Lindt Teams Up With Ashley Tisdale And Maker Studios To Launch Digital Series "It Started with HELLO"

STRATHAM, N.H., Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium chocolatier Lindt USA, actress and producer Ashley Tisdale, and online video content provider Maker Studios join together to create an exciting, new romantic comedy series: "It Started with HELLO." This original digital series celebrates the national launch of Lindt HELLO, a sinfully delicious premium chocolate collection inspired by classic American treats. Created by Lindt in partnership with Maker, "It Started with HELLO" is an interactive series that captures couples as they make their first connections and encourages viewers to find out what happens after "hello" by choosing their own ending to each story. Chocolate lovers can get in on the action with a chance to win a variety of fun prizes through the Lindt HELLO Sweet Connections Sweepstakes.

The digital series, featuring a teaser and four short episodes inspired by the cheeky personalities of Lindt HELLO products, will live on Maker Studios' fashion + beauty network, The Platform (youtube.com/theplatform). Tisdale brings her behind-the-camera expertise to "It Started with HELLO," serving as producer for the first episode, reviewing scripts, wardrobe and set design, as well as lending her creativity on set in collaboration with Lindt Chocolate and Maker.

"'It Started with HELLO' is different from anything that I've ever worked on," says Tisdale. "As a producer, I'm excited about creating unique content and sharing it with my fans through different platforms. I can't wait to see the series come to life!"

Say "HELLO" to the Digital Series
Starting today, fans can preview "It Started with HELLO" by visiting youtube.com/theplatform for a first look at the series and to meet the cast. The first episode, produced by Tisdale, will premiere on September 18, 2014. Three additional new episodes will debut weekly through October 9, 2014.

Top digital talent, including Maker partners Chester See, Tessa Violet, Amy Pham and Lindsey Stirling, along with Mike Tompkins and Rusty Clanton, star in the interactive program. "It Started with HELLO" episodes will showcase the first connections among different couples:

• Episode One: "Office Mates" (September 18): Centered around the heart-thumping personality of Lindt HELLO Crunchy Nougat, two people in adjacent offices have been eyeing each other for months. What happens when they finally meet?
• Episode Two: "Play Ball" (September 25): An afternoon (almost) goes awry when a rogue kick ball interrupts a guy reading in the park. Who will save the day in this episode inspired by the sweet and flirty Lindt HELLO Strawberry Cheesecake?   
• Episode Three: "15 Items or Less" (October 2): A long checkout line leads to a chance encounter between two young shoppers, both purchasing Lindt HELLO Cookies and Cream bars. Will they get to say "hello?"
• Episode Four: "Blind Date" (October 9): A cryptic text leads a girl to search for her date at a Halloween party. Will his disguise be a trick or a treat in this episode inspired by the Lindt HELLO Caramel Brownie bar?

Consumers are encouraged to say "hello" to their favorite couples and join the conversation using the dedicated #ItStartedWithHELLO hashtag. Fans can also visit LindtHELLO.com to learn more about Lindt HELLO products and enter the Lindt HELLO Sweet Connections Sweepstakes daily for a chance to win weekly prizes, including spa getaways, shopping excursions, date nights for two and plenty of mouthwatering Lindt HELLO chocolate.

"We're thrilled to celebrate the national launch of the Lindt HELLO collection in a fun, engaging way by sparking new connections among people," says Danielle O'Neil, vice president of marketing, Lindt USA. "With Ashley Tisdale's and Maker Studios' involvement, 'It Started with HELLO' brings this playful collection to life in a unique way and involves fans within the conversation."

Say "HELLO" to the Sweet Collection
The new, contemporary collection from Lindt Chocolate features sinfully delicious premium chocolate bars, sticks and mini-stick bags, inspired by classic American treats, like Caramel Brownie and Strawberry Cheesecake. With lip-smacking taste, vibrant looks and a distinct personality, the Lindt HELLO collection redefines what premium chocolate can look and taste like in a trendy new format. The Lindt HELLO collection includes:

• Bars: The HELLO bars are not your ordinary candy bars. The ten luxuriously filled squares that make up each bar – each covered in irresistibly smooth premium chocolate – are bite-sized packages of delight for your taste buds (SRP: $2.89).
  • Available in Caramel Brownie, Cookies & Cream, Crunchy Nougat, Strawberry Cheesecake
• Sticks: The Lindt HELLO sticks are trendy treats designed for chocolate-lovers on-the-go.  With six tasty squares you can savor one by one or eat all up at once. The sticks are just the right size for satisfying those afternoon cravings (SRP: $0.99).
  • Available in Caramel Brownie, Cookies & Cream, Crunchy Nougat, Strawberry Cheesecake
• Mini Stick bags: Each bag is filled with individually wrapped, bite-sized Mini Sticks of chocolate filled with one of four mouthwatering flavors (SRP: $3.99). 
  • Available in Caramel Brownie, Strawberry Cheesecake and an assorted mix of all four flavors

The full collection of Lindt HELLO products is now available at major retailers nationwide, with select items available at Lindt Chocolate Shops and on LindtUSA.com.  To learn more about Lindt, visit LindtUSA.com. For other news from Lindt, like the company's Facebook page or follow Lindt on Twitter.

About Lindt & Sprungli
With nearly 170 years of history and Swiss tradition, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high quality products in more than 120 countries. Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs more than 9,000 worldwide. Lindt USA operates more than 50 retail stores in the U.S. and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels. For more information on Lindt, visit www.lindt.com.

About Ashley Tisdale & Blondie Girl Productions
Ashley's production company, Blondie Girl, recently partnered with Asylum Entertainment. Ashley will continue to create and develop scripted and unscripted content with her sister Jennifer Tisdale, who she named VP of Development. Blondie Girl Productions produces the new ABC Family show Young and Hungry, which premiered June 2014. In January 2014, the company produced telefilm Cloud 9 about the competitive world of snowboarding, which debuted on the Disney Channel. The company also produced the BRAVO reality show Miss Advised about a group of relationship experts who don't practice what they preach, as well as Inner Circle for E! Blondie Girl Productions has many scripted and unscripted television shows in development with various networks.  

About Maker Studios
Maker Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a next-generation media and technology company and the world's largest provider of online video content for millennials. Founded in 2009, Maker empowers creators and inspires expression. Attracting more than 8.5 billion views monthly with over 550 million loyal subscribers globally, Maker reaches audiences across platforms—including the proprietary video platform Maker.tv. Maker is home to award-winning content across genres including the hugely popular series "Epic Rap Battles of History." Maker is headquartered in Culver City, Calif. and has operations in New York, London, and Singapore. For more information visit www.makerstudios.com.

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SOURCE Lindt USA