To Promote F.E.A.R., Vivendi Universal Games Selects BeSeen Communications and Rooster Teeth Productions for Online Viral Campaign - Widespread P.A.N.I.C.S. Ensues.
Integrated Marketing Company and Renowned Machinima Production Team Create Award-Winning Viral Video Series for Critically Acclaimed PC Shooter.
Haddonfield, NJ (November 16, 2005) - BeSeen, an integrated marketing communications agency, and Rooster Teeth Productions, the leader in machinima video creation, are pleased to announce the completion of P.A.N.I.C.S. - People Acting Normal in Crazy-ass Situations, a viral machinima video series promoting Vivendi Universal Games' (VU Games) critically acclaimed first-person-shooter (FPS) title, F.E.A.R. - First Encounter Assault Recon. In addition to strong positive consumer response, the series was recognized with the "IFCTM Award for Excellence in Machinima Screenwriting" sponsored by the Independent Film Channel. P.A.N.I.C.S. was also nominated for two other awards at the 2005 Academy of Machinima Arts & Sciences Film Festival, including Best Series and Best Commercial Machinima.
The four episode P.A.N.I.C.S. series was produced utilizing the machinima technique of shooting the action in the virtual reality generated by the robust F.E.A.R. game engine. The story offers a humorous look at the escapades of Bravo Team as they face off against an unseen, supernatural opponent. Needless to say, chaos ensues.
"With F.E.A.R. we knew we had a very special title combining a cutting edge FPS engine with a spine-tingling storyline," commented Lori Inman, Senior Brand Manager at VU Games. "We liked the idea of creating a humorous viral machinima series that would entertain fans and showcase the spectacular visuals and character animations offered in the game."
Released weekly in the months leading up to the retail launch of F.E.A.R., the P.A.N.I.C.S. series generated over 2 million downloads from over 175 countries worldwide. Fan reaction to the series was almost universally positive, with enthusiasts eagerly awaiting each new episode's release. In addition, P.A.N.I.C.S. was featured on MTV.com and picked up by viral-video download sites across the Internet.
In addition to the four installments released to the public, a fifth "prequel" episode was included as a bonus feature on the F.E.A.R. - Director's Edition DVD-ROM.
"It was very exciting to have an opportunity to work with a premiere title coming from one of the game industry's top publishers," remarked Carl Gersh, Managing Partner at BeSeen Communications. "Both the BeSeen and Rooster Teeth teams were very pleased with the support from VU Games and the incredible fan reaction to the P.A.N.I.C.S. series."
ABOUT VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES (VU GAMES)
Vivendi Universal Games (http://www.vugames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is a leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category, and also holds leading positions in the PC, console and handheld games markets. Its development studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment®, Sierra Entertainment®, Radical EntertainmentTM, Massive EntertainmentTM and Swordfish Studios. VU Games' library of over 700 titles features owned intellectual properties including Warcraft®, StarCraft®, Diablo® and World of Warcraft® from Blizzard Entertainment; Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, Leisure Suit LarryTM, Ground Control® and Tribes®. VU Games also maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox and Ludlum Entertainment.
ABOUT ROOSTER TEETH PRODUCTIONS
Rooster Teeth Productions is an award-winning group of writers, producers and artists best known for the wildly popular Internet comedy series, Red vs. Blue. The group's work has been profiled by leading news organizations such as the BBC, the Los Angeles Times, and New York Magazine, as well as dozens of other magazines, newspapers, and major web sites. Recently, Rooster Teeth was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal for its groundbreaking work in machinima, a new form of video game-based animation that the group is helping to popularize. To learn more about Rooster Teeth, please visit www.roosterteeth.com
ABOUT BESEEN COMMUNICATIONS
BeSeen Communications is an integrated marketing company offering unique, comprehensive solutions designed to generate attention and win mindshare. From compelling advertising campaigns to infectious viral marketing programs, BeSeen offers a power-up to companies seeking to promote their products and services to today's media saturated consumers.
Located just outside of Philadelphia, PA, the BeSeen team has proven expertise in creative design, web development, public relations, and marketing strategy. To learn more about of the services offered or view samples of the work done by BeSeen Communications, please visit the agency online at www.beseennow.com.
PR Contact: Carl Gersh
BeSeen Communications
Phone 856.857.0120
E-mail carl@beseennow.com