Lauren Bernat hula hooping in time with the fitness video game in her T-shirt and underwear. The video has been viewed more than 2.4 million times and was suspected to be a viral marketing ploy for Nintendo's Wii Fit.

The speculation emerged after learning that both Lauren Bernat and Giovanny Gutierrez, who filmed the footage, work in advertising. Gutierrez works as the director of Interactive Media for Tinsley Advertising in Miami, Florida. Bernat works as an account executive at the same company, where her duties include evaluating the responses to the company's Internet advertising.

Nintendo has denied that the footage is part of an advertising campaign. "This has, and is, absolutely 100 percent, nothing to do with Nintendo," a spokesman said. "Nintendo did not create it and was not aware of it until it was brought to our attention."

Gutierrez has also denied that it was a viral advertisement for the Wii Fit. Gutierrez says he filmed Bernat to show the world how attractive his girlfriend is. "My girlfriend loves Wii Fit and looks hot doing it."

Bernat says she was unaware she was being filmed by her boyfriend on his mobile phone and was extremely upset with him at first, but is now reveling in her 15 minutes of fame as the "Wii Fit Girl," adding she would have made herself more attractive if she had known about the camera.

The game--which incorporates yoga, balance, strength training, and aerobics--hardly needs the free publicity. Even Amazon has a purchase limit policy in place for the Wii Fit because of the shortages across the U.S. Now does that sound like Nintendo is hurting for some sales?

The YouTube video has done much to boost the profile of Gutierrez, Bernat, and the ad agency where they work, so it looks as if everybody wins regardless.

[egghead321]

Just want to say, If you really want to get some excerse, you should go out do it, no in front of a TV.

[Jennifer_00p]

Awesome post, love the video for Wii Fit.. if nintendo wants to understand the audience for Wii Fit and Nintendo in general, they can use Scope from divinity Metrics to understand the audience for video games, nintenedi, wii, sony psp, xbox and position their content in front of the right audience

[ayoung45]

If that video was from a phone, I wanna know what kind of phone. That was pretty good quality video coming from a phone!

I've been doing some research on what is the best way to upload good quality videos quickly to youtube. Anyone have any suggestions?

[granknee51561]

you were right in more ways than you know

[granknee51561]

Miss Julie Rivera, how come you don't show your frontal amenities, and give us geezers a real thrill! You leave us ole fogies drooling in our spitoons for more of your prowess on the WII - FII
contratraption. I haven't been able to sleep since seeing your aging frame on that dad burn electrical gizmo! Us guys at the home have a pool going as to your age. I guessed 47! sum of dah otters gassed around anywise from 19 to 90. i sha hopes i guessed dah best. as the winner gets a coffee enema as a prize from ole nurse Ratchet. anyways good luck on your career selling pikshas of your poserior substrate! adieu from the Peter Pan home for the almost aged!