I, and many others, have been looking forward to (and thinking about creating) a multi-platform immersive comedy for a while. Well, NBC will be doing it soon:
NBC Digital Entertainment today [May 14] announced the second season of its pioneering interactive entertainment. Continuing to set the standard for broadcast network digital entertainment, this fall, NBC Digital Entertainment will introduce the follow up to the cutting-edge “360” realization of “Heroes,” with the first fully-immersive digital comedy experience – “The Office 360.” In addition, all new NBC Entertainment programming will launch with extensive digital features, all returning shows will considerably expand their digital offerings and the web-exclusive series, “Coastal Dreams” will launch in the fall. The announcements were made by Jeff Gaspin, President NBC Universal Cable and Digital Content.
“We are fortunate to be working with some incredibly talented executive producers who share a common goal with us – to give the fans the best possible entertainment experience that continues after the broadcast ends,” said Gaspin. “Through these innovative collaborations, we are allowing our users to interact with their favorite shows on a deeper level, and are providing full immersion in our content.”
Beginning this fall, viewers will be invited to experience “The Office” in a whole new way. There will be a multitude of interactive features, one of which will encourage users to “work for” Dunder-Mifflin. Recruits will be asked to create their own branches and complete weekly corporate tasks. Local “branches” which successfully complete tasks may be integrated into an on air episode of the show. Additional content will be made available on many platforms, including interaction with unique mobile content, a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) site and significantly increased original content on NBC.com.
Heroes 360 will continue as well:
Season Two of the ground-breaking “Heroes 360” will build upon this season’s successful rollout of original graphic novel chapters and character back-stories, the Primatech Paper web and WAP sites, HRG’s files, Suresh’s research, Linderman’s Casino site and Private Archives and the Yamagato Fellowship site. The next chapter of “Heroes 360” will continue to expand the online “Heroes” universe as current characters evolve and new characters arrive. Fans will uncover new sites and new communications that enlist their help in the ongoing battle of good versus evil.
And lots more online offerings for other shows as well:
In addition to the new and unique content, this fall NBC.com will host “virtual tours” of every show set, which will let users explore their favorite sets and see how production puts it all together to create a distinct environment. Also, NBC.com will let users walk in the shoes of a high-powered talent agent with its new NBC Fantasy Talent Scout. Fans can register to gain access to three top “casting agencies” to create their own dream team of NBC talent. When any of their stars perform a trademark phrase or action, the online “agent” earns commission in the form of points. Top “agents” are entered to win a weekly cash prize.
This fall, NBC.com is also introducing MyNBC which will allow users to create community, interact and engage their favorite content, all of which will create a much more robust and rewarding entertainment experience.
This is so good to see. I think there are two (among other) reasons why NBC are doing this: 1) they have worked out the economic viability of the expansions; 2) they have people who can create (produce, write etc) in a transmedia way. In my opinion, it is the emergence of transmedia-native and successful reskilling of mono-media creators that will drive the next wave of multi-platform entertainment forms. Wohooooooo!