HBO Launches Interactive Map to Boost Sopranos
HBO is boosting the upcoming season of The Sopranos with an interactive map of New Jersey that will highlight key points from last season’s storyline.
Using satellite maps from Google, HBO will showcase 15 Garden State locations where scenes from the fifth season took place. The designated locations will mark key plots from the show, including areas where characters died. When fans click on a location, a scene will play in a pop-up window with a synopsis and links to Soprano characters. Entertainment marketing agency Deep Focus, Brooklyn, NY, handles.
The map, which debuts Feb. 27 at HBO.com, is meant to bring viewers up to speed with the show’s plot and generate buzz around the sixth season, said Sabrina Caluori, senior account executive for Deep Focus. Nearly two years have passed since new episodes of The Sopranos have aired.
“We want to create a really engaging, interactive experience for the fans,” Caluori said. “[Fans can] catch up on what happened in the previous season.”
Google granted HBO permission to use the satellite maps, she said.
The sixth season of The Sopranos begins March 12 on HBO. Online materials support.
To further build buzz around the show, HBO has launched an interactive, instant-win game, Whack a Soprano, on HBO.com. Once registered online, consumers can play the Whack-a-Soprano game using a virtual mallet to “whack” The Sopranos characters as they emerge. One grand-prize winner will receive $5,000; lesser prizes include the fifth season of The Sopranos on DVD and Sopranos T-shirts and key chains.
The sweepstakes runs through May 1. Online materials support. Pleasant Ridge, MI-based ePrize handles.
