Enthusiasm for "Turtle" Film Sparks Merchandising and Licensing Opportunities for Hannover House

LAS VEGAS, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fueled by momentum from a major consumer advertising campaign, Hannover House is looking at a variety of merchandising  opportunities relating to the company's upcoming theatrical launch of "Turtle: The Incredible Journey." Initial items supporting the film include plans for a young adult book adaptation, a board game and a turtle plush toy.  Additional opportunities are being discussed with distribution partner SeaWorld Pictures, and merchandising ideas are being explored at this week's Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas.  Hannover House is the wholly owned, entertainment subsidiary of Target Development Group, Inc. (TDGI.PK).

"Turtle: The Incredible Journey" is a critically acclaimed nature documentary from director Nick Stringer ("National Geographic Explorer"), narrated by Miranda Richardson.  The film is being released to theaters in America through a distribution venture between Hannover House and SeaWorld Pictures, a newly formed unit of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. Following a release plan similar to "March of the Penguins," the film will open June 24th in limited release in five markets, before expanding nationwide.  A major media premiere event is being hosted by SeaWorld in San Diego on June 21st, with Stringer, Richardson and a long list of celebrity guests scheduled to appear.

"The SeaWorld team has been instrumental in helping us take the important step into the merchandising and licensing markets," said Eric Parkinson, CEO of Hannover House.  "They have history and expertise in these areas, and first hand knowledge of consumer purchasing habits through their gift shops and retail outlets.  We look forward to developing and selling 'Turtle' related items through the many channels available, both through SeaWorld and other retailers."

In support of the film's theatrical launch, Hannover House and SeaWorld have initiated a high-visibility advertising and PR campaign to reach consumers.  Full page ads have been placed in national magazines reaching parents, science enthusiasts and children, and more than 1,500 airings of the film's 30-second television commercial will commence on June 16th.  Newspaper ads launch on Sunday, June 19th, and consumer and entertainment publicity outreach has been launched by MPRM, Murphy PR, Moroch Entertainment and Rock Fish Interactive.  Posters, trailers and standees are on display at theaters across the country, and an "on-screen" show reel can be seen in theatre lobbies serviced by NCM Media.  

"We're releasing a G-rated, nature documentary in the middle of a summer theatrical season headlined by big and loud action films," said Parkinson. "We hope that audiences and families will embrace 'Turtle' as a refreshing escape to quality entertainment that's both fun to watch and enlightening.  If we can build on the film's strong word-of-mouth, we can achieve success both at the box office as well as with the sale of related merchandise."  

For more information contact:  Lauren Sterling, Hannover House, 479-751-4500, [email protected]

SOURCE Hannover House