(1 April 2009 2:15 pm)

MUMBAI: Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE), part of US media conglomerate Viacom, and European film production and distribution company Gaumont have announced the development of Section 8.

This is an interactive web series and will be distributed in the US by MySpace.

Endemol will handle worldwide distribution, product integration and brand partnerships.

The new show followes the successful digital release of Jackass 2.5. This was the first studio-backed feature film to be offered online. Section 8 is an interactive short-form serial thriller set to introduce online audiences to an online entertainment experience that engages them in