Showtime plans a heavy comic-book promotion push for its newest
science-fiction series, Jeremiah, due in March.
Ads will appear in titles published by DC Comics, Marvel Enterprises Inc.and Mad magazine, as well as comic-industry publications like
Wizard magazine.
In addition, Showtime is partnering with Wizard and Platinum Studios
for retail presence in 4,000 comic and hobby stores.
The premium network is giving retailers Jeremiah promotional packs
that include posters, shelf talkers, bag stuffers and T-shirts to be worn by
store personnel emblazoned with the line, 'Ask me about an ass kicking.'
That line refers to Showtime's tie-in 'Win an Ass Kicking Sweepstakes,' with
an entry deadline of March 31.
The grand prize is a trip to the show's set, where the winner will get a
chance to rehearse with a professional stunt coordinator and be filmed in a
choreographed fight scene.
A total of 50 others will get Nintendo of America Inc. 'GameCube' video-game
systems, valued at $200.
Consumers can enter the sweeps via comic-book ads or via www.SHO.com.
In another way to reach comic-book fans, Showtime will sponsor such upcoming
comic-book conventions as WizardWorld Chicago and WizardWorld East in
Philadelphia.
Moreover, Showtime will run spots for Jeremiah on basic-cable networks
such as Comedy Central, Sci Fi Channel and MTV Networks' channels.
Creative for the campaign was developed by Showtime's ad agency, Red Group.
The comic-book promotion was developed in association with Platinum, which is
producing Jeremiah.
The series, based on the novels by Hermann Huppen, stars Luke Perry and
Malcolm-Jamal Warner in a post-apocalyptic United States inhabited by children
whose parents were caught in 'the big death.'
