Social TV Company, Philo, Teams with IGN to Host "Interactive Virtual Viewing Parties"

Social TV start-up, Philo (note: for more on the company, see the articles published on itvt.com, June 2nd and August 2nd), said Wednesday that it has formed a partnership with IGN Entertainment to host a series of interactive virtual viewing parties. According to the company, the partnership will "go beyond...digital award offerings" (i.e. the Foursquare-style badges typically offered by check-in-based social TV services), giving fans the chance to win "physical prizes."

According to Philo, the first phase of the partnership will kick-off with a viewing party for "The Mutants Are Revolting," the 100th episode and season-six finale of the sci-fi cartoon, "Futurama," which will air on Comedy Central at 7:00PM Pacific/10:00PM Eastern tonight (Thursday). The company says that viewers who check in to the episode via its Web and iPhone apps will be able to interact with other viewers, as well as with a "group of the biggest 'Futurama' fans among IGN's staff and editors."

Viewers who participate in the virtual viewing party will be automatically entered to win a range of prizes, including the grand prize, an Xbox 360; Bender Bobbleheads for five second-prize winners; and "exclusive Philo swag" for 10 third-prize winners," Philo says. In addition, participants will be able to win a range of virtual prizes, including a "Tricky Dick" award that references "Futurama" guest star and infomercial king, Ron Popeil. "We're excited to partner with Philo to offer the IGN community a way to interact in real-time with their favorite television shows," Chris Carle, entertainment editorial director of IGN Entertainment, said in a prepared statement. Added Eric Moro, editor-in-chief of IGN Movies, DVD and Blu-ray: "This promotion is the first of many ways that Philo and IGN plan to reward online behavior with offline promotions."