• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, May 11, 2006

Has Hyundai found a dream marketing environment? The automaker has signed on to sponsor TNT's commercial-free premiere of limited series "Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King."

The multi-part deal gives Hyundai exposure in promotions leading up to the premiere on July 12, including on-air spots and a national print campaign. The eight-episode series will run for four weeks.

"Nightmares" is one of three TNT series set to premiere this summer sans commercials. Audi will sponsor the second-season debut of "The Closer," while Dodge and Quiznos are on board for the premiere of new drama "Saved."

Linking with commercial-free episodes may emerge as a DVR-proof platform for marketers to get their messages across.

Hyundai and AutoTrader.com will both serve as advertisers for the full season of "Nightmares," and will receive added exposure on the series' broadband presence on tnt.tv. AutoTrader.com will also operate a sweepstakes housed on the TNT site.