Husqvarna Launches Backyard Games

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Husqvarna, the world's largest producer of outdoor power products including chainsaws, trimmers, lawn mowers and garden tractors, has launched "Backyard Games," a new web-based reality series.  Backyard Games is an exciting reality competition series which pits real people against one another in tests of backyard lawn and landscaping skills. The three part series is available for viewing at www.backyard-games.com and other outlets on-line beginning May 31, 2011.

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Each episode of Backyard Games is comprised of three exciting rounds utilizing a suite of various Husqvarna products. The speed round kicks off with a fast-paced challenge, one that is action packed and designed to test the contestants skill under pressure. The finesse round is a more contemplative challenge, one that will involve craft and finesse. Contestants finish out the competition with the Backyard Gauntlet, an epic three-part obstacle course that will commence with the crowning of  the ultimate Backyard Games champion and the awarding of the Golden Chain Saw.

"We wanted to bring some fun to operating outdoor power equipment safely, while demonstrating Husqvarna's versatility, performance and breadth of product line," said John Marchionda, VP of Marketing, Husqvarna. "Original content lets us have a 'give and take' with our customers, and start a dialogue in a space that Husqvarna has yet to play in."  Husqvarna hopes to continue to utilize branded content to improve the ways they communicate with customers and to demonstrate the products they produce as professional grade equipment combined with an entertaining approach that consumer's desire throughout the day.

Hosted by former HGTV host Paul Ghiringhelli, with color commentating by comedian Brian Unger, this new web-based reality competition was created in collaboration with MediaCom and MediaCom Content. Contestants for the show auditioned in the Los Angeles area. Contestants were trained participants under professional supervision. To view the series or to submit a challenge of your own for next season and to enter for a Backyard Games prize pack please visit  www.backyard-games.com .  

ABOUT HUSQVARNA:

The Husqvarna Group is the world's largest producer of outdoor power products including chainsaws, trimmers, lawn mowers and garden tractors. It is the European leader in consumer irrigation equipment under the Gardena brand. The Group is also one of the world leaders in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. Net sales in 2009 were SEK 34 billion and the average number of employees was 15,000. For more information, visit www.husqvarna.com or twitter.com/husqvarnausa.

ABOUT MEDIACOM & MEDIACOM CONTENT:

MediaCom (Mediacom.com) is one of the world's leading Media Communication Specialists, with U.S. billings of $6.6B (RECMA, 2009) and Canadian billings of $851M (RECMA, 2009).  Our "People first, better results" philosophy drives our strategy and reflects our belief that putting People–employees, clients and consumers–at the core of our business leads to optimum business results.  Our capabilities and expertise span a variety of disciplines, including: Media Strategy and Planning, Media Buying, Consumer Insights and Analytics, Business Science, MediaCom ESP (Entertainment, Sports, Promotions), Branded Content, Retail, Direct Marketing, Multicultural Marketing, and all digitally-driven marketing practices including Social and Search Marketing. MediaCom is part of WPP's GroupM, the world's largest and leading full-service media investment management group.  For further information, visit www.mediacom.com.

MediaCom Content is the branded entertainment division of MediaCom, focusing on the development, production and distribution of original content platforms for MediaCom's clients. Recent projects include "Truth in Motion: the U.S. Ski Team's Road to Vancouver", a feature documentary  for Audi that aired in primetime on NBC, and "Rookies to Racers", a three-part limited series for Volkswagen that aired on Discovery Networks, as well as digital projects for Hennessey, Jose Cuervo, H&M and others.

SOURCE Husqvarna North America