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What: FG produced a nostalgic mini-site to support Sesame Workshop’s release of The Electric Company DVD box set. Engaging, entertaining and imbued with the visual aesthetics of the groundbreaking show’s original run, the site serves up a flashback for adults who watched the show as children.
Where: www.sesameworkshop.org/tec
When:
The site launched February 8, 2006, after just a three-week production cycle.
Project Challenge: The Sesame Workshop (formerly the Children’s Television Workshop) wanted a media-rich site which would both stir remembrance in original fans of The Electric Company (TEC) and also attract a new generation of devotees. Capturing the feel of the 1970s, bottling and preserving the time period and being able to uncork something fresh and new, was essential to the success of the design. Funny Garbage had just three weeks in which to accomplish this task, but succeeded in creating a space worthy of the revolutionary educational program.
How did we do it?
FG drew upon the abundant and inimitable sights, sounds and sets of TEC, merging audio, video and animation into an interactive and entertaining web experience. Live-action and illustrated characters dominate the Flash landscape, prompting viewers to recall long-lost viewing experiences and to share those stories with their children.
FG hatched an interface through which the user can easily access audio and video clips, research the genesis of the show and bios of its cast members, download desktop wallpapers, t-shirt iron-ons and instant message buddy icons, and connect with other fans through a blog, creating a community of shared recollections and happy memories.
Why was it successful?
For Funny Garbage, a better match of subject and style there could not be.
Much of the FG staff grew up with The Electric Company – which aired 780 episodes from 1971-77 – as part of their daily lives. The skits, music, visuals and creative ingenuity deeply influenced the style, and substance, of those lucky enough to be a part of this project, and a genuine passion, interest and appreciation for this show’s achievements guided the design and production. |
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