‘Inside’ Brings Emmy Rossum, Interactivity to New Level

What would you do if you found yourself trapped in a room with only your Facebook friends to help you? Such is the premise of a new social interactive experience starting July 25th.

Inside, which is billed by its producers as “the first interactive social horror film experience” is directed by former, Steven Spielberg protégé, DJ Caruso (Eagle Eye, Disturbia) and stars Emmy Rossum (Shameless) as a girl trapped in a prison like room, yet somehow is still equipped with a Toshiba laptop. Not surprisingly, the project is sponsored by Intel and Toshiba. Through social media she enlists her friends (the audience) in helping her plan her moves and plot her escape.

The Inside experience begins July 25th, with short clips posted online. The audience will be able to tweet clues, post advice to her Facebook wall or simply comment via YouTube. The editing team will then select the best tweets or comments and integrate them into the final film. For those wishing to make the cut, good commenting is a must; chances are the Internet stalwart, “show us your bweebs” will not make the cut.

Christina is a tough, resilient, 24-year old girl. She’s been trapped in a room. She has a laptop. And she needs your help to get out.

In addition to interaction through social media outlets, the producers are holding an open casting call where interested parties are invited to submit a video audition for a possible role in the film. The chosen participant will appear in the project on video and play a critical role in the production. The deadline for submissions is this week. For more information including submission guidelines visit the film’s website

Audience participation has been a hallmark of web series since the beginning all be it with mixed results. The need to balance the audience interaction is paramount. If the audience has too much leeway, reaching the predetermined story resolution can be difficult; however, if there is merely token interaction or if the outcome is set regardless of audience direction, sometimes called interfaktivity, the audience can quickly become disillusioned.

The experience debuts July 25 and runs through Aug. 4. Those who wish to participate may do so on the project’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages. The finished film will be available online starting Aug. 14. How well the producers accomplish the interactivity remains to be seen; however, given the A-list talent and a healthy budget thanks to Intel and Toshiba, Inside has a great deal of potential.