Channel 4 New Media and Conker Media have launched a series of broadband and mobile extensions to the popular teen-oriented soap opera, "Hollyoaks" (created by Phil Redmond, who also created the seminal soap operas "Grange Hill" and "Brookside"):
- The companies have rebranded the official "Hollyoaks" Web site as part of Channel 4's Web site (www.channel4.com/hollyoaks). The site, which previously featured episode listings, news and cast interviews, has begun offering a number of new services, including "Hollyoaks Xtra," a video fanzine, that is designed to provide viewers with more information on the series' actors, and that provides cast interviews and behind-the-scenes exclusives.
- The companies are launching "Hollyoaks Bitesize," a daily catch-up service that will provide viewers with a round-up of individual episodes: two 60-second packages will be available for each episode, allowing viewers to catch up on the main storylines from the show. The clips will cost 50p each, and will be viewable on all 2.5G and 3G mobile phones, and on the "Hollyoaks" Web site.
- They are also launching "Hollyoaks Weekender," a mobile-only service that allows viewers to watch new "Hollyoaks" mini-episodes on Saturdays and Sundays. The 60-second episodes will follow the "Hollyoaks" cast in storylines that take place alongside the storylines of the main program. The service will be available via the Channel 4 Mobile portal, which can be accessed from compatible mobile phones by texting the word "MOBILE" to 83188. Each clip will cost 50p and can be saved onto phones for future viewing.
"By introducing these new services we are creating a much richer and more engaging experience for fans of the show who can now interact with the program and its characters whenever and wherever they are," Channel 4 New Media's mobile editor, Sheena Peirse, said in a prepared statement.
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