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(Chicago – March 18, 2008) – Prom season is all about dreaming big. That's why this season, Sears is giving prom goers the ability to create their own red carpet affair with a click of the mouse. Through 'Prom Premiere 2008', an innovative new e-commerce site, Sears will showcase its fashion line-up for girls this prom season.
The site offers an interactive 'red carpet' experience as visitors are welcomed by photographers and music and are offered the opportunity to click through the online gallery of dresses from the Short & Sassy, Glitter & Glam, Ball Gowns and Slim & Sleek collections. To complete the look, the site also offers one-click links to shoes, purses and other accessories from Sears.com that will help create an unforgettable prom night experience.
“There is nothing more exciting than preparing for Prom. The quest for the perfect dress is not an easy one, that's why Sears is thrilled to offer this innovative, easy-to-use destination for this milestone occasion,” said Jenny Cyra, vice president and general merchandise manager, women's apparel.
The site is targeted to 15-17 year-old girls and will be available through May. Not only can girls share the dresses they like with friends and family through email but they can also upload dresses to their profile page on Facebook. Sears is supporting the campaign with in-store displays, signage and online advertising with Facebook's 2.4 million users.
The experience was created by WhittmanHart Interactive. “This generation of high school students are already very tech savvy but we felt that the usability and social networking aspects were key,” said Thomas Zanoni, Group Account Director, WhittmanHart Interactive. “Prom Premiere is an engaging online environment that really fulfills the needs of the prom dress shopper.”
Visit Prom Premiere 2008 at: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_Prom?adCell=A3
For more information visit http://www.whittmanhart.com.
Contact:
WhittmanHart InteractiveKarlyn Nelson
Freud Communications Inc.
T: (323) 866 6060
Email: karlyn.nelson@freud.com
WhittmanHart Interactive, a leading provider of integrated solutions in digital communications and online marketing, has won three Interactive Media Awards. Websites for Toyota’s Scion and Harley-Davidson won Outstanding Achievement Awards in the Lifestyle category and a Best in Class Award was given for the Mountain Dew Dewmocracy site. The websites were recognized for their creative design, content, usability, and feature functionality.
- IMA Outstanding Achievement Award for Lifestyle:
Scion Broadband - www.scion.com/broadband/
Harley Davidson - www.harley-davidson.com
- IMA Best in Class Award for both Food/Beverage and Games/Playing:
Dewmocracy - www.dewmocracy.com
The Interactive Media Awards is an international competition and recognizes the highest standards of excellence in web site design and development. More than 2,588 entries from 52 countries participated in this year's competition. The judges consisted of professionals and members of the Interactive Media Council (IMC) who are prominent leaders in web design, advertising, public relations, publishing, news and other industries. The Outstanding Achievement award represents top scoring in all areas of the judging criteria and corresponds to a very high standard of planning, execution and overall professionalism throughout the site.
About WhittmanHart Interactive: WhittmanHart Interactive is a full-service digital marketing agency that serves leading multinational clients such as Anheuser-Bush, Scion, Johnson & Johnson, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Harley-Davidson. The company is headquartered in Chicago, and has offices in eight other US cities. Drawing from over 20 years of experience, WhittmanHart builds award-winning websites and creates effective interactive marketing campaigns that focus on providing value-driven and user-centric solutions for clients. WhittmanHart was recognized as a 2007 “Digital-Indie Who’s Who” by Advertising Age. To learn more about WhittmanHart, please visit www.whittmanhart.com
About the Interactive Media Awards: The Interactive Media Awards™ recognize the highest standards of excellence in website design and development and honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievement. Created by the Interactive Media Council, Inc. (IMC), a nonprofit organization of leading web designers, developers, programmers, advertisers and other web-related professionals, the competition is designed to elevate the standards of excellence on the Internet and offer winners a boost in marketing and exposure. IMC serves as the primary sponsor and governing body of the Interactive Media Awards, establishes the judging system and provides the judges for the competition.
- For further information please contact:
Jonathan Bing
Freud Communications Inc.
T: (323) 866 – 6060
Email: jonathan.bing@freud.com
MGM launches 'GLADIATORS 2000' in syndication at NATPE and unveils New AMERICAN GLADIATORS broadband super site
Las Vegas, NV January 28, 2008 --- On the heels of the ratings success of MGM and Reveille’s hit reality series "American Gladiators" on NBC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.’s (MGM) domestic television distribution operation is bringing "Gladiators 2000," the kids competition series starring a young Ryan Seacrest in off-network syndication.
