Tunnock’s Tea Cakes are instantly recognisable on screen. They are familiar, real and culturally specific without needing explanation, exactly the kind of product that can work naturally in the right film or television environment.

As part of Larq’s retained representation for Tunnock’s, we regularly introduce the brand to relevant UK film and television productions during pre-production. These conversations are not about forcing products into scenes. They are about making sure production teams know what is available, what is cleared, and how quickly suitable product can be supplied when it fits the world they are creating.

For MobLand, that early production contact helped put Tunnock’s in front of the right people at the right time. When the production team needed authentic, recognisable products for set dressing, Larq was already known as the route to request, clear and coordinate supply.

The result was a confirmed appearance for Tunnock’s Tea Cakes within a major Paramount+ production.

As part of Larq’s retained representation for Tunnock’s, we regularly introduce the brand to relevant UK film and television productions during pre-production. These conversations are not about forcing products into scenes. They are about making sure production teams know what is available, what is cleared, and how quickly suitable product can be supplied when it fits the world they are creating.

What retained representation means in practice

That is the practical value of retained representation. The opportunity did not come from a cold request or a last-minute scramble. It came from ongoing production relationships, regular brand pitching, clear product information, and the ability to respond quickly when a suitable scene required real-world product.

What Larq handled

Larq’s role covered the production introduction, product suitability, coordination of the request, supply support, and post-broadcast reporting. Once the appearance was confirmed, the placement was captured and reported back to the brand with supporting stills, screen context and media-value assessment.

The brand team used the stills in trade press the following week. The clip went into the next quarterly investor pack. The narrative context — which scene, which character, which moment of the story — went into a sales-team briefing because that part is genuinely useful for in-store conversations with retailers.

What this is not.

This is not traditional advertising. The brand did not pay for a guaranteed appearance within the programme. Tunnock’s was represented by Larq, and the production made its own set-dressing decision based on what suited the world of the show.

That distinction matters. On-screen brand representation works because the product belongs in the scene. It is not forced into the foreground or treated like an advert. It becomes part of the environment, helping the production feel real while giving the brand natural, credible exposure.

Audiences recognise the difference. A product that fits the story can build familiarity and recall without interrupting the programme.

Why we share this

We are often asked how product appearances actually happen. The answer is rarely a single phone call or a last-minute request. Most confirmed appearances come from long-term production relationships, early conversations, clear product information, reliable supply, and a proper reporting process once the programme has aired.

This is where retained representation creates value. It keeps the brand visible to relevant production teams before opportunities arise, so that when a product genuinely fits a scene, it is already known, cleared and available.

Considering retained representation?

If you are a brand considering retained representation within film and television, Larq can show you what a realistic year of activity looks like — the productions we would target, the environments your products suit, how supply is managed, and how confirmed appearances are reported.

If you would like to understand where your brand could appear on screen, we would be pleased to hear from you.