Zhu Zhu Pets Creators Speak at Webster University April 29

Webster’s School of Communications wraps up its spring speaker series, April 29, with “Creating Zhu Zhu,” a presentation about the popular children’s toy, by Russell Hornsby, founder of Cepia LLC, and James Landro, Webster alumnus, and director, writer and producer. The presentation begins at noon in Webster’s University Center Sunnen Lounge and is free and open to the public.

Zhu Zhu Pets were the hottest selling toys this past holiday season and recently won “Toy of the Year” by the Toy Industry Association. Zhu Zhu Pets were developed by Hornsby and promoted by Landro. “The best alternatives to real live hamsters,” reads the company website, “Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters don’t poop, die, or stink, but they are still a riot of motion and sound.” Hornsby and Landro’s presentation will oultine how a toy goes from concept to product.

Landro received his Webster University degree in film and video production and worked on a variety of product licenses including Pokemon, Godzilla, Voltron, the Powerpuff Grils and other Cartoon Network properties. Landro’s company, Pulltab Productions, is responsible for the Zhu Zhu Pets television commercial which played heavily in major markets across the country, piquing consumer interest and driving sales.

For more information please contact Christine Wells Eason, director, Media Relations, Webster University, at (314) 968-5976 or eason@webster.edu, or Maria Quinlan, graduate assistant, Webster University School of Communications, at (314) 246-4238 or mariaquinlan74@webster.edu.

School of Communications

For more than 25 years, Webster University’s School of Communications (SOC) has offered an exceptional media communications education to thousands of undergraduate and graduate students interested in a hands-on approach to learning. Students receive a reality-based view of their future professions because classes are taught by accomplished professionals and feature state-of-the art equipment. The SOC houses two academic departments the Communications & Journalism and Electronic & Photographic Media departments. The School features well-seasoned faculty from the entire spectrum of the media communications field including broadcast and print journalism, film, video and audio production, interactive media, photography, oral communications, advertising, marketing communications, public relations, script writing and media literacy.

Webster University

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities.

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