"Gladiators 2000" is a half-hour series, which was shot in the 90’s as a companion to the original "American Gladiators." In the series, teens compete in games that challenge their physical abilities as well as their knowledge of nutrition, fitness and the human body.
In making the announcement today at NATPE, Jim Packer, Co-President, MGM Worldwide Television stated: "The launch of the ‘Gladiators 2000’ is a timely initiative, which fits perfectly in our multiplatform strategy for the franchise. The series offers stations a unique alternative to weekend (i.e. educational) programming and with the current success of the new NBC version of Gladiators, it’s a great fit. And we know audiences will be receptive."
"The Gladiators franchise is all about mind, body and spirit and ‘Gladiators 2000’ encourages kids to get out and get fit!" said ‘American Gladiators’ Executive Producer and original series creator Johnny Ferraro. "It took almost 8 years to get the first ‘American Gladiators’ on television but only a few months to get ‘Gladiators 2000’ on the air because of the tremendous popularity of the original series. It was a natural fit to have the kids involved and have them play the games. Bringing the show back for today's hard to reach audience is a wonderful initiative."
The launch of "Gladiators 2000" follows the studios recent announcement to take the American Gladiators franchise to a new level with a multimedia promotional campaign, which features a cross-city tour and cartoon series. "Gladiators 2000" offers a challenge to young contenders in a series of specially designed events, which place equal emphasis on self-esteem, education and competition. Each team is captained by two American Gladiators who coach and teach the kids about science, food, exercise and the human body. MGM is offering 39 episodes of the show at NATPE.
Also this week at NATPE, MGM is rolling out the new American Gladiators franchise broadband website www.americangladiators.com. The site, which launches on Wednesday, January 30, is a multimedia homage to the original "American Gladiators" series.
The site which was engineered by WhittmanHart Interactive, will feature an array of exclusive original American Gladiators downloads including: free wallpaper and screen savers, image galleries, new re-digitized video clips and behind the scenes interviews with the original gladiators. In the coming weeks, the site will also feature episode specials along with original casual video games.
"It’s exciting to synergize the studio’s American Gladiators franchise by launching americangladiators.com, an all encompassing broadband site which will be the new touch point for fans and Gladiators enthusiasts around the world," said David Rondan, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Digital Media, MGM. "We will be reintroducing the original Gladiators to a new generation of fans and give updates on where and what they are up to today. Key featured segments that will be featured on the site in the weeks to come include best hits, celebrity guest appearances and stunts performed on the vintage show."
"We are excited to be working with MGM on this project," said John Moshay, Executive Vice President, WhittmanHart Interactive. "We look forward to making it the multimedia destination for the American Gladiators franchise."
MGM is giving a sneak peak at the exclusive footage that will be available on the new broadband site. The link to the footage can be viewed by visiting the MGM Mediaroom at www.mgm.mediaroom.com.
About WhittmanHart Interactive: Headquartered in Chicago, WhittmanHart is a full-service interactive agency providing the most engaging, user-centric and value-driven interactive marketing services. WhittmanHart draws on more than 20 years of quality work and relationships with some of the world’s top corporations to deliver best-in-class solutions to all of its clients. For more information visit: www.whittmanhart.com.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29 percent), TPG (21 percent), Sony Corporation of America (20 percent), Comcast (20 percent), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7 percent) and Quadrangle Group (3 percent). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
- CONTACT:
MGM
Jeff Pryor
Executive Vice President/Corporate Communications
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
- T: 310-449-3446
Email: jpryor@mgm.com
WhittmanHart
Jonathan Bing/Ed Grattan
Freud Communications Inc.
T: (323) 866 6060/ (212) 616 5550
There were over 2,700 entries received this year, of which 1% received Best in Show Awards. WhittmanHart Interactive submitted four entries this year and won four awards in all top categories. The awards were won for exceptional top-tier work for Sony Pictures, Casio, Scion and Budweiser.
The agency received a Best in Show Award for the Casino Royale movie site and two honorable Gold awards for website work on Casio Exilim and Scion Broadband. They also picked up a Silver Award for BudLight.com.
