• by Fern Siegel , June 10, 2009

Turner Classic Movies, which turned 15 this year, may showcase beloved films, but it knows the importance of high-tech connections. To heighten viewer interest, TCM has launched a social network, the TCM Classic Film Union, to link fans online. 

Like other social nets, fans can construct personal profiles and link to friends; the difference is the targeted appeal. The site -- tcm.com/fan -- offers ways to express film preferences. The Classic Film Union supplies information in various categories, including Most Popular Films, Most Popular Stars, Latest Photos, Latest Videos.

"TCM has long been a forum for these fans, but this new fan community takes it to the next level," says Molly Battin, senior vice president of brand development and digital platforms for TCM, TBS and TNT.

Using the networks' database, TCM has added more than 1 million people, including actors, directors, and producers, plus thousands of films. Users can add these links to their profiles.

While the TCM Classic Film Union is in its infancy, early adopters have built extensive profiles. Some users have posted rare photos and video clips. Others create blogs, the "Citizen's Manifesto," to discuss specific genres such as comedy or film noir -- or dive into detailed discussions of particular celebrities, from Bette Davis to Humphrey Bogart to Mr. Moto.

"The great thing about this new community is that it lets fans get together in ways that have never been possible before," says Richard Steiner, vice president of digital platforms for TCM.

Turner Classic Movies is a commercial-free, Peabody Award-winning network seen in more than 80 million homes. It has one of the largest film libraries in the world. In addition to regular programming, TCM offers original documentaries and specials.

TCM, part of Time Warner, also produces books and DVDs, along with a treasure trove of cinema information at its Web site: www.tcm.com.