Showtime Targets Comic Book and SF Fans For Jeremiah Series

Posted on February 27, 2002

To appeal to comic book and sf enthusiasts, Showtime Networks Inc. is launching a cross-media, promotional effort to introduce its newest sf series Jeremiah, debuting on Showtime in March on "Sci-Fridays." The promotional campaign will include a sweepstakes, which includes an all expense paid trip to the show's set where one entrant will have the chance to rehearse with a professional stunt coordinator and be filmed in a choreographed fight scene.

Based on Platinum Studios' comic book series by Belgian author Hermann Huppen, the series stars Luke Perry as Jeremiah (Beverly Hills 90210) and Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Malcolm & Eddie) as his pal Kurdy. The show is set in a future post-apocalyptic world where a decade before, a deadly virus wiped out the world's adult population sparing only those who hadn't reached puberty. Created for television by sf icon J. Michael Straczynski (Creator & Executive Producer of Babylon 5 and writer of The Amazing Spider-Man), Jeremiah is being distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution and produced in association with Platinum Studios.

J. Michael Straczynski is showrunner and an executive producer for Jeremiah, alongside Sam Egan. Russell Mulcahy will direct the two-hour premiere. The executive producers also include Luke Perry, Joe Dante, Michael Finnell, Scott Mitchell Rosenberg and Ervin Rustemagic.

The advertising and marketing campaign consists of major print media buys in sf, comic book and broad based publications, convention sponsorships, and advertising on national cable and entertainment syndication. The campaign will also include network, spot radio and outdoor advertising in major markets including Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver and Chicago. The campaign will also feature promotional graphics on pizza boxes throughout New York.

The cornerstone of the targeted print advertising campaign includes a center spread and 4 page insert in Wizard Magazine and its sister publication IGM. Showtime is partnering with Wizard and Platinum Studios to obtain retail presence in more then 4,000 comic book stores and hobby shops across the country. Showtime will also be a major sponsor at the magazines' comic book conventions -- WizardWorld Chicago 2002 and WizardWorld East 2002 in Philadelphia. National print advertising will also appear in other specially targeted magazines and comic books including Marvel Comics, DC Comics, MAD Magazine, and Cinescape.