The Project Factory Shows Sherlock The Key To Unlocking …

… The Mysteries of Brand, Platform and Commercialisation + Android + Amazon

~ Launches Chinese language app and makes content available via freemium app; App available in Amazon Appstore ~

Sydney, Australia, August 6th 2014 06:00 – The Project Factory (TPF), the Australian-headquartered digital production company behind global projects with Downton Abbey, Offspring and new film Predestination, has unveiled the second phase of a commercial strategy to support the brand reach of the global hit TV series, Sherlock, in tandem with the show’s producers, Hartswood Films.

Building on the success of the iOS app Sherlock: The Network – the Official App which achieved number 1 entertainment app in 37 countries, The Project Factory has now launched the app for the Android platform and worked with Amazon to make the app available in the Amazon Appstore. Users who install the Amazon Appstore onto their devices and download the app get the first six cases for free – four additional free cases for the first two weeks of launch / until 19th of August 2014.

Additionally, due to the 65m Sherlock viewers in China, TPF has announced an exclusive distribution agreement with the world’s fourth largest Internet company, Tencent, for a Chinese Language version of the app for Android devices in China.

Sherlock: The Network – the Official App was originally launched in English on 20th January as a premium app on iOS. TPF has now made it available in both Chinese and English as a freemium app (free to download) with the first two cases included for free. It is available from the Apple App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch at www.itunes.com/appstore, via the Amazon Appstore on Android, and through Google Play https://play.google.com/store for other Android devices.

“As we know, it’s becoming ever harder to engage across multiple media formats. With audiences fiercely attentive during the ‘livespan’ of a TV series duration, they are left wanting for an ongoing hit of their favourite characters when it concludes. That’s a gross mismatch of audience engagement, digital experience and potential revenue opportunity for the asset owner,” said Guy Gadney, Group Executive Director at The Project Factory. “However, on this occasion, Benedict Cumberbatch and his team of sleuths continue to live and interact beyond the TV ensuring audience loyalty and increasing engagement – this is the new world of interactive storytelling.”

“We are very pleased that the official Sherlock app is now available to Amazon Appstore customers on Android. The exclusive 6 case offer for Sherlock: The Network – the Official App provides fantastic value for Amazon customers,” said Stuart Sayers, Director of Australian Amazon Appstore.

“Australian media companies are well positioned to take a positive and leading role in the digital world, with access to all major platforms locally, and a strong reputation for creativity overseas. Sherlock: The Network – the Official App is a high profile example of how our unique blend of creative and technology strategy matches to a commercial goal – to maximise the investment in and undisputed success of a brand,” said Melissa Dean, Managing Director at The Project Factory Australia.

For more information, please visit www.theprojectfactory.com

The Project Factory is a global digital production company that creates critically and commercially successful interactive entertainment across web, mobile, social media and games platforms.

Credits include the Emmy-nominated work for The Great British Property Scandal, social engagement for Downton Abbey and Ripper Street, and the ground-breaking multi-platform project for the soap opera GTST for RTL Netherlands. Clients include Sky, Channel 4, NBC Universal, BBC, ITV, Endemol, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Tiger Aspect Productions, Film 4, BFI, PBS, ABC, Network Ten, Channel Nine and Channel Seven.

The company’s experienced and award winning team work collaboratively with production companies, broadcasters, brands, publishers and digital media companies.

About Sherlock: The Network – the Official App
The totally original Sherlock story builds across ten cases and one central mystery. Assisted by video, voicemail, text and email messages from the main characters, the player helps out Sherlock as a part of his ‘Homeless Network’ of trusted associates.

Both a story and a game, Sherlock: The Network – the Official App uses a unique interactive narrative in which you unravel the plot through games of deduction, skill and attention. Throughout, Sherlock is there to help you solve the puzzles if you get stuck. Played out across a specially created map of London as your landscape, the app has exclusive content from the stars, created especially for the app. Game players can earn points to progress up the leaderboard, sharing their scores across social media; while those interested in quality drama can follow the well-crafted story.

Become one of Sherlock’s trusted Lieutenants by joining The Network and immersing yourself in the world of Sherlock Holmes today.
@sherlocknetwork
#jointhenetwork
f: facebook.com/Sherlock.BBCW

For more information about The Project Factory, visit http://www.thjeproejctfactory.com
Jo Balfour