LOS ANGELES – July 10, 2008 – MySpace, the world’s most popular social network, today announced the launch of a new exclusive branded channel with Sid and Marty Krofft. Sid and Marty Krofft Pictures, creators of beloved children’s television shows throughout the 1970’s and ‘80’s (including “H.R. Pufnstuf,” “Land of the Lost,” “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,” and “The Bugaloos,”) have made MySpaceTV their official social network and will populate the channel with full-length licensed content, “Krofft Kwikies” (short-form episodes of the original series) along with and highlight clips of favorite Krofft characters and moments. The videos will be viewable by going to the official profile http://www.myspace.com/krofft where Sid and Marty will also regularly communicate with fans through personal videos and introductions. The Krofft channel comes at a time when their properties are having a resurgence including an upcoming film from Universal Pictures based on the Krofft’s famed “Land of the Lost” set for release on July 17, 2009.
“The minds of the Krofft brothers have dazzled people for generations. The resulting works are entertainment institutions,” said Josh Brooks, VP of Marketing for MySpace. “By bringing this content (in short and longform pieces) to MySpaceTV, we are opening their work and legacy to millions of people who may not otherwise been exposed to the mad genius of these iconic creators. It’s another example of how household names are making MySpace their home on the web and taking control and using the community on MySpace for new content options.”
Added Sid and Marty Krofft, “What pleases us most about our relationship with MySpace is that our creations will now have the opportunity to be introduced to a new generation of fans, while still allowing our long-time supporters a one-stop-shop for content from The World of Sid and Marty Krofft.”
This alliance represents a major step in the use of libraries with significant “perennial” characters and stories – the hallmark of Sid and Marty Krofft. The unique content is perfect for the range of new technologies and platforms that were not even contemplated when the characters were originated. MySpace represents the cutting edge of consumer content today; the Sid and Marty Krofft library is particularly well suited to the vignette format which plays so well in this digital space.
The World of Sid and Marty Krofft channel on MySpaceTV will serve as the ultimate destination for those who already know and love the popular shows, as well an introduction to those who are new to the worlds of “H.R. Pufnstuf”, “The Bugaloos,” “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,” “Lidsville,” and others. The dedicated channel will initially include 3-5 minute condensed episodes from seven of the Krofft series’, highlights from the various series characters and moments, up-to-date news briefs on what’s happening in the world of Sid and Marty Krofft, and of course, the iconic theme music that identifies each series. Both the theme music and short form videos can be embedded into fans’ MySpace profiles. In time, the profile will also feature exclusive interviews with the directors, never-before-seen and behind-the-scenes footage, and hilarious outtakes.
Localized in 29 international territories, MySpaceTV allows users to share and create videos in their own language, discover the most popular and relevant videos in their markets, and connect with other local users. Localized versions of MySpaceTV are available in seven different languages across the France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Latin America, Denmark, Norway, Finland and the United Kingdom.
Sid and Marty Krofft join a roster of partners and original content on MySpaceTV including Special Delivery, Roommates, BBC Worldwide, The Onion News Network, LonelyGirl15, Banzai, Prom Queen, National Geographic, quarterlife, The New York Times, TMZ.com, Atomic Wedgie, HowCast, Expert Village, Sports Illustrated, FOX’s IGN Entertainment, TMZ.com, LX.TV, Octane TV, SiTV, Studio411 and VBS.tv (from the makers of Vice Magazine).
