Multichannel News Reports on EarthQuake Campaign for HBO’s Six Feet Under
FOR A FUNEREAL TIME, CALL THIS NUMBER (Multichannel News: June 7, 2004)
Six Feet Under fans should give 619-308-5052 a dial.
There, they’ll reach the Fisher & Diaz Funeral Home with three main options, inviting callers to schedule a viewing, pitching a trio of “popular undertaking products” and a prayerful condolence.
They’re all part of the interactive component of HBO’s promotional push for its hit familial, funeral series, which takes the lid off its fourth season on June 13 at 9 p.m.
For those not lucky enough to get this tip about the beyond via The Wire, HBO’s interactive agency Earthquake Media is running a series of Web ads, touting the faux funeral parlor and its call-in line, on such vehicles as NYTimes.com, Salon.com, Hollywood.com and IFILM.com.
The bottom of the ad contains tune-in info for Six’s season premiere. More traditional tune-in spots are running on TVGuide.com.
Damon Bethel, Earthquake’s associate media director, said about 20% of the campaign’s impressions will tout Fisher & Diaz: “The show has a very loyal following. We think it’s a fun way to let people know the show is back.” Glow Interactive is the design partner.
Bethel said there’s also a wireless component: cell phone users can forward the number to their friends, who will then be automatically connected.
For those who do make the call, The Wire recommends the undertaking offerings, particularly the second option, which includes such come-ons as: For “a body firm, yet flexible & for a velvety appearance & top morticians rely on Living Splendor Embalming Fluid.”