Fluorescent Media, the UK-based participation-TV company that inherited the assets of Optimistic Media and The Optimistic Network (see [itvt] Issue 7.36 Part 1), says that it is partnering with New York-based production company, Embassy Row, to produce and pitch its new, interactive gameshow series, "The Empire," and that Sony Pictures Television will distribute the new format, under its partnership deal with Embassy Row. Fluorescent describes "The Empire" as a "cross-platform format where thousands of players are "projected" into a gameshow studio (via video or an Internet profile) to compete simultaneously in a live TV contest," and as "transcend[ing] conventional TV gameshow concepts, where audience involvement is often limited to voting and SMS." "We are creating a gigantic social gaming contest across the nation, set within the venue of a live TV studio," Fluorescent’s managing director, Carolyn Maze, said in a prepared statement. "Technologically and creatively, this show is pushing boundaries. It is event-TV, thrilling to play and watch. We are delighted to join forces with Embassy Row. [Embassy Row president and CEO] Michael Davies and his team not only bring prolific TV production and gameshow experience to this pioneering format, but are equally passionate about taking the successful gameshow genre to an even higher level."
According to Fluorescent, the new format uses its proprietary Phoenix participation technology system (which has also been used on the high-profile participation TV formats, "QuizNation" and "PlayMania") to bridge broadcast TV, the Internet, and mobile and landline telephony. The company says that the show will serve as "the dramatic anchor of a cross-platform game concept interconnected with a digital world, and establishes an active fan base throughout the channels." "’The Empire’ is like revealed truth," Michael Davies, who will executive-produce the show with Fluorescent Media (note: Davies produces the US version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"), said in a prepared statement. "I’ve been waiting for someone to crack the multiplatform game show for a decade and this is far beyond what I could have imagined. It is young, visual, dynamic and frankly, revolutionary. We can not wait to present to US networks, and channels all over the world, and blow their minds with this breakthrough format."
Originally published January 14, 2008 in Issue 7.58A
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