New web tracks for Thomas
HIT is expanding the online presence of the Thomas and Friends brand for its 65th anniversary.
To complement the new CG-animated
television series launching in 2010 and to provide the most
comprehensive and compelling Thomas online experience for current and
prospective Thomas fans, the brand’s website, www.ThomasandFriends.com, has undergone a complete redesign.
For the first time, the site includes a section that can be personalised for each visitor, as well as new activities and videos in the CG art style, and an enhanced parents section. The site was recognised as a 2010 Webby Awards Official Honoree in the Best Home Welcome Page category awarded by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.
Greeted by Thomas on the homepage, users will enjoy a new, interactive navigation which directs users to enhanced areas featuring the engines, activities, games and more. A key feature of the redesign is 'My Station', which kids can customise with their favorite characters and videos. My Station also provides access to exclusive content and activities. A new parents section offers latest news, as well as suggestions for family activities, birthday parties and special articles, while an all-new 'Engine Depot' area highlights the breadth of Thomas’ world.
A new ‘mobile’ landing page provides links to the Thomas & Friends Game Pack mobile application (available from the Apple iTunes App Store) which was launched earlier this year. The Thomas & Friends Game Pack received the 'Parents’ Choice Recommended Award' by the Parents’ Choice Foundation and HIT plans to launch a second mobile app for iPhone and iPod Touch later this summer.
“HIT continually looks for new ways to deliver the Thomas experience to kids and families,” said Natasha Fishman, SVP, global brand management and digital media, HIT Entertainment. “For the Thomas site redesign, we paid particular attention to the home page, Engine Depot and My Station which are designed to provide a more in-depth and personalised online Thomas experience. We have also found that the appeal of Thomas extends naturally to mobile apps with the Thomas Game Pack for iPhone as kids and families consume brands across platforms. We are excited to continue on our path of expanding Thomas further within the digital space.”
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