MySpace and Sony inflict TV classics on unsuspecting Generation Y
By John Pospisil
Generation Y be scared, be very, very scared. You may have escaped Different Strokes, Partridge Family and Silver Spoons when they first aired, but now MySpace and Sony have conspired to inflict on you mini episodes from these and other so called “hit TV shows”.
“Wha’choo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”
The Minisode Networt features a selection of episodes from “hit” TV shows from the Sony Pictures Television library that have been pared down for the Internet audience. Each minisode is three to five minutes in length, and retains the full story arc of the original episode.
“Now MySpace users can discover classic TV shows in a stylized, modern format,” said Chris DeWolfe, CEO of MySpace. “Teaming with Sony to debut The Minisode Network exclusively on MySpace gives our millions of users yet another reason to make MySpace Video a daily destination.”
Given the nature of the content, MySpace has decided to take a slightly tongue-in-cheek approach to the The Minisode Network. Consider this description of the classic “Goodbye Dolly” episode from Different Strokes:
“Arnold loses his favorite doll and finds himself unable to sleep, but capable of cracking one-liners that get disproportionate applause from the studio audience. Mr. Drummond hires a private detective at $200 a day to track down the doll. But will he find it? You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. You’ll spill frogurt on your acid wash jeans.”
The Minisode Network has launched with three episodes each from 15 series, including: Partridge Family, Starsky & Hutch, TJ Hooker, Charlie’s Angels, Diff’rent Strokes, Facts of Life, Silver Spoons, Who’s the Boss?, What’s Happening!!, Dilbert, Sheena, Fantasy Island, Police Woman, VIP and Ricki Lake.”
MySpace says it will add new minisodes weekly, and it plans to have more than 500 episodes available by the end of the year.
“We are thrilled to be launching The Minisode Network, which will bring some of America’s favorite television shows to a whole new audience in an interesting new format that’s perfect for digital platforms,” said Steve Mosko, President, Sony Pictures Television.
“We’ve come up with an innovative formula to create quality short-form programming, showcasing the best of our extensive library.”
Honda has signed on as The Minisode Network’s exclusive launch sponsor, featuring their bite-sized wonder, the new Fit car.
You can check out the minisodes at http://www.myspace.com/minisodenetwork.
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