Beginning today, DOLLHOUSE fans can have ECHO (Eliza Dushku) come alive on their computer desktops with “Virtual Echo,” a new application based on the fan-favorite series that airs Fridays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. “Virtual Echo,” a new free augmented-reality desktop application built by integrated marketing agency BLITZ using the Adobe® Flash® Platform, is available for download only at www.fox.com/virtualecho . Powered by Adobe® AIR®, “Virtual Echo” brings the DOLLHOUSE’s most-requested Active to life on computers in two unique ways:
Desktop Echo turns any computer screen into Echo’s playground. Watch Echo walk onto your desktop as she switches between her different personas, including dream date, hostage negotiator and assassin. Fans may leave the application running to be surprised as Echo displays her many special talents.
Augmented Reality Echo allows users to expand the Echo experience using augmented-reality (AR) technology. Simply print out the AR card at www.fox.com/virtualecho <http://www.fox.com/virtualecho> with the special DOLLHOUSE symbol or “glyph,” aim it at the computer’s webcam and bring Echo to life by moving the card. Then use the arrow keys to choose between her different avatars.
Viewers will also get a closer look at the secrets of the DOLLHOUSE as well as instant access to full episodes, exclusive behind-the scenes footage, cast and crew interviews and online photo galleries.
The DOLLHOUSE application is built using the Adobe Flash Platform – the world’s most ubiquitous software for delivering rich, engaging user experiences – and Augmented Reality (AR) technology. AR combines the “real world” and “computer world” in real time. Most AR uses live video imagery that is digitally processed and “augmented” by the addition of computer-generated graphics to look like a digital, interactive hologram.
Adobe AIR, a core component of the Adobe Flash Platform, offers an exciting way to engage users, customers and fans with innovative Web applications that are available outside the browser. Applications built using Adobe AIR provide all the convenience of a desktop application, and they work on all major operating systems – Windows, Mac and Linux. Additional information on Adobe AIR can be found at www.adobe.com/products/air/ <http://www.adobe.com/products/air/> .
The DOLLHOUSE application was developed by BLITZ, a leading integrated marketing agency focused on developing immersive, entertaining and imaginative experiences. Known for creating revolutionary consumer campaigns, BLITZ worked closely with the team from gskinner.com in order to create an extended experience that tied the intrigue of the TV series to online content, real world promotions and now viewers’ desktops.
DOLLHOUSE centers on a highly illegal and underground group of individuals (“Actives”) who have their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. Hired by the wealthy, powerful and connected, the Actives don’t just perform their hired roles, they wholly become – with mind, personality and physiology – whomever the client wants or needs them to be. Whether imprinted to be a lover, an assassin, a corporate negotiator or a best friend, the Actives know no other life than the specific engagements they are in at that time. After each engagement, the Actives return to the mysterious Dollhouse where their thoughts, feelings, experiences and knowledge are erased. Or are they?
Starring Eliza Dushku, Tahmoh Penikett, Olivia Williams, Harry Lennix, Fran Kranz, Dichen Lachman and Enver Gjokaj, DOLLHOUSE is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Mutant Enemy, Inc. The series was created by Joss Whedon, who also serves as executive producer, writer and director. Tim Minear and David Solomon are executive producers while Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas are consulting producers. Additionally, series star Eliza Dushku serves as a producer.