Mirage To Hire 3rd Grade Class To Produce Promotional Content

Normally I don't post about things that I really have no interest in...but what the hell:

A Press Release From Mirage:

SHELL-EBRATION PLANS BUILD AS MIRAGE STUDIOS and 4KIDS ENTERTAINMENT ADD PARTNERS FOR TMNT 25TH ANNIVERSARY

CRT/tanaka Interactive and Kicking Cow Productions Inc. Join Team to Execute TMNT25 Website and Cross-Country Mobile Tour.

NEW YORK – October 29, 2008 - With approximately two months remaining until the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles kick off their 25th year in 2009, brand owner, Mirage Studios, Inc., and licensing agent 4Kids Entertainment have added two new partners to its TMNT Shell-ebration family. CRT/tanaka Interactive and Kicking Cow Promotions Inc. have come on board to enhance the multi-dimensional plans for 2009, building and executing the TMNT mobile tour and the fan-based www.tmnt25.com web site respectively.

To pay tribute both to the original fans, who are now young adults, and the 25-year history of TMNT, the CRT/tanaka Interactive team will work hand-in-hand with Mirage, 4Kids Entertainment and Peppercom Strategic Communications to build out the existing TMNT25 teaser site and develop a full blown micro-site. The site will include a number of interactive functions from a photo gallery to downloadable wallpapers and a personality test that determines which Turtle character users most identify with. The site will also spotlight 25th anniversary-oriented products and related links to help fans track down these awesome items.
“Our decision to bring CRT/tanaka’ on board for the Shell-ebration was motivated by their expertise and clear knowledge of and enthusiasm for the Turtles,” said Gary Richardson, CEO, Mirage Studios. “CRT/tanaka made a powerful impression with their comic-book inspired proposal and Turtles-inspired video (see below). They brought a great vision, a strong team and a love for all things Turtles to the table.”

Additionally, Kicking Cow Promotions Inc., a full-service event and promotional marketing company will work with Peppercom to manage all elements of the Turtles’ Party Wagon nationwide mobile tour. Kicking Cow’s role will include re-creating the real-life Party Wagon, implementing innovative marketing strategies at each tour stop and managing ongoing fan communications.

“Taking the Turtles on the road in 2009 is a key element of our campaign and something our fans have been clamoring for,” added Richardson. “To execute the mobile tour in true Turtles fashion, we knew we needed a partner that would bring energy, creativity, and a spirit that embodied TMNT, and we found that partner in a Cow. From a buzz building, fan engagement perspective, Kicking Cow has a proven track record of successful tour execution. We look forward to their next big ‘road show,” this one starring the Turtles.”

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made their world premiere in May 1984 in a comic book created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman published and distributed by their company, Mirage Studios. A hugely successful TV series quickly followed, along with three successful theatrical films. In 2003, the Turtles were re-introduced to a new generation through a fresh animated television series, a CGI-animated theatrical movie and new merchandising program. The 25th year of TMNT will provide fans with radical, new multi-experiential opportunities to experience and celebrate this iconic brand.

The promotional video is definately worth watching, as it appears to be created by a 3rd grade class...No seriously...Look
http://www.ninjaturtles.com/html/crt.html

Seriously guys...at some point you have to run out of bad business decisions...and then they'll only be good ones left...right?...RIGHT?!?

Also, have you looked at CRT's Client list?

AeroGrow International
All-Clad Metalcrafters
Amadeus North America
American Physical Therapy Association
AMERIGROUP Corporation
Atkins Nutritionals
Better Business Bureau
Bon Secours Health Systems
Capital One
CB Fleet
Charles Schwab & Co.
Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride
Council for Responsible Nutrition
De’Longhi
Discovery Channel Stores
Girl Scouts of the USA
HoMedics
ITT Night Vision
Longwood University
MAGIC International
Owens & Minor, Inc.
Performance Food Group
Philip Morris USA
Schering-Plough
Sprint
SunTrust Mortgage
Target Stores
VHA Inc.
Wachovia Securities
Wines from Rioja

As you can see, plenty of clients that deal with animated properties...oh wait...

But Hey! They DID do some work for Philip Morris! They market to kids right?