It’s An All-New “Hare” Raising Easter Adventure with VeggieTales Easter Themed DVD

Press release from Big Idea Entertainment

FRANKLIN, TN (January 13, 2010) Big Idea Entertainment, the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands, announced today they will release their first new Easter holiday DVD in seven years, VeggieTales®: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter, on March 5 and March 8, 2011 in Christian and general market stores respectively.

This brand new DVD features plenty of fun music as well as a new character—Cassie Cassava—voiced by American Idol top finalist Melinda Doolittle. Other memorable family-friendly content includes silly songs, interviews and a backstage pass feature with Larry the Cucumber on the “VeggieTales Live!” tour. ‘Twas The Night Before Easter examines how important it is to help other people while exploring the real meaning of Easter. The title’s launch is supported by a comprehensive marketing and advertising campaign with licensing and promotional partners such as, Gund, Toys “R” Us, Walmart, Target, American Greetings Interactive, Frankford Candy & Chocolate, American Puzzle Company and more, as well as live events.

“We hatched ‘Twas The Night Before Easter as a holiday surprise for families,” said Leslie Ferrell, General Manager of Big Idea Entertainment. “This title follows the huge sales success our first Easter-themed release, An Easter Carol, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to deliver a new DVD timed to the holiday this year. It was truly a rewarding experience working with Melinda Doolittle, and we think fans are going to love her character, Cassie Cassava, just as much as her wonderful singing!”

DVD Synopsis

It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade is hunting for a way to help others. She cooks up a plan to save the old theater with a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit to perform “Up With Bunnies.” Now there’s only one thing missing – the star of the show! When word spreads that singing sensation Cassie Cassava (Melinda Doolittle) is arriving to perform in her hometown church’s Easter service, Marlee schemes to steal the starlet for her own pageant! But when things go haywire, will it be curtains for Marlee’s dreams – or will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about?

 “Eggs-tra” Bonus Features:

• Audio Commentary
• “The Hopperena” Silly Songs Sing-Along
• Behind the voice of “Cassie” with Melinda Doolittle
• Larry’s backstage pass to “VeggieTales Live!”
• “Easter Cards” Interactive Matching Game
• Advertising, Radio, TV and Online Support

The VeggieTales: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter marketing and advertising campaign will focus on national print, television, radio, online, social media and grassroots team promotions. Big Idea Entertainment has developed a viral eGreeting Easter card campaign with American Greetings Interactive, as well as an “Easter Countdown” vignette program for radio outlets. Additionally, Big Idea will provide television stations in key markets with an animated interview segment of Larry the Cucumber for broadcast use, plus product giveaways to be serviced to over 100 local market stations as part of the of ‘Twas the Night Before Easter campaign.  A targeted media tour with artist Melinda Doolittle will also take place timed to the DVD release date.

World Vision Partnership

Furthermore, Big Idea Entertainment has teamed up with Christian charity World Vision as part of the campaign. The partnership will focus on building a greater awareness of how families can help care for those in need with opportunities to sign up for child sponsorships through World Vision at www.worldvision.org, as well as in person at numerous Christian retail stores across the country.  Child sponsorship packets for World Vision will be available at participating stores wherever there are VeggieTales Easter displays and World Vision displays.  The Easter DVD will also include a World Vision promotional video with a special message from Bob and Larry as an added feature.

Promotional Partners