Starz is promoting the return of its show, ?Spartacus: Gods of the Arena,? via an interactive iPad application that features multimedia video segments, director?s notes and cast photos.

Users who download the application can also watch the first episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, which is included as part of the download. Additional multimedia iPad episode scripts will be available for individual purchase for $0.99 each.

?We had a segmented marketing strategy in mind for creating this app,? said Adam Zeller, director of digital media at Starz Digital Media. ?For current Spartacus fans, we wanted to create a product that further enriched the experience of the program.

?The app is a unique way to enjoy the action and drama of Spartacus, and fans will be thrilled to find the screenplays packed with extra content including audio commentaries, unit photography and behind the scenes clips of the show,? he said. ?For the iPad user who is not necessarily familiar with the program, the app can be a great free entry point into the world of Spartacus.

?The screenplay of the first episode from each season is free to download, so if you are new to Spartacus you can see clips and read the story to immerse yourself in the ancient world of Capua.?

Starz Entertainment is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States.

Mobile script
The first iPad electronic script for Spartacus: Gods of the Arena will be pushed out as a free update to Spartacus iPad script application users on Jan. 22.

Each additional multimedia episode script from the six-part series will be available for individual download for $0.99 the day after debuting on the network.

Additionally, consumers can by the entire six-part Spartacus: Gods of the Arena multimedia series script set for $2.99. 

?We have already had success on the iPad platform with an app we created in tandem with Penguin surrounding our original event series, The Pillars of The Earth,? Mr. Zeller said. ?The enhanced book interwove content from the series into the novel of the same name by Ken Follett.

?We feel that the iPad platform is a great way to showcase our premium content and can accurately reflect the high production value of the programming on Starz,? he said.

Mobile endeavors
Mr. Zeller said that before the company commits to porting the application to additional platforms it will evaluate the performance on the iPad.

?I think that the iPad user is someone who naturally is interested in exploring innovative ways to experience media content,? Mr. Zeller said. ?Also, since the iPad is a relatively new device, you see users evangelizing the product to their family and friends.

?Our hope is that not only does the iPad owner download and enjoy our app and want to watch the next season of Spartacus, but she or he also shares and demonstrates the app to other people which will also in turn generate awareness for the programming,? he said.

?Additionally, the user base created through installations can be a significant audience to send push notifications about the series.?

Final Take