Fox fuels Twitter trail to 'Fringe'

Posted: Thu., Mar. 29, 2012, 4:15pm PT
Fox fuels Twitter trail to 'Fringe'
Net to continue on-air stunt aimed at social media users

By Andrew Wallenstein

Fox is bringing together Twitter and TV in an unusual bid to rally the "Fringe" faithful.

The network has decided to extend for the rest of the season an on-air stunt tried during last Friday's episode that sent the series trending on the popular social-media platform.

Fox planted the mysterious phrase "#whereyoubelong" as the Twitter hashtag that appears in the lower right of the screen throughout the episode instead of the title of the series. Perhaps only diehard "Fringe" fans recognized that the phrase -- an allusion to a plot point -- was the latest attempt to get attention for the series on Twitter by the series' cult following, collectively known as Fringenuity.

Now Fox is going to pick a new Fringenuity-inspired phrase to use as a hashtag each week for the remaining seven episodes. That way "Fringe" fans can drive a clearly identifiable spike in social media traffic beginning precisely one hour before the series airs on the East Coast. The March 23 stunt was good enough to get #whereyoubelong trending both in the U.S. and worldwide, not to mention finishing fourth among TV series-related social messages for the week behind only "American Idol," "Dancing With the Stars" and "The Voice," according to Bluefin Labs.

Read Andrew Wallenstein's complete Variety post here.
 
(fo note:Fringedom, it looks like you've already started to "change your world." Keep it coming!)

"Downhill Racers" Game On Official Fringe Website

Every year FOX Broadcasting has a cute little animated game for the holidays in which you can pick and use characters from your favorite FOX shows.

This year's game is called "Downhill Racers." You can use Astrid, Broyles, Lincoln, Nina, Olivia, Peter, and Walter from Fringe to earn your points.

Click here to get to the official FOX Fringe website and play "Downhill Racers."

Merry Fringemas from Fringe Television

From all of us at Fringe Television to all of you, have a very Merry Fringemas!
(Although this mash-up video was made in 2009 by FOX Broadcasting it is still wonderful. Enjoy!)

Official Press Release: Fringe Renewed for Season 4

It's Official Cortexi's, Fringe it's been renewed and here's the official press released.

FOX RENEWS “FRINGE” FOR FOURTH SEASON – IN BOTH UNIVERSES

FOX has renewed critically acclaimed thrilling drama FRINGE for a fourth season, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company.

“FRINGE has truly hit a creative stride and has distinguished itself as one of television’s most original programs. The series’ ingenious producers, amazingly talented cast and crew, as well as some of the most passionate and loyal fans on the planet, made this fourth-season pickup possible,” said Reilly. “When we moved the show to Fridays, we asked the fans to follow and they did. We’re thrilled to bring it back for another full season and keep it part of the FOX family.”

FRINGE co-creator and executive producer J.J. Abrams said, “We could not be happier that the fans of FRINGE (and our most excellent partners at FOX) have allowed us to continue telling stories from the fringe for another season!”

“This early pickup comes at a perfect time as we start production on the Season Three finale,” added FRINGE showrunners and executive producers Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman. “We join the cast and crew in thanking our loyal fans and FOX for allowing us to have this much fun telling stories we love.”

Since moving to Fridays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) in January, FRINGE is averaging a 2.2/7 among Adults 18-49 and has established itself as Friday’s No. 1 series in the core adult demographic.

The compelling third season continues tonight, Friday, March 25 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), on FOX. In the “Bloodline” episode, the intensity of life “over there” accelerates as a pregnant OLIVIA (Anna Torv) is kidnapped and finds herself in mortal danger. As the Fringe Division races against time to find her, agent LINCOLN LEE (guest star Seth Gabel) receives some heartbreaking news as WALTER (John Noble) stops at nothing to preserve the new branch of the Bishop family tree.

Created by J.J. Abrams & Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci, FRINGE is produced by Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Jeff Pinkner, J.H. Wyman and Joe Chappelle serve as executive producers, while Kurtzman, Orci and Akiva Goldsman are consulting producers. Additionally, Pinkner and Wyman serve as the series’ showrunners. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fringe and follow the series on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fringeonfox (@fringeonfox).

Source: Fox.com

Fringe's Peter, Walter, and Olivia in New FOX Super Bowl Ad

Enjoy the appearances of Olivia, Peter, and Walter in this brandy-new FOX Super Bowl add that just popped up on YouTube.
Source:youtube.com

Merry Fringemas!

Merry Fringemas everyone!

Have A Snowball Fight with Some Fringe Characters at FOX

Hooray! FOX's Snowball Fight is back and there are dozens of opponents to choose from including Fringe's Peter, Walter, Broyles, Astrid, and Nina.

