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Penguin creates 'amplified' Follett e-book

20.07.10 | Catherine Neilan

Penguin USA has teamed by US cable network Starz to create an enhanced e-book of Ken Follett's novel The Pillars of the Earth, which pulls content from the upcoming miniseries based on the book, Broadcasting & Cable reports.

The eight-hour 'Pillars of the Earth' TV series, produced by Tandem Communications and featuring top actors including Donald Sutherland, Ian McShane and Rufus Sewell, premieres in the States on 23rd July.

Penguin's 'Amplified Edition' for the iPad, is available today, July 20 for $12.99, and includes 34 short videos, artwork and original music from the series. A broader Pillars of the Earth app is also available for the iPad, featuring more video, including an hour of behind-the-scenes footage.
According to B&C the concept behind the Amplified Edition is to "allow Starz viewers to read the Follett novel in tandem with watching the series".

Marc DeBevoise, senior vice president of digital media, business development and strategy for Starz, told the publication: "The really cool thing is we're not spoiling anything. You don't have the full app until the end of the series."

Starz approached Penguin about three months ago with the idea of doing something special for the iPad based on The Pillars of the Earth, and a small team comprised of executives from both companies collaborated to produce the final Amplified Edition, with the help of outside design firms. A version for the iPhone and iPod Touch will be available later this week.

"The Amplified Edition is the next step in Penguin Group's ongoing efforts to take advantage of new technology to bring writers to readers in ways they have never experienced before," said Molly Barton, director of business development for Penguin Group USA in a statement. "We are delighted to bring fans this thoughtful and exciting blend of imagery and artistry inspired by master storyteller Ken Follett."   

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• Catherine Neilan
• digital
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• enhanced
• Penguin USA
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