About WhittmanHart Interactive: Headquartered in Chicago, WhittmanHart is a premier advertising and consulting agency providing integrated solutions in digital communications and marketing, process improvement and enabling technologies. WhittmanHart draws on more than 20 years of quality work, strong client relationships and value-driven solutions to deliver best-in-class solutions to all of its clients. For more information visit: www.whittmanhart.com
About W3 Awards: About W3 Awards: The W³ Awards honors creative excellence on the Web, and recognizes the creative and marketing professionals behind award winning Websites, Web video and online marketing programs. Simply put, the W³ is the first major Web competition to be accessible to the biggest agencies, the smallest firms, and everyone in between. Small firms are as likely to win as Fortune 500 companies and international agencies. The W³ Awards is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a "Who's Who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms.
- For further information please contact:
Jonathan Bing
Freud Communications Inc.
T: (323) 866 - 6060
Email: jonathan.bing@freud.com
The Davey Awards, sanctioned by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, honored WhittmanHart with three Gold Awards and three Silver Awards while the MarCom Awards, the annual competition from The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), recognized WhittmanHart’s work with a Gold and Platinum Award.
With over 4,000 entries from across the US and around the world, the Davey Awards honors the finest creative work from the best small firms, agencies and companies worldwide.
- Davey Awards 2007: Gold
Casino Royale - www.sonypictures.com/
Harley Davidson - www.harley-davidson.com
Bud Light - www.budlight.com
- Davey Awards 2007: Silver
Budweiser - www.budweiser.com
Casio Exilim - www.exilim.casio.com
Tide - www.tide.com
The MarCom Awards is an international, creative competition that recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals. There were over 5,000 entries from throughout the United States and several foreign countries in the 2007 competition.
- MarCom Award 2007: Gold
Budweiser - www.budweiser.com
- MarCom Award 2007: Platinum
Charlie Bartlett - www.charliebartlett-themovie.com
About WhittmanHart Interactive: Headquartered in Chicago, WhittmanHart is a premier advertising and consulting agency providing integrated solutions in digital communications and marketing, process improvement and enabling technologies. WhittmanHart draws on more than 20 years of quality work, strong client relationships and value-driven solutions to deliver best-in-class solutions to all of its clients. For more information visit: www.whittmanhart.com
About Davey Awards: The Davey Awards exclusively honor the "Davids" of creativity, the finest small firms, agencies and companies in the world. David defeated the giant Goliath with a big idea and a little rock - the sort of thing small firms do each year. The annual International Davey Awards honors the achievements of the "Creative Davids" who derive their strength from big ideas, rather than big budgets. The Davey Awards is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a "Who's Who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms. Visit www.daveyawards.com for more information.
About MarCom Awards: MarCom Awards is an international competition for marketing and communication professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of marketing and communication programs and print, visual and audio materials. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. The competition has grown to perhaps the largest of its kind in the world. A look at the winners shows a range in size from individual communicators to media conglomerates and Fortune 50 companies.
- For further information please contact:
Jonathan Bing
Freud Communications Inc.
T: (323) 866 – 6060
Email: jonathan.bing@freud.com
David Skinner named CEO of WHITTMANHART Interactive and appointed to Board of Directors
Skinner previously served as President of WhittmanHart Interactive. He has shepherded the company, known for its next-generation Web design and digital marketing services, through a national expansion that has made it one of the largest independently owned interactive advertising agencies in the country.
'David is an outstanding individual and his expertise will be of immense value to our company as we look to provide the very best service for our clients,' said Paul Wimer, Chairman of WhittmanHart 'This appointment highlights our commitment to the continued growth of our interactive agency business and to its top-flight creative work.'
WhittmanHart Interactive draws on more than 20 years of quality work and relationships with some of the world’s best known corporations, including Anheuser-Bush, Scion, AT&T, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Harley-Davidson. Headquartered in Chicago, the company also has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Washington D.C., and Milwaukee.
Appointment comes as WhittmanHart is restructured as two separate business units: the interactive advertising agency, led by Skinner, and a consulting division, headed by Mark Sullivan. In a separate move, Sullivan has been named CEO of WhittmanHart Consulting and appointed to the WhittmanHart Board of Directors. Wimer will continue in his role as Chairman of the Board.
