Not just anyone can convince corporate sponsors to pay someone to satirize them.

Morgan Spurlock, director of the Oscar-nominated documentary, “Super Size Me,” spoke Thursday at Duke U. Spurlock spoke with humor and snippets of seriousness about the production of his film, “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold,” released in April, which explores product placement, marketing and advertising. The movie is funded entirely by product placement and features brands prominently.

Spurlock discussed the frustration of calling up more than 600 brands before convincing the film’s first sponsor—Ban Deodorant—to contribute to the movie. When he approached Abercrombie and Fitch about product placement, for example, the woman at the clothing company asked him if he wanted to know why he was not Abercrombie material.

“‘You’re not very attractive—and by not very attractive, you’re not handsome at all. And that thing on your face… a moustache? We’re selling clothing, not pornography,’” Spurlock recalled her telling him, to which he replied, “I’ve seen your advertisements. I disagree.”

Duke sophomore Forrest Etter, vice president of operations of the DUU Speakers and Stage committee, said the event was overall very successful based on the laughter and unexpectedly high turnout.

One audience member, senior Kevin Nguyen, said he deliberately brought McDonald’s food to the event in reference to “Super Size Me,” Spurlock’s 2004 documentary on the influence of the fast food industry and the health effects of McDonald’s food in particular.

“I had seen ‘Super Size Me’ previously and really enjoyed the film,” Nguyen said. “I know how much everyone at Duke eats at McDonald’s, so I thought that was an interesting point.”

Spurlock noted Nguyen for his choice of food.

“I love you. Thanks for coming out,” Spurlock said. “I love you, but your liver doesn’t.”

When asked about pirated versions of his work, Spurlock replied unconventionally.

“If you’re taking the time to download my movie from Pirate Bay, watch it and talk to your friends about it, then I say ‘God bless you,’” he said

Spurlock shifted to discussion of more serious themes toward the end of his talk, noting that he wanted “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” to question where the line needs to be drawn with regard to the prevalence of advertising in everyday life. He also left aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs with a few nuggets of wisdom, noting a story about a small job helping at a volleyball game that eventually led him to become an announcer at the Olympics.

“Be open to all opportunities,” Spurlock said. “It might not be the opportunity that you think will be best for you, but you should really capitalize on those opportunities.”

After recalling how he once went into more than $200,000 of credit card debt to make a film, Spurlock ended the night with a call to action.

“As you go out into your careers, you’re going to have to make a decision about how far you want to go to achieve your dreams,” he said. “I chose to go however far I needed to to make that happen. I hope all you choose to go as far as possible, too.”