Big Idea prepares to save the world, one tuba at a time

FRANKLIN, TN (September 20, 2006) – Can a few good veggies stand against an army of thousands? Can a nation be defended by horns and flashlights? Big Idea, Inc. presents the all-new VeggieTales adventure, Gideon: Tuba Warrior, a classic VeggieTales Bible story told in the tradition of such VeggieTales’ favorites as The Ballad of Little Joe, Josh and the Big Wall and King George and the Ducky. This extraordinary story based on a legendary biblical hero stars Larry the Cucumber as Gideon, a loyal leader with heart whose faith is tested when he’s asked to do the impossible. Featuring a lesson in trusting God, a “Silly Song” with hula-dancing turtles, a surprise visit from the Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything and loads of family-friendly bonus features, the $14.99 DVD marches into stores November 4 and 7, 2006 in Christian and general market stores respectively.

"Gideon is an incredible story about one of the greatest biblical heroes of all time, and Big Idea is thrilled to present this legendary tale in a fun and entertaining format that kids will connect with,” said Greg Fritz, Marketing VP at Big Idea, Inc. "When the cast includes a cucumber, six peas, six carrots and 30,000 excessively hairy pickles, you know it’s a story the whole family will enjoy!”

VeggieTales Gideon: Tuba Warrior is supported by a far-reaching marketing and promotions campaign targeting both the Christian and general consumer markets. In addition to extensive print, radio, Internet and local market TV advertising, Big Idea announces the following promotional partnerships:

Bennigan’s

For the first time, Big Idea is partnering with Bennigan’s dining chain. The in-store promotion includes signage, kids’ cups and menu booklets with a $2.00 savings coupon. The promotion will be featured from October through December in 300 Bennigan’s restaurants.

“Bennigan’s caters to families and we think the partnership with VeggieTales is a perfect fit,” said Susan Karlen, Bennigan’s director of marketing. “Children embrace the VeggieTales characters and we are thrilled to make them a part of the Bennigan’s family.”

Eurofresh Farms

Eurofresh Farms, growers of greenhouse tomatoes, will feature the VeggieTales Gideon: Tuba Warrior DVD image and $3 mail-in rebate on over one million produce packages through programs with select retailers.

School Outreach

An in-classroom promotion with 10,000 Christian schools, targeted to reach over 1.7 million students, will launch in October. The program will include Gideon-based curriculum, posters, an in-classroom screening of the film, and a $2.00 savings coupon for parents.

CBA Exclusives! VeggieTales Camp Gideon Events and Gideon: Tuba Warrior Pre-Sale!

With the launch of Gideon: Tuba Warrior, Big Idea offers retailers an opportunity to host a VeggieTales Camp Gideon Party anytime during the two weeks leading up to the street date. Promotional materials for the VeggieTales “Camp Gideon” premieres include a camp guide, Camp Gideon certificates for the kids, posters, bagstuffers, invitation letters, balloons, radio ads, and more, as well as an event disk with VeggieTales silly song videos, trivia and the full-length Gideon Tuba Warrior program. Retail sponsored Camp Gideon events are held in movie theatres, churches and Christian stores nationwide.

Furthermore, Big Idea is offering Christian retailers exclusive pre-sale promotional opportunities. Consumers who pre-purchase Gideon: Tuba Warrior will receive a free Gideon football. Additionally, customers will receive a free limited edition VeggieTales Christmas ornament featuring Bob & Larry with the purchase of any VeggieTales DVD or CD during the months of November and December 2006.

Grassroots Marketing and Events

Approximately 3,000 churches in all 50 states and Canada will host Family Fun Nights featuring a premiere screening of VeggieTales Gideon: Tuba Warrior. In addition, Big Idea’s 4,100-member street team known as the Ambassadors will support the title through community-based promotions.

Synopsis

VeggieTales Gideon: Tuba Warrior is the incredible story of one of the greatest biblical heroes of all time – the unassuming Gideon, played by the esteemed Larry the Cucumber, is chosen by God to defend his people against an army of 30,000 excessively hairy pickles! However, the reluctant, tuba-playing Gideon is better trained at marching in formation than he is at marching into battle. Will he be able to trust the message delivered to him by the angel (Pa Grape) and protect his people? Accompanied by a mere six carrots and six peas, will Gideon be able to stand against an army of thousands? Discover a tale of courage and trusting God based on Proverbs 3: 5-6 in the all-new VeggieTales adventure…Gideon: Tuba Warrior!

As a special bonus, Gideon: Tuba Warrior also features the heart-warming story of George Mueller, a man who trusted God for everything, starring Archibald Asparagus in the lead role. See how George's unshakable trust in God fed his entire house time and again, even when circumstances appeared to be hopeless.