The Stage

MySpace launches new online drama series

Published Thursday 23 April 2009 at 15:37 by Matthew Hemley

Social networking site MySpace UK is to launch a new online drama series called Freak.

The drama is being made by FremantleMedia and will launch on MySpace UK this summer, with sponsorship from Red Bull and Tampax.

Developed by FMX, FremantleMedia’s new media division, Freak will have its own MySpace profile, which will host two episodes of the drama a week for 13 weeks.

The show’s characters will also have their own profiles, where other interactive content will be made available.

Freak has been described by FremantleMedia as an “edgy, teenage coming-of-age story”, which will allow MySpace users to become involved in the creative process by choosing the music and helping to shape the storyline.

Anthony Lukom, MySpace UK managing director, said: “This is an incredibly exciting new format, which puts our users in the driving seat more than ever before. The way they can get involved with every element of the series, both in creation and with the storyline, is incredibly powerful. FremantleMedia has a great reputation for producing quality, innovative content and we’re thrilled to be working with them on Freak.”

Meanwhile, writer, actor and director Chris Jury, whose credits include EastEnders and Lovejoy, is to direct a new internet soap opera, called Liquid Soap.

Liquid Soap is being made by students at Bath Spa University, with support from professionals in the film and television industry, and will be shown in five-minute episodes, with a new episode being released every fortnight during term.

There will be fifteen episodes produced each year for the next five years, and the sitcom will provide a project for Bath Spa University’s screenwriting, performing arts and broadcast media students to work on.