WORLD'S COOLEST SNOWMAN
18, Classic Media here will release its all-new animated feature, "The Legend of Frosty the Snowman." This comedy-adventure is based on the original 1969 television classic. The movie is narrated by Hollywood icon Burt Reynolds and features the voice of Tom Kenny, who also voices SpongeBob SquarePants. Frito-Lay will promote the release with a special mail-in rebate offer on 10 million packages of Lay's Potato Chips and thousands of retail displays. Other promotional partners include LifeSavers, which will feature characters from the movie on its packages, and Keebler, which will offer a mail-in rebate, as will Renuzit Holiday Air Fresheners. A television ad campaign, print ads in parenting and family publications, radio promotion and a yet-to-be announced Internet partner will support the release. The DVD will retail for $21.98.
DOG-SITTING MADE EASY
LOS ANGELES -- Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander here came up with a method to keep dogs occupied and to donate money to worthy animal charities. "Doggy Daycare," a DVD program, is designed to entertain consumer's furry friends while their families are out of the house. According to a study by the American Kennel Club, New York, and Iams, Dayton, Ohio, close to 50% of surveyed pet owners believe that their animals have demonstrated some interest in watching TV. The one-hour program has special cinematography and soundtrack effects to cater to a dog's visual perspective and auditory capabilities for a "dog's eye view" with sounds that range from Tibetan cymbals to whale songs. "Doggy Daycare" is slated for winter holiday promotion and will retail for $28.95. All proceeds will go to charities such as the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, the Best Friends Animal Society and the Texas Wildlife Relief Fund.
BREAST CANCER CHAMPIONS
MINNEAPOLIS -- Yoplait here, Self magazine, New York, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Dallas, are launching the second annual Yoplait Champions program, a nationwide search for up to 25 ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things in the fight against breast cancer. Between Sept. 19 and Oct. 31, individuals can visit www.yoplaitusa.com to nominate a friend, family member, neighbor, co-worker or themselves for the opportunity to be selected as one of the champions. On behalf of each champion, Yoplait will donate $1,000 to the charity of their choice, totaling up to $25,000 for 25 champions. Applicants are asked to describe, in 1,000 words or less, how the nominee embodies a champion.
