Fall TV buzz often centres on new show launches, leaving returning shows feeling like the kid who gets picked last for the team. But CTV cooked up an antidote. ‘Live the Drama’ is an engagement-boosting contest launched last month to give viewers the chance ‘to walk in the shoes of their favourite characters’ from returning series.
The five grand prizes include VIP treatment at the final wrap party of ER; a CSI set visit and ‘victim makeover’ by the show’s special effects makeup artist; an opportunity to attend a live taping of Dancing With the Stars (including a private dance lesson with one of the choreographers); a Desperate Housewives wardrobe tour and shopping spree; and the first-ever visit to the set of Grey’s Anatomy.
The promotion from CTV’s Creative Agency invites fans to battle for prizes by completing ‘missions’ inspired by their favourite series. ‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Canadian viewers to win trips to the sets of their beloved television shows,’ says Susanne Boyce, CTV’s president, creative, content and channels.
A 30-second promo on-air and at CTV.ca enlists viewers to sign up to receive a mission every two weeks. Contestants upload photos or videos of themselves relating to their favourite ‘stories,’ and the public votes for the top five. Final winners are chosen by a panel of CTV judges. There will also be 10 bi-weekly prizes per show awarded based on a random draw for all entrants. http://livethedrama.ctv.ca
