Webisodes

An emerging form of story telling that blends short story with commercial called 'webisodes' are about to take off and with the support of some pretty big names in entertainment. While YouTube darlings Darth Vader Day Manager and Lonelygirl were DIY endeavors produced by fans and auteurs, new shows like Gemini Division are produced with the support of major name actors and production companies (in this case, Rosario Dawson and NBC).

Interesting for a couple of reasons. First, it is another example of entertainment becoming more interactive. Part of the appeal of Gemini Division will be a role for the viewer. Texts and emails direct fans on missions that have an impact on the serial's storyline and characters. Yes, we have seen this before. Abrahms did it with lost and recently on this blog you saw how Trent Reznor incorporated a science fiction theme into a recent tour. The difference this time is that while in the case of Abrahms' Lost and Reznor's tour back story, which served as a backdrop to an external story line, Gemini Division actually involves the viewers in the primary storyline.

The second reason that this is interesting is that GD looks really cool. A cross between Sin City/Blade Runner and the 40's Buck Rodgers movie serials GD could be the break out hit that NBC and other major media outlets are looking for to take the YouTube generation to the next logical step. The moment we keep hearing about where online storytelling begins to eclipse traditional TV based nightly entertainment could be upon us on August 18 when GD premiers.

More on the making of GD can be found here. For now, enjoy the trailer. More on this once Gemini drops!