CHICAGO — Jonathan Finerty produces videos, writes copy, snaps photos and designs graphics — all for the low, low price of $19.99, plus shipping and handling.
If you call now, he'll throw in a free set of steak knives.
When the West Loop resident was laid off from his advertising job six months ago, the part-time stand-up comic figured he could use his skills as a jokester to market himself.
The result was a website and a series of videos promoting the "All-In-One AdMan" that parody "the 'Sham-Wow' type infomercial, featuring me as the product," Finerty said.
Snagging fellow comic Jeff Steinbrunner to make the pitch, Finerty shot a series of seven commercials to highlight each of his skills — including his ability to produce viral videos.
"If someone wants just a copywriter, or just a designer or just a photographer, they can go to that specific section of the site and see samples," Finerty said. "It's kind of tongue-in-cheek upfront, but when you dig deeper, there's some really serious work that I put into it."
"The goal is to reel you in with this charming concept, and charming video, but then once you scroll down and dig deeper, there's actually some interesting content and some work that showcases my skills."
After about a month of production, Finerty launched the site and videos last week, and said he's already made contact with some recruiters who've seen the ads.
As is often the case with TV deals, his rate isn't quite as cheap as it looks. The $19.99 price tag includes an additional "$99k shipping and handling" fee.
"You gotta read the fine print," Finerty said. "But if you ask me, that's a deal."
And he isn't kidding about the steak knives.
"I have them right here," he said. "When I come in the first day I'm going to offer you these 100 percent stainless steel razor-sharp steak knives. My mom gave them to me for Christmas.
"No one else is offering steak knives with their resume, so the way I see it, I'm cutting edge."