Skinner has been with WhittmanHart for over six years, having previously worked at Young & Rubicam (Y&R) where he served as a senior vice president of account management, supervising such accounts as H&R Block, Jim Beam and Monsanto. Prior to Y&R, Mr. Skinner spent 10 years working for the Leo Burnett Company in account management roles.
´About WhittmanHart: Headquartered in Chicago, WhittmanHart is a premier advertising and consulting agency providing integrated solutions in digital communications and marketing, process improvement and enabling technologies. WhittmanHart draws on more than 20 years of quality work, strong client relationships and value-driven solutions to deliver best-in-class solutions to all of its clients. For more information visit: www.whittmanhart.com
- For further information please contact:
- Ed Grattan
Freud Communications Inc.
T: (212) 616 5550
Email: ed.grattan@freud.com
More than 2,400 sites from 40 countries were adjudicated in 96 industry categories during this year's competition. Entries were judged on design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology. WHITTMANHART Interactive won the awards for their exceptional work on websites for Budweiser, Casio, Harley-Davidson and the Scion division of Toyota Motor Sales.
- Advertising Standard of Excellence
Budweiser - www.budweiser.com
- Outstanding Website Award
Casio Exilim - exilim.casio.com
Scion Broadband - www.scion.com/broadband
Bud Light - www.budlight.com
Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 96 Mini-Site - www.harley-davidson.com/96
The competition was judged by a team of independent Internet professionals representing a variety of relevant disciplines of Web site development. Judges included members of the media, advertising executives, site designers, creative directors, corporate marketing executives, content providers and webmasters.
'We are lucky enough to be working with some excellent brands and we constantly aim to produce strong effective sites for them," said David Skinner, President of WHITTMANHART Interactive. "The credit for these Web Marketing Association Awards really goes to our accounts teams that continue to produce such great results for our clients.'
About the Web Marketing Association The Web Marketing Association is working to create a high standard of excellence for Web site development and marketing on the Internet. Staffed by volunteers, it is made up of Internet marketing, advertising, PR and design professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of Website development and marketing on the Internet. Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association's annual WebAward Competition has been helping interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. Now in its eleventh year, the WebAward Competition has become the premier award event for Web developers and marketers worldwide.
- For further information please contact:
Jonathan Bing
Freud Communications Inc.
T: (323) 866 - 6060
Email: jonathan.bing@freud.com
WHITTMANHART Interactive, a leading provider of digital communications and online marketing, has created the unique online platform for Harley-Davidson’s Sturgis coverage.
'Harley-Davidson gave us the opportunity to produce a site that captures the full emotion and excitement of the Sturgis experience,' said Rebecca Coleman, general manager of WHITTMANHART’s Los Angeles office. 'There’s something here for everyone. It’s a chance for the Harley-Davidson community, even those who haven’t made the trek to Sturgis, to be part of the action.'
The event coverage includes daily updates of blogs, photos and videos including:
The Journey There - Experience the journey to the Mecca of motorcycling through the eyes of rider Peter Reitzfeld, a New York-based photographer who’s been riding motorcycles since he was nine years old. His journey to Sturgis comes to life via his blog on H-D.com and through photos while he’s on the ground at the Rally.
Inside Sturgis - Harley-Davidson’s own Jessica Craker, a rider and writer, will report from Sturgis on all the action. She’ll cover activities at the Rushmore Plaza in Rapid City, employees’ perspective on the Rally and more!
Endless Roads - A daily blog with Steve Natt. Steve combines more than 25 years of experience as a car and motorcycle mechanic, 17 years as a motor journalist, 15 years as a TV writer-producer, and experience as host of the series, Life in the Fast Lane with Steve Natt. Get his take on the Rally
Kickin’ It - Punk rock band The Bouncing Souls released their sixth album in 2006 prior to hitting the road with the Warped Tour touring music festival. Band members Bryan Kienlen and Pete Steinkopf will showcase the "must see" venues and experience the "you haven’t done Sturgis, unless" events.
Rumblings - Includes community features such as an interactive map, as well as enthusiast-submitted photos and comments detailing their experiences at the Rally.
Photo Gallery - Professional photographers, including award-winning photographer Peter Turnley, covers the Rally. Peter’s work has been featured in prominent publications such as Newsweek. He has covered the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary and past Daytona and Sturgis rallies. Photos are uploaded daily to provide an online glimpse of Sturgis.
