The surprisingly successful UK webseries KateModern has a cool idea for their finale. They are releasing one new episode every hour, on the hour, for twelve consequtive hours.
From Mashable:
“The program’s following has been an extensive one. Its production company, EQAL, claims for KateModern an average weekly viewership of about 1m, surpassing the popularity of virtually all other original Web-based programs, including LonelyGirl15, a show also produced by EQAL.”
It’s nice to see a show actually making a bit of an impact, even if it is in the UK. I also like seeing new approaches to releases schedules and how to build excitement online.
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Just watched the first two episodes of a new webseries out of Montreal called Take Me Back (via Neatorama)
The key elements of note are very nice production value and a complete lack of schticky humor. In the first two episodes we meet a young guy who is followed and the kidnapped by a masked man who then seems to take over the life of the protagonist.
Although this is not the sort of breakthrough series I keep hoping to see, it definitely continues to raise the bar in terms of mature storytelling and solid filmmaking. It feels far more compelling and sophisticated than things like Kate Modern or The All-For-Nots.
Looking forward to the next episode.
The latest news on the significant webseries front is that some folks are spinning off from the UK Bebo webseries Kate Modern to launch a new Brit-set webseries for MySpace.
“Big Balls Films and Pete Gibbons will make a pilot of the UK-set I Love Chieftown drama this month, with a full 60-”webisode” series launching in mid-September.
The drama will be based in east London and follow lead character Jamie, an aspiring filmmaker, as she follows an up-and-coming band and its journey to make it big.” (via)
Well, it sure does sound a bit like The All-For-Nots, Vuguru’s followup to Prom Queen from the makers of The Burg. It is also another example of trying to find an excuse for the camera – something I think we are ready to move beyond in terms of webseries. Everyone doesn’t have to either speak into a webcam or cameraphone.
Still, it sounds like a pretty big production with a 60-episode order. I’ll certainly be checking it out.
Tags: all-for-nots, bebo, burg, chieftown, kate modern, katemodern, lg15, lonelygirl15, myspace, myspacetv, prom queen, vuguru
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April 15, 2008 2:14 pm | 
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KateModern, a spinoff of LonelyGirl15, has just lined up Toyota for some sponsorship/product placement.
“Bebo’s leading online drama KateModern which averages 1.5 million views per week, will be filming 7 episodes in 3 cities featuring a special brand integration with Aygo Platinum by Toyota.
Next week, fans of the show will be able to come and witness KateModern being filmed as a piece of live street theatre in locations across the UK. These special episodes will be aided by Toyota, who are providing the wheels to take the cast and crew to Manchester on the 19th February, Edinburgh on the 20th, and Leeds on the 21st. The Aygo will also be featured in next week’s story which will air on Bebo from Monday February 25th for seven days.*”
You can read the whole press release here.
This isn’t huge news but it will be interesting to see how this integration is carried out – whether or not it will strike a viable balance between promotion and entertainment.
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