New NBC Webisode Takes “CTRL”

NBC will launch a new webisode series called CTRL, based on the Sundance film festival, award-winning, CTRL Z, which was screened at the 2008 fest. Here is the press release to give you the details:

Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) Stars in Series Based on Award-Winning Short Film Screened at the Sundance Film Festival

ATLANTA, Ga. and UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – June 2, 2009 – NESTEA and the NBC Universal Digital Studio today announced the production of an original webisode series, “CTRL” (pronounced “control”). The series is based on the Sundance award-winning short film, “CTRL Z,” which screened at the film festival in 2008.

“CTRL” stars Tony Hale as Stuart, a mistreated office worker who suddenly discovers that, with the aid of NESTEA and its “Liquid Awesomeness,” he has the ability to manipulate the reality of his office by using his computer. His newfound abilities include the power to rewind time, move objects, become invisible and read people’s minds. The series will be written and directed by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Rob Kirbyson and produced by SXM.

“This is exciting, entertaining content that NESTEA is delighted to bring to the Web,” said Andrea Freeman, Director of Coffee and Tea for Coca-Cola North America. “‘CTRL’ is a creative, humorous device that gets across what makes NESTEA ‘Liquid Awesomeness™’ so special.”

“The premiere of ‘CTRL’ will expand NBC Universal’s history of comedy excellence into the original digital entertainment arena. By bringing together the brand insights of NESTEA, the creativity of Rob Kirbyson and the unparalleled reach of our distribution platforms, NBC Universal is once again breaking new ground with advertisers and entertainment content,” said Cameron Death, Vice President, NBC Universal Digital Studio.

The ten-webisode series will be distributed this summer across a number of platforms including cable, satellite and telco Video On Demand (VOD), broadband sites NBC.com, USANetwork.com and Hulu.com and several mobile and gaming consoles. Additionally, users will find a dedicated website which will showcase the “CTRL” installments, branded games, photo galleries, character bios and a blog kept by the lead character.

About NESTEA®:
NESTEA® is a Nestlé brand, licensed by The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola North America markets NESTEA ready-to-drink iced tea in the U.S. Coca-Cola North America is a division of The Coca-Cola Company, the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our Web site at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About the NBC Universal Digital Studio:
In addition to original episodic programming across all genres, the NBC Universal Digital Studio creates deep interactive experiences that drive high levels of engagement with audiences and presenting brands. The Studio offers advertisers full service solutions with access to top writers, producers and talent, high quality production expertise, consumer insights, measurements and analytics and scale to reach their target audiences.