Edwards(2001) states that webisodes are single push technology episodes. A Webisode can be a preview or promotion of a particular TV show, music video, or other show presented from a Web site using streaming video or other techniques.Webisodes are combinations of the words for "Web", Internet and "Episode" meaning a single segment of a television series. One season of a television series usually comprises 12-14 episodes of approximately 22 mins in length. However, most Webisodes are generally 2-3 mins in length and no specific number of episodes.
Source: (MySpace.com,2009)
According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA),tailoring entertainment and advertising to children is an enormous and growing industry. It is very creative and profitable business out there. One of a famous webisode directed and made for children which is accessible via online and mobile phone distribution is called Tinytown. TinyTown, is a detective show starring kids. The producer of this production, Chris Corbett asserts that TinyTown was first created to have fun, more of a father son bonding relationship.
However, as it grew more popular, it became more of a series of production. More of a testing ground for production as today, people do not really take the idea of kids staring in productions in the lead role seriously. Pitching an idea to somebody and convincing them to accept the idea the way it is and produce is more of a dream come true than reality. Thus, by producing productions via webisodes creates a new platform for producers. It gives them more autonomy and power.
TinyTown's Series main layout
Source: (GoogleImages, 2009)
According to Urban Dictionary (2009), webisodes are a new form of media and are short series that last for a maximum of 90 seconds and one episode lasts for approximately 5 minutes. As the length of an episode is way shorter than a television program, producers also have a tough time scripting it. Webisodes is a current trend that everyone, especially producers wants to follow due to the fact that the production cost is cheaper. It only costs 400-500$ per production compared to a television program and a small production like TinyTown, might venture into something big on television if it catches people's attention.
Webisodes for kids is a great trend as kids today prefer to turn off the television and get hooke don the internet. The internet is a more 'fun' and 'exciting' medium of information and entertainment for them. The reason why webisodes are so effective is that they are personal. The message is taken down to the consumer’s level. People don’t feel like they’re being sold, but a webisode is much more personal. The more they get to know who you are and what you’re all about, the more likely they are to put time and money into your ideas, company, or product. (Advent Creative, 2009)
Is webisodes a good idea for kids?
Still in the nascent stages of an uncertain life, the Webisode has nonetheless become one of the sticking points of the current impasse between the Writers Guild of Australia and the studios and networks. The conundrum: How do you monetize such content in a splintered media universe? And how do you make something worth watching?
The answer?
The potential is appealing. More than 85% of Australia's households are connected to the Internet via broadband, according to Nielsen Media Company, while more than 30% of Web users view live streaming video (such as Webisodes or streaming episodes of television series) and 20% watch saved video files example content downloaded from iTunes or other consumer sites. These numbers will only continue to increase as technology continues to evolve. (Guthrie, 2007)
Some of the famous webisodes made for kids besides Tiny Town are 'New Kids on the Rock' and 'Forever the sickest kids'.
Scene 1 from 'New Kids on the rock'
Source: (YouTube.com, 2009)
Another example will the 'Forever the sickest kids video'
Scene 1 from 'Forever the sickest kids'
Source:(YouTube, 2009)
If you want to take the internet further, blurring the lines between information access and entertainment? Then, Webisodes is the way to do it.
References
Advant Creative 2009, 10 keys to creating a successful webisode, viewed 11 June 2009,
<http://www.adventcreative.com/10-keys-to-creating-a-successful-webisode>
Edwards, K 2007, What is webisode?, viewed 12 June 2009,
<http://searchsoa.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci213348,00.html>
Guthrie, M 2007, What’s a Webisode Worth?, viewed 13 June 2009,
<http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/111311-What_s_a_Webisode_Worth_.php>
Urban Dictionary 2009, Webisodes, viewed 14 June 2009,
<www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=webisode>
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