LOS ANGELES, CA. (Top40 Charts/ SHOWTIME) - 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, https://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, DEXTER, 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 viewers will see the best quality video their connection speed will allow.
In conjunction with its online initiative, SHOWTIME Networks will distribute a brochure/mailer with program information and select episodes on four DVDs along with a unique passcode that will allow access to view full seasons of its signature original programming eligible for Primetime Emmy Award consideration.
