USA Network's New Original Series 'FAIRLY LEGAL' Locks First Major Partnerships With Kia Motors and Nationwide Insurance

NEW YORK, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- USA Network today announced the first two major partnerships for its newest original series FAIRLY LEGAL with the 2011 Kia Optima and Nationwide Insurance.  USA will develop unique, character-driven vignettes that organically integrate partner products and messaging into the content.  FAIRLY LEGAL, which recently premiered to strong ratings on January 20, stars Sarah Shahi.  Series co-star Baron Vaughn will host two scripted vignettes, which started Thursday, February 24, and highlight key features of the 2011 Kia Optima.  The vignettes were shot on location in the series' San Francisco backdrop.  Nationwide's 'On Your Side' message will come to life through a customized 30-second on air Kate Reed Character Profile spot as well as a sponsorship of the show's season finale on March 24.  The announcement was made by Chris McCumber, USA's executive vice president, marketing, digital and brand strategy."

Our new USA series presents a fresh sponsorship opportunity for our long-time partners, Kia Motors and Nationwide Insurance," said McCumber.  "We used the iconic setting of San Francisco to showcase the Optima's features and the lead character's personality to bring Nationwide's 'On Your Side' messaging to the forefront.

Kia's partnership with FAIRLY LEGAL features two scripted vignettes that debut in the second half of season one.  The segments star Vaughn as himself while he drives the Kia Optima and gives viewers an exclusive tour of iconic San Francisco Bay Area locations including the Golden Gate Bridge, the James R. Browning U.S. Court of Appeals Building (where Kate Reed often visits during the show), and the city's famous steep hills.  Scenes will highlight specific features and attributes of the Optima, including push button start, panoramic sunroof, bluetooth and turbo, which assists with hill climbs.

"As we continue our largest vehicle launch in company history, the opportunity to feature the Optima in the FAIRLY LEGAL character vignette series gives fans the chance to learn about the Optima in an entertaining and engaging way," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America.  "We are excited to harness the energy and variety Leo (Baron Vaughn) projects into the show vignettes presented by the Kia Optima.  This spirit is what drives Kia to produce eye-catching vehicles like the Optima, and this same energy is what viewers will experience as Baron tours San Francisco in style."

The 2011 Kia Optima is being considered by Kia as a leap from its predecessor, a "cool" transformative vehicle in technology and style.  This vehicle is not only a game changer for the Kia brand, but also for the mid-size sedan category.  The Optima offers practical and rational benefits consumers come to expect from a mid-size sedan, but breaks away from the norm with a stylish, sporty and exciting design along with offering an array of desired features.  Its tagline is "Confidence to go in a new direction."

Nationwide Insurance's brand message will be amplified through a custom clip-based vignette that thematically explores lead character Kate Reed's (Shahi) unique mediation style and character traits.  Nationwide will also sponsor the FAIRLY LEGAL season finale.

"Nationwide is pleased to partner with USA in a way that we hope will reach fans of FAIRLY LEGAL in a meaningful way," said Jennifer Hanley, senior vice president of marketing for Nationwide. "In the show, Kate Reed works proactively to find solutions for her clients. The character is a great personification of what it means to be 'On Your Side.'  It's a reflection of how Nationwide works on behalf of our customers to find insurance and financial service solutions that are right for them."

FAIRLY LEGAL centers on Kate Reed (Shahi), a top litigator fed up with the endless bureaucracy and daily injustices of the system, who takes a hard turn to become the ultimate anti-lawyer: a mediator.  The show also stars Virginia Williams, Michael Trucco and Baron Vaughn.  From Universal Cable Productions, FAIRLY LEGAL is created and executive produced by Michael Sardo and executive produced by Steve Stark.  Russ Bucholz serves as co-executive producer.

The buying agency for Kia Motors is Initiative/NY and for Nationwide Insurance is Universal McCann.

For gallery and episodic photos of FAIRLY LEGAL, as well as all USA projects, please log on to the NBC Universal Media Village at http://www.nbcumv.com/.  For show information, including bios, episodes, synopses and loglines, and clips and promos, please log-on to http://www.usanetwork.com/press/fairlylegal, password: characters.

Nationwide®, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans, and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes.  A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events.  The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

SOURCE USA Network