Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Quarterlife

Here's an interesting (and predicted by some) result of the Writers Guild WGA strike:
Quaterlife which has been playing on myspace.com will be airing on NBC. (source Variety)

Old media is looking to new media for its content. The producers of Quarterlife were already well connected (they produced Thirty-something, but it's the beginning of the future: Test your series on the internet before greenlighting it. Or better yet, pick your series from already successful internet shows. The internet is an online contest.

Yes it's not the first new media to old media transition, but it's the first (that I know of) where they're using the same footage. Previous risers I can think of: Undercover Brother (online comic -> feature film) and Adam Sandberg (SNL) was an internet discovery.

Also, yes, this post makes the assumption that old media is better than new media... well, let's just say it pays better for now.

OOOps. It was an ABC pilot that got demoted to internet serial and then reinstated as a tv series at NBC.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Where did you find the information about Quarterlife being demoted to internet serial from an ABC pilot? I have to agree that it is the way of the future for looking for new content, it gives networks the ability to test the quality of the show for free. It could have been propelled from the writers strike that prompted NBC to invest in Quarterlife but it definitely stands as proof that networks are not hesitating to find new material. I am working for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as even they are jumping on board to, giving all Broadband Distributed Content Primetime Emmy consideration. That says a lot about the online video industry as it continues to improve, and become more prominent in our everyday lives, check out the Emmy website for more info at http://www.emmys.com ! For the first time, the creators of online content will have the opportunity to be rewarded for paving the way of the future in online television. How do you feel about it, do you think shows like Quarterlife deserve an Emmy?

cycad said...

Sorry, Gina. I can't remember where I read the thing about Quarterlife on ABC, but I think it was Variety. I'll try to be better about that in the future.

As for the Emmy's? My immediate reaction is that it seems a little early for that. But that's certainly the kind of validation that will speed up mainstream acceptance.

The eligibility document is a little vague:
"if it falls within the genre of
programming traditionally eligible for Primetime Emmy® Awards, namely drama, comedy, variety/musical
shows, “long form” including mini-series, made-for-television movies, reality shows, nonfiction filmmaking
and primetime animation."

...Doesn't say much about show length, season reliability, etc.

I mean, would something like Kirby Ferguson's "Goodie Bag" qualify for variety/musical?

(speaking of which, I better post something about him)