Comedy Central and Amp'd Mobile announced today (Dec. 4, 2006) that the original animated mobile series, LIL' BUSH: RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, will be the first original mobile program to migrate to television. The new series, which will be co-produced by comedy writer/producer Donick Cary, Comedy Central and Amp'd Mobile, will launch in 2007.
Beginning next year, LIL' BUSH: RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES will be a true multi-platform series, first on Comedy Central and then it will return to Amp'd Mobile on Comedy Central's mobile channel, where fans can also access phone wallpapers and unique character voicetones available for download only on Amp'd.
This landmark announcement and partnership between Comedy Central and Amp'd Mobile redefines the traditional method by which creative artists and distribution channels collectively bring top programming to consumers. This deal exemplifies Comedy Central's to creating multi-platform programming that reaches beyond the boundaries of television.
"LIL' BUSH is one of the most innovative projects we've seen and a welcome addition to Comedy Central's lineup," said Lauren Corrao, evp, original programming and development, COMEDY CENTRAL. "We are thrilled to partner with Amp'd Mobile on this exciting venture -- the first television series to be born out of an original mobile presentation. Comedy Central is one of the leading networks in developing and producing original digital content and we will continue to delve further into this expanding medium to create multi-platform programming."
"Comedy Central's pickup of our first original project truly validates our commitment to quality content and we look forward to expanding our original programming lineup with the all-comedy network, Donick and other top Hollywood producers," said Seth Cummings, svp of content development and programming for Amp'd Mobile. "Since our inception, we've been dedicated to executing our core competencies of being a mobile entertainment development studio and the leading broadband wireless provider for 18-35 customers."
"Whether on a cell phone or TV, some stories just demand to be told," said Donick Cary, creator of LIL' BUSH. "The Bush family has been incredibly generous with their time in helping me to bring these powerfully moving stories to broadcast."
LIL' BUSH: RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES is an Amp'd Mobile exclusive animated series featuring Lil' George and his Lil' White House posse, including Lil' Condi, Lil' Rummy and the unintelligible, foulmouthed-wisecracker, Lil' Cheney. They get into mischief, learn stuff and square off with their many rivals, like Lil' Kim Jong Il and Lil' Saddam Hussein.
Since its debut earlier this fall, LIL' BUSH has rapidly gained momentum in the mobile and online space. Episodes from the series became the most viewed video content on Amp'd Mobile almost overnight and all episodes have remained atop the Amp'd video ratings since the series debut on Sept. 1. The series pilot was also rated the number one video viewed on Break.com throughout September.
Amp'd Mobile (www.ampd.com) is the first integrated mobile entertainment company for youth, young professionals and early adopters, and the only 3G carrier in the U.S. specifically targeting that demographic. By leveraging the power of broadband wireless (EVDO), Amp'd Mobile offers traditional services, such as voice and text, within a completely fresh user interface designed specifically for the "mobile graduate" and third-generation (3G) technology. With strategic alliances with top entertainment properties, such as MTVN and Universal Music Group, Amp'd Mobile brings a more relevant, personal experience to the wireless lifestyle with unique music, video, community, entertainment, sports and gaming offerings divided into various channels for quick and easy access.
Comedy Central (www.comedycentral.com), the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 90 million homes nationwide. Comedy Central is owned by Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of MTV Networks.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
