When United Talent Agency and Spot Runner announced their joint digital production studio last July, we expected the then nascent 60 Frames to really engage top-tier Hollywood talent. So far, with few exceptions, they haven’t delivered.
Today that may have changed. NBC Universal Digital Studio and 60 Frames have partnered on an “innovative new business model” that will engage brands “from the start” for more meaningful integration.
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It was indeed innovative when companies like Vuguru, NextNewNetworks, Revision3 and ForYourImagination developed this sort of deep brand integration but, today, it’s more like an industry standard.
Platitudes aside, an NBC-60Frames partnership will be a formidable force in further shaping the landscape of professional entertainment on the web.
“NBC Universal is uniquely positioned to be able to bring top-tier talent together with world-class distribution for brands in new and unique ways,” said Cameron Death, Vice President, NBC Universal Digital Studio. “This first slate of programming provides a unique outlet for our top-tier creative partners to marry their ability to tell great stories with brands’ desires to align with world-class content in new and innovative ways.”
Indeed, the NBC brand will help legitimize the medium and bring more top talent to the web. The initial slate includes work from Scott Z. Burns (“The Bourne Ultimatum”), Tom Fontana (“OZ,” “Homicide”) and John August (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Big Fish”)
Lets hope they recognize, and innovate with, the distinguishable value of new media, instead of simply creating shorter TV for it’s bastard stepchild.
Here’s some more info about the shows of the initial slate…
“Loving Larry” – A determined group of twenty-something misfits seek to change their luck with the ladies by creating a fake Bachelor-style reality show. When their phony casting call results in scores of gorgeous women lined up down the block, the lovable losers ignore their lack of resources, money and know-how, and actually try to pull it off. But when Larry, the fake “Bachelor,” legitimately falls for a contestant, he must untangle himself from his web of lies and try to win her heart, this time with the truth. This series is a 60Frames Entertainment Production.
“Love At First Sight & Other Dangers” – Writer/Director Scott Burns (“The Bourne Ultimatum”) brings to life a double-sided look at love in these modern-day vignettes that demonstrate how love can be comedic, dramatic and sometimes even surreal. Whether it’s catching up with an old flame or sparking up a new one, desire, pain and pleasure are all bound together in the mystery we call love. 60Frames financed and released two original episodes, and is working with the NBC Universal Digital Studio to extend the series.
“Mr. Miss Teen U.S.A.” – An inexperienced, yet sexually obsessed 18 year-old wins a sexual discrimination lawsuit, allowing him to enter the Miss Teen USA Pageant, with one thing on his mind. But with angry stage parents, jealous contestants and an evil host who’s conspiring against him, getting lucky with the ladies won’t be as easy as he thought. This series is a 60Frames Entertainment Production.
“Four Corners” – Scattered to the extreme corners of the country, four teams of four compete in challenges, decipher clues and engage in a battle of wits as they race to the center of the United States. Teams travel through small towns and big cities, engaging with colorful locals and enlisting the help of ‘virtual’ teammates who have signed up online. The first team to arrive at the final destination, having completed all of their tasks and challenges, wins a coveted prize package and bragging rights. This series is an NBC Universal Digital Studio production.
“True Story” – A documentary series featuring eccentric individuals and their unconventional lifestyles. From an 80 year-old punk rocker to a tango-dancing witch, these unique characters let us explore worlds we have never known and inspire us to embrace our own individuality. This series is an NBC Universal Digital Studio production.
“Men With Guns: The Assassins” – A virtuous assassin plays by his own rules while setting his sights on the villains of society. Writer/Producer Tom Fontana (creator, “OZ,” “Homicide”) brings to life the gritty story of a high-end, principled assassin amidst a backdrop of glamour, money and power. In this corrupt world of fraudulent politicians, dirty cops and compromised businessmen …nobody is what they seem. This series is a 60Frames Entertainment Production.
“The Remnants” – From Writer/Director/Producer John August (“Big Fish,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Charlie’s Angels”) comes the quirky and comedic story of a group of friends who search for answers and survival, upon realizing they are some of society’s last living inhabitants in post-something Los Angeles. This series is a 60Frames Entertainment Production.