I have to admit it felt quite good to bombard Peter Bishop with snowballs for his poor judgement.

Use the link below and snow them all!


Fox Broadcasting's Snowball Fight

Fringe to move to Friday night in January

Fox has released it's mid season schedule shake up, and Fringe finds itself being bumped to Friday night 9PM starting on 28th January. Known as the 'death' night in the US TV stakes, fans are understandably upset and disappointed by the move. That being said, there are also some positives that can come from the move. No longer will it be competing with the Thursday night powerhouses, but I believe it can make an ever bigger name for itself here.

Fans need to step up to the plate here and keep watching!! Fringe fans are loyal, so let's get together and make sure that we follow it wherever it goes, and spread to the word far and wide - Fringe is an awesome show that many, many more people SHOULD be watching!

Below is the press release from FOX Network President Kevin Reilly on Fringe's move and we can definitely take some positives from it:

"As for the decision to bump Fringe to Fridays, “Fringe has a very particular, loyal audience,” Reilly said. With the show picking up almost half of its viewrship via DVR, he doesn’t expect the sci-fi series to take a big ratings hit in moving to Fridays where it will be paired with solid reality performer Kitchen Nightmares. “If (Fringe) could stay near the current levels, we’ll get a big trade-up on Friday and will solve our problem there.” - Kevin Reilly (FOX Network President)

What are your thoughts Fringe fans?!

Fox Fall Party Webcast

Fox is hosting a live webcast from the red carpet of the Fox Fall Party, which you can watch by becoming a fan of the official Fringe Facebook page.

Also, if you have questions for the casts of your favorite FOX shows, you can leave them on the FOX facebook page, and they could be answered on the red carpet at the FOX Fall Party on MON 9/13!

Official FOX Fringe Website Redesigned

There is a new look for the Fox.com/Fringe website, matching the recently revealed Fringe 101. All the content seems to be the same, just organized in a more efficient manner. See anything new?

Fringe 101: What You Need To Know

Fox launched a new website, Fringe 101, to help bring everyone up to speed for the spring premiere of "Peter" on April 1st.

Fringe 101 combines various info from the Fox.com/Fringe website down to the bare essentials, with the main character bios, the four key episodes to watch, and some important interviews that explain what the heck is going on. If you need a quick intro to Fringe, or just a refresher, Fringe 101 should fit the bill.

Fringe Hidden Elements Game

The FOX website has a new Fringe Hidden Elements game. Find the hidden Fringe glyphs in the season two poster, and you can unlock up to eight Fringe wallpapers.

You can find other official Fringe wallpapers and Fringe posters at FringeFiles.com.

Fringe Observer Week

Variety is reporting that Fox has launched a major campaign this week to promote the Observer-centric Fringe episode "August":

"Observer Week," as the campaign is dubbed internally, includes placing multiple actors playing "observers" in the crowd at live Fox telecasts -- Sunday's NFL game, as well as an episode of "So You Think You Can Dance."

Fox did something similar last year on programs such as "American Idol" and NASCAR.

Fox will also send out street teams dressed as the observer (dark suits, bald heads, carrying briefcases) to various spots in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Boston and Chicago. The characters will pass out Tabasco sauce (a nod to the fact that "Fringe's" observers like spicy food).

Fast-pausing DVR users may also notice subliminal shots of "Fringe's" observers popping up in primetime via hidden images in the net's night opens, as well as via seven-frame graphics flashed throughout the evening.

"The hope is we get a few more viewers watching the show live," Earley said. "Or at least watching it within three days of air. The show is too good, and we want to continue to support it."

The Easter-egg approach of the campaign also plays well with the fans of mythology-based shows like "Fringe," he said.

If you live in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Boston and Chicago, Be sure to keep your eye out (and your camera ready.) Please send us an email if you live in any of these areas and would like to see the Observer in person, or to report any Observer sightings you may find.

So you can also join The Observer Trackers facebook group to see any official updates.

Anna Torv at The Emmys

Anna Torv was a presenter at the 61st Emmy Awards. She shared the stage with Kiefer Sutherland, and presented the awards for "Best Made For TV Movie" and "Outstanding Miniseries".

Sadly, Fringe did not win for the one category it was nominated for: Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series.

Also, here are some stunning photos of Anna Torv with Fringe director Jon Cassar and Fox President of Entertainment Kevin Reilly at the Fox Emmy after-party.

Fringe Interview: John Noble on Alternate Realities

Fox All Access interviewed John Noble (Dr. Walter Bishop), where they discuss parallel universes, alternate realities, and Star Trek.

Fringe Season 2 Wallpapers

The official Fringe website - Fox.com/Fringe - added some new Fringe Wallpapers to their "Features" section.

You can find more Fringe wallpapers, Fringe Posters, and other Fringe Photos at FringeFiles.com

Fringe Tweet-peats This Thursday

With less than three weeks to go until the Season 2 premiere of Fringe, Fox will begin airing repeats of Fringe - but with a twist!

In a broadcast first, FOX is hosting on-screen Twitter updates with Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Jeff Pinkner, and J.H. Wyman during a special “tweet-peat” of FRINGE on Thursday, Sept. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). During the episode, viewers will have the opportunity to follow the cast and producers’ tweets – both online via Twitter and on-air via a lower-third scroll. They will provide commentary about the episode, answer fan questions, reveal behind-the-scenes secrets and offer exclusive insights on the upcoming season.

Fans should sign up now at http://www.twitter.com to follow the cast/producers, then on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, viewers can follow the FRINGE event at http://twitter.com/FRINGEonFOX. Fans have the chance to interact with the cast and producers by replying to any of their tweets. Also, fans should remember to use #FRINGE in their tweets so they can be easily found.

Participating in the Fringe Tweet-peat are:

• Jeff Pinkner, Executive Producer @jpfringe http://twitter.com/jpfringe
• J.H. Wyman, Executive Producer @jwfringe http://twitter.com/jwfringe
• Josh Jackson, “Peter Bishop” @peterbishop2 http://twitter.com/peterbishop2
• John Noble, “Walter Bishop” @labdad1 http://twitter.com/labdad1

Please note: Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman will be Tweeting during both the Eastern Timezone (ET) and Pacific Timezone feeds, but Josh Jackson and John Noble will only be available during the ET broadcast.

And of course, don't forget to follow FringeTelevision: @FringeTV http://twitter.com/FringeTV

IMPORTANT NOTE: Last night's Tweet-peat was a ONE-TIME event! There WILL NOT be Twitter updates on future Fringe episodes.

Fringe FAIL: Kirk Acevedo not FIRED, was "let go"

After the backlash from fans yesterday, CO-showrunner Jeff Pinkner did a little bit of damage control, and issued a statement to TV Guide regarding the status of Kirk Acevedo on Fringe:

“Like all things on Fringe, there is more to this story than meets the eye.” In fact Pinkner not only confirms to TV Guide Magazine that Acevedo “was not fired,” he hints that we’ll see more Agent Francis in season 2. Literally.

“We have already seen two of him on the show,” teases Pinkner. “We have already met the second Charlie. He had a scar on his face.”

Notice Pinkner doesn't actually say we'll see Charlie next season, he just "hints" at it (at least according to TV Guide). In fact, as of yesterday, I hear there were discussions on how Charlie could be written out of the story.

What's the real story? Pinkner is right about one thing, there is more to this story than meets the eye.

I contacted Fox and WB, and as per usual SOP, they declined to comment. However, my inside source did verify that Kirk's Facebook page was legitimate, and had this to say:

Kirk wasn't 100% happy with the way he was used on the show and was somewhat vocal about it.

Lee Hernandez of Latina.com was able to contact Kirk directly, and got a little clarification on his original statement:

"It’s called not picking up my option. But at the end of the day, you got fired!"

So technically, he wasn't fired - he was "let go" (or "made redundant" for our UK fans :). You say potato and I say potahto - the bottom line is that he won't be a regular on the show anymore.

A lot of this has to do with saving money. Kirk had a prety minor role on the show, but from what I hear, he was makin getting paid more that Anna Torv! So while I am a huge fan of Kirk (we even share the same last name!), if they needed to cut the cast budget (maybe to accommodate Nimoy), I can understand why this happened.

The good news, if we read between the lines (and maybe because of all this coverage), is that there's a good chance that we'll see Charlie again - if everyone can kiss and makeup.

Fringe Season 2 Starts September 17th

Fringe Season 2 will start Thursday, September 17th at 9:00 PM, following the Season 5 premiere of Bones.

Also, The first casting call has been released for Fringe Season 2. For more details, check out the Fringe Spoilers section.

* Thanks to The Futon Critic for the exclusive breaking news!

Fringe Moving To Thursday Nights This Fall

Fox announced their Fall 2009/ Spring 2010 schedule at yesterday's "upfront", and Fringe will be moving to Thursday nights, following Bones.

The good news is that it moves Fringe out of American Idol's wake, meaning no more cut off endings. The bad news of course, is that it won't get the ratings boost from AI (although Bones is no slouch), and it will step into the heavyweight ring, and could potentially be up against Grey's Anatomy, CSI, The Office, and/or 30 Rock.