7th Level(R) Studio 'Magically' Produces Tamagotchi(TM) Home Video for Bandai Digital Entertainment
7th Level's Technology and Processes Allow Quick Development of Tamagotchi Product Line in Multiple Mediums
November 3, 1997 07:00 AM
RICHARDSON, Texas, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- 7th Level SEVL is again providing production, animation and technology for Bandai Digital Entertainment (BDE) and is propelling the phenomenally popular Tamagotchi line of products onto a third platform with a home video release, scheduled to be in stores early in 1998. The Tamagotchi home video is being produced for BDE by 7th Level, and directed by Dan Kuenster, 7th Level's award winning vice president of animation. BDE will oversee worldwide distribution.
All assets and processes used by 7th Level to create the linear home video product are the same ones used to create two interactive ones: a Windows(R) 95 CD-ROM and an active online channel on Microsoft's(R) Internet Explorer 4.0 web browser. The total time and cost of all three projects was less than that of developing a typical CD-ROM alone. In their partnership, 7th Level and BDE are able to quickly and economically create products based on the Tamagotchi character, first featured in the Japanese LCD 'virtual pet' toys that have now taken the United States by storm, due to 7th Level's unique integrated media solutions.
Using processes perfected over the last 4 years while working on internal projects as well as projects for numerous partners using all media (online networks, 2D animation, real time and rendered 3D and video), 7th Level has perfected "e-media solutions" for the problems of information and content delivery in a digital world.
"This home video project marks the first time that 7th Level's animation, production processes and technology have been applied to create three separate products in different mediums using the same assets," said Bob Ezrin, CEO of 7th Level. "This evolution of the Tamagotchi brand exemplifies the versatility, value and scope of 7th Level's integrated development process, which is now being recognized and utilized by more and more partners like Bandai."
"7th Level's technology first allowed us to translate Tamagotchi onto the computer on both CD-ROM and online with the Internet Explorer 4.0 channel, and now we are expanding the experience to home video," said John McGanty, director of Bandai Digital Entertainment's software division. "We are looking to extend the fun and excitement of Tamagotchi to home video."
The Tamagotchi home video will feature all of the original Tamagotchi characters on assignment to planet Earth. The character's innocent perspective is designed to provide humor for all ages, and is expected to be one of the top-selling videos in 1998. 7th Level first developed the Tamagotchi Windows 95 CD-ROM in cooperation with BDE. The two companies have further cultivated the Tamagotchi brand with the Tamagotchi Active Channel for the Internet Explorer 4.0 web browser, sponsored by Microsoft, which formally launched with a high profile event on September 30. The Tamagotchi virtual pet toy continues to be the hottest selling toy in the world with new shipments being sold as soon as they arrive at retail. The original toy was introduced in Japan in November 1996.
By leveraging its proprietary TopGun(TM) technology coupled with its innovative Studio 7 production process, 7th Level creates interactive multimedia products for consumers and integrated technology and production solutions for its strategic partners. Coming soon from 7th Level are Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Raymond E. Feist's Return(TM) to Krondor and The Gatherer(TM). 7th Level can be found on the Web at 7thlevel.com .
Founded in October of 1995, Bandai Digital Entertainment Corp. is a new media company dedicated to producing interactive entertainment products.
The Bandai Digital Entertainment product line consists of Windows and Macintosh software titles, online products and the @World Internet/TV and CD-ROM appliance. Bandai Digital Entertainment's U.S. headquarters are located at 5551 Katella Avenue, Cypress, California 90630. The Company can be reached at 714-816-9700. Further product information can be obtained through BDE's website at bdec.com or by sending an e-mail to info@bdec.com.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE 7th Level, Inc. |
