SHOWTIME is taking its Primetime Emmy® campaign to a whole new platform as it launches the 2009 Emmy® season.
Beginning this April, voting members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) will be able to exclusively view full seasons of critically-acclaimed SHOWTIME original series through their iPhones and iPodTouch devices. Building on its innovative and eco-friendly Emmy® campaign from last year, this application developed and implemented by Transpera, the largest mobile video delivery and advertising network in North America, will allow voters, upon entering their passcode, the ability to stream full episodes directly to their handheld devices.
SHOWTIME also announced that as of February 28, its password protected website, http://sho.com/foryourconsideration, has launched and will be available to voters throughout the June balloting and final August judging periods. SHOWTIME will once again be working with leading online video platform Brightcove Inc. to deliver a customized Internet-based experience that allows voting members to view full seasons of SHOWTIME original series, including the hit comedy series "United States of Tara" as well as "Weeds," "DexterTM," "The Tudors" "Californication," "Tracey Ullman's State of the Union," "Brotherhood®," "This American Life," "Penn & Teller: BULLSHIT!" and "The L Word ®".
Last year's online Emmy® campaign, which proved an ecological, economical and convenient option to screen SHOWTIME programming, resulted in Academy members tuning in at a rate of approximately four full episodes per member. In 2008, SHOWTIME garnered a record 21 nominations including Outstanding Drama Series for Dexter and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for Michael C. Hall, as well as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Mary-Louise Parker.
"This year, by providing viewing access via iPhones and iPodTouch devices, Showtime continues to offer TV Academy members even more convenient opportunities to enjoy and consider SHOWTIME original programming," said Richard Licata, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications for SHOWTIME
Its ATAS members-only site, will again utilize Brightcove's innovative player to provide an instant, full screen, broadcast quality viewing experience directly to each member's computer through standard Web browsers. Showtime Networks will employ Brightcove's enhanced Dynamic Delivery feature, which ensures the viewer will see the best quality video their connection speed will allow.
In conjunction with their online initiative, Showtime Networks will distribute a brochure/mailer with program information and select episodes on four DVD's along with a unique passcode that will allow access to view full seasons of its signature original programming eligible for Primetime Emmy Award consideration.
About Showtime
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNELTM and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOOTM, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HDTM, SHOWTIME ON DEMANDTM and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMANDTM. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.
About Transpera
Transpera is the largest premium mobile video delivery and advertising network in North America. The company's award winning mobile video delivery and advertising platform provides online content owners, network operators and advertisers with a turnkey solution that connects all the necessary pieces involved in successful and profitable mobile video deployments. Transpera currently powers mobile video channels for such premium online video brands as AccuWeather.com®, Associated Press, Break.com, CBS News, Discovery Communications, ebaum's World, Fox Reality Channel, maniaTV, MSNBC.com, MTV Networks, Next New Networks, Revision3, Travel Channel, The Weather Channel®, Zoovision and more. Transpera is based in Santa Monica, Calif. and is funded by top venture firms Flybridge Capital (formerly IDG Ventures), Intel Capital, First Round Capital Ventures, and Labrador Ventures. For more information, visit www.transpera.com.