Consumers to earn free entertainment with new credit card from Blockbuster Entertainment, NationsBank and Visa U.S.A.; Blockbuster Visa Card launched at Hollywood extravaganza.HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 1995--Three of the biggest names in entertainment, banking and payment card products came together Tuesday at a gala Hollywood news conference at Paramount Studios to announce the launch of the Blockbuster block·bust·er n. 1. Something, such as a film or book, that sustains widespread popularity and achieves enormous sales. 2. A high-explosive bomb used for demolition purposes. 3. Visa co-branded card, the world's first credit card that rewards purchases with free entertainment. Blockbuster Entertainment, NationsBank and Visa U.S.A. sponsored the celebrity-studded event that included a "sneak peak" at a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign for the credit card featuring supermodel/entertainer Cindy Crawford For the porn star of the same name, see . Cynthia Ann Crawford (born February 20, 1966, in Dekalb, Illinois) is an American supermodel, MTV television personality, celebrity endorser, cover girl, and actress. . The commercials are scheduled to begin airing next week on the night of the Academy Awards. "We're proud to offer the first co-branded credit card in the entertainment industry," said Steven R. Berrard, Blockbuster Entertainment Group president and chief executive officer. "This is a good example of how Blockbuster is further elevating its brand name and is indicative of the types of entertainment options we can provide as part of the Viacom family." The news conference signaled the start of the biggest launch in Visa co-branding history. Pre-approved applications will be sent out within the week to Blockbuster Video members. The Blockbuster Visa card will bring Hollywood entertainment to consumers with every purchase made on the card and provide almost immediate gratification GRATIFICATION. A reward given voluntarily for some service or benefit rendered, without being requested so to do, either expressly or by implication. . When consumers use the card to make a purchase at any one of more than 12 million locations worldwide where Visa is accepted, they earn credit toward Blockbuster Bucks Bucks: see Buckinghamshire. . These can be used like cash in participating Blockbuster Video, Blockbuster Music, Discovery Zone FunCenters or Paramount Parks Paramount Parks was an operator of theme parks and attractions, which annually attracted about 13 million patrons. Viacom had assumed control of the company as part of its acquisition of Paramount Pictures in 1994. locations across the country. With their monthly billing statement, cardholders will find their earned "Blockbuster Bucks" attached to the bottom of the statement. Consumers can earn "Blockbuster Bucks" at a rate of five percent of all net purchases using the card at participating Blockbuster Video, Blockbuster Music, Discovery Zone or Paramount Parks locations, and one percent of the net purchases using the credit card at any Visa merchant acceptance locations worldwide. The benefits come automatically in five-dollar increments attached to the card's monthly statement. There is no need for time-consuming redemption procedures. The Blockbuster Visa card will benefit more than just the consumer. It will also help hungry children here in America because a portion of the proceeds from the card will be donated do·nate v. do·nat·ed, do·nat·ing, do·nates v.tr. To present as a gift to a fund or cause; contribute. v.intr. To make a contribution to a fund or cause. to The End Hunger Network. "The Blockbuster Visa card will expand the number of ways consumers can enjoy the entertainment we offer," Berrard said. "And we're very proud to partner with two institutions like Visa and NationsBank to offer this innovative way of joining entertainment and finance." "NationsBank is excited to form this association with Blockbuster Entertainment and Visa to provide customers with the convenience and value of an entertainment-oriented credit card," said Eileen M. Friars, president of NationsBank Card Services The software support for PC Cards. PC Card applications talk to Card Services. See PC Card. . "This partnership combines the issuing power of NationsBank with the nationwide distribution network of Blockbuster Entertainment and the worldwide acceptance of Visa." "We're pleased that Blockbuster has selected Visa as its brand. As a leader in the entertainment field and with a nationwide customer base, Blockbuster will be a real success story in the co-branded market," said Carl Pascarella, president and chief executive officer of Visa U.S.A. "Two well-known names -- Blockbuster Entertainment and NationsBank -- assure this card will be popular with consumers." Never before has so much entertainment value been given to consumers just for using their credit card. After the first official appearance of the card in television spots airing the night of the Academy Awards on March 27, advertisements featuring Cindy Crawford will continue for the next 14 days. Millions of dollars will be spent on print and broadcast advertising during the campaign. The advertisements were created by D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles of St. Louis and were directed by Bob Giraldi. They were filmed at North Miami Beach North Miami Beach, residential and resort city (1990 pop. 35,359), Dade co., SE Fla., on the Atlantic coast; inc. 1931. It is a major office and retail area. , Fla. Blockbuster Entertainment Group, composed of Blockbuster Video, Blockbuster Music, Blockbuster International, Spelling Entertainment, Discovery Zone FunCenters, Showtime show·time or show time n. 1. The time at which an entertainment, such as the showing of a movie, is scheduled to start. 2. Slang The time at which an activity is to begin. Noun 1. Networks Inc. and Paramount Parks, is a unit of Viacom Inc. Viacom is one of the world's largest entertainment and publishing companies and a leading force in nearly every segment of the international media marketplace. The operations of Viacom also include MTV Networks MTV Networks is a division of media conglomerate Viacom that oversees the operation of many TV network and Internet brands, including the first MTV channel. The company was established in 1984 after Warner Communications and American Express decided to divest the basic cable , Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television Paramount Television (re-incorporated from Desilu Productions) was an American television production/distribution company that was active from December 1967 to May 28, 2006 and was launched under Gulf+Western. , Simon & Schuster Simon & Schuster U.S. publishing company. It was founded in 1924 by Richard L. Simon (1899–1960) and M. Lincoln Schuster (1897–1970), whose initial project, the original crossword-puzzle book, was a best-seller. and Viacom Interactive Media, as well as radio and television stations and movie screens in 11 countries. NationsBank Card Services is the 14th-largest issuer of Visa and MasterCard credit cards, with more than $5.7 billion in outstanding loans. NationsBank is the fourth-largest financial-services company in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , with $170 billion in assets and full-service banking centers in nine states and the District of Columbia District of Columbia, federal district (2000 pop. 572,059, a 5.7% decrease in population since the 1990 census), 69 sq mi (179 sq km), on the east bank of the Potomac River, coextensive with the city of Washington, D.C. (the capital of the United States). . Visa U.S.A. is the largest consumer payment system in the world, with more than 12 million acceptance locations. Visa member financial institutions have issued more than 390 million cards worldwide, including 205.7 million in the United States. Visa also has the leading global ATM network. CONTACT: Rogers & Cowan Inc. Dave Karraker, 310/201-8889 internet: daverandc(at-sign)aol.com or Blockbuster Entertainment Mike Caruso Mike Caruso (born May 27, 1977 in Queens, New York), is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as a shortstop from 1998-1999 and 2002. He currently works as a tax specialist with MetLife in Long Island City, Queens. , 305/832-3199 or NationsBank Jackie Herold, 704/386-8146 or Visa U.S.A. Stephanie Caracristi, 415/432-3372 |
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