Premium chocolatier Lindt USA, actress and producer Ashley Tisdale, and online video content provider Maker Studios have join together to create a new romantic comedy series: "It Started with HELLO." This original digital series celebrates the national launch of Lindt HELLO, a collection of premium chocolate bars, sticks and mini-stick bags, inspired by classic American treats, like Caramel Brownie and Strawberry Cheesecake.
Created by Lindt in partnership with Maker, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co. that’s the world's largest provider of online video content for millennials, "It Started with HELLO" is an interactive series that captures couples as they make their first connections. The romantic comedy clips encourage viewers to find out what happens after "hello" by choosing their own ending to each story. Chocolate lovers can get in on the action with a chance to win a variety of fun prizes through the Lindt HELLO Sweet Connections Sweepstakes.
The digital series, featuring a teaser and four short episodes inspired by the cheeky personalities of Lindt HELLO products, will live on Maker Studios' fashion + beauty network, The Platform (youtube.com/theplatform). Tisdale brings her behind-the-camera expertise to "It Started with HELLO," serving as producer for the first episode, reviewing scripts, wardrobe and set design, as well as lending her creativity on set in collaboration with Lindt
"'It Started with HELLO' is different from anything that I've ever worked on," says Tisdale. "As a producer, I'm excited about creating unique content and sharing it with my fans through different platforms. I can't wait to see the series come to life!"
Say "HELLO" to the Digital Series
Fans can preview "It Started with HELLO" by visiting youtube.com/theplatform for a first look at the series and to meet the cast. The first episode, produced by Tisdale, will premiere tomorrow on September 18. Three additional new episodes will debut weekly through October 9, 2014.
Top digital talent, including Maker partners Chester See, Tessa Violet, Amy Pham and Lindsey Stirling, along with Mike Tompkins and Rusty Clanton, star in the interactive program. "It Started with HELLO" episodes will showcase the first connections among different couples:
- Episode One: "Office Mates" (September 18): Centered around the heart-thumping personality of Lindt HELLO Crunchy Nougat, two people in adjacent offices have been eyeing each other for months. What happens when they finally meet?
- Episode Two: "Play Ball" (September 25): An afternoon (almost) goes awry when a rogue kick ball interrupts a guy reading in the park. Who will save the day in this episode inspired by the sweet and flirty Lindt HELLO Strawberry Cheesecake?
- Episode Three: "15 Items or Less" (October 2): A long checkout line leads to a chance encounter between two young shoppers, both purchasing Lindt HELLO Cookies and Cream bars. Will they get to say "hello?"
- Episode Four: "Blind Date" (October 9): A cryptic text leads a girl to search for her date at a Halloween party. Will his disguise be a trick or a treat in this episode inspired by the Lindt HELLO Caramel Brownie bar?
Consumers are encouraged to say "hello" to their favorite couples and join the conversation using the dedicated #ItStartedWithHELLO hashtag. Fans can also visit LindtHELLO.com to learn more about Lindt HELLO products and enter the Lindt HELLO Sweet Connections Sweepstakes daily for a chance to win weekly prizes, including spa getaways, shopping excursions, date nights for two and plenty of mouthwatering Lindt HELLO chocolate.
"We're thrilled to celebrate the national launch of the Lindt HELLO collection in a fun, engaging way by sparking new connections among people," says Danielle O'Neil, vice president of marketing, Lindt USA. "With Ashley Tisdale's and Maker Studios' involvement, 'It Started with HELLO' brings this playful collection to life in a unique way and involves fans within the conversation."