Downloads - Reminders of the 2007 edition of the Sturgis Rally will be available for download. Screensavers and wallpapers will keep the memory alive on enthusiasts’ computers throughout the year.
WHITTMANHART Interactive: Headquartered in Chicago, WHITTMANHART Interactive is a full-service interactive agency providing the most engaging, user-centric and value-driven interactive marketing solutions. WHITTMANHART draws on more than 20 years of quality work and relationships with some of the world’s best known corporations, including Anheuser-Bush, Scion, Johnson & Johnson and Sony Pictures Entertainment. For more information visit: www.whittmanhart.com
- Contact:
Jonathan Bing (323) 866-6060
Freud Communications Inc. on behalf of WHITTMANHART Interactive
There were over 1,475 entries received of which only 2% received Gold awards. WHITTMANHART Interactive won the awards for their exceptional work on websites for Budweiser and for Toyota’s Scion, which launched a Web-based TV channel called Scion Broadband in November 2006.
The winning sites are viewable at www.budweiser.com and www.scion.com/broadband.
Entries are judged on a point system by award-winning, highly qualified professionals in the communications industry. Both Budweiser and Scion Broadband sites scored between 93-100 points on a scale centered on creativity, design, innovation, and technical merit.
'Given the high number of entries we are very happy that our work for Budweiser and Scion has been recognized," said David Skinner, President of WHITTMANHART Interactive. "As with all our clients, we set out to produce digital platforms that comprehensively fulfilled their needs. We have enjoyed particularly successful collaborations with Budweiser and Scion.'
About WHITTMANHART Interactive: Headquartered in Chicago, WHITTMANHART Interactive is a full-service interactive agency providing the most engaging, user-centric and value-driven interactive marketing solutions. WHITTMANHART draws on more than 20 years of quality work and relationships with some of the world’s best known corporations, including Anheuser-Bush, Scion, Johnson & Johnson, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Harley-Davidson. For more information visit: www.whittmanhart.com/
About The Millennium Awards Competition: The Millennium Awards Competition was created to honor outstanding creativity, skill, craft, and talent in television/film/video/ commercials, print, advertising, web-design, audio and radio. Information about the Millennium Awards and a list of recent winners can be found at www.millenniumaward.com
- For further information please contact:
Jonathan Bing Freud Communications Inc.
T: (323) 866 - 6060
Email: jonathan.bing@freud.com
French is responsible for developing strategic positions across vertical markets, fostering integrated agency partnerships, building client relations and overseeing the Client Services team in the Philadelphia office.
French was previously Director of Marketing and E-Commerce at Smooth Fitness where he drove them to record achievements including growth of more than 150% in less than 2 years. Under French's interactive leadership, Smooth Fitness was recognized by Internet Retailer as one of the largest 500 e-commerce sites in existence two years in a row. Prior to that, French served as an interactive project manager for Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Services, including online work for brands such as Levaquin, Ultracet, Topamax and Reminyl / Razadyne.
In 1997, French founded MM2K, Inc., which he ran as CEO for seven years. With his approach to creative operations and focus on early adoption of emerging interactive marketing opportunities he managed to deliver bottom-line results in the hyper-competitive online services marketplace.
'Kevin is an accomplished Internet strategist and marketer. His vision and expertise in interactive business performance has achieved great success in growing online sales and profits for clients,' said Chip Weinstein, WHITTMANHART Philadelphia General Manager. 'Kevin offers a rare blend of entrepreneurial, creative and operational strengths. We are happy to welcome him to WHITTMANHART.'
About WHITTMANHART Interactive: Headquartered in Chicago, WHITTMANHART Interactive is a full-service interactive agency providing the most engaging, user-centric and value-driven interactive marketing solutions.
WHITTMANHART draws on more than 20 years of quality work and relationships with some of the world’s best known corporations, including Anheuser-Bush, Scion, Johnson & Johnson, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Harley-Davidson. Its persona work has received the highest ratings from Forrester Research of any interactive agency. For more information visit: www.whittmanhart.com
- For further information please contact:
Jonathan Bing
Freud Communications Inc.
T: (323) 866 - 6060
Email: jonathan.bing@freud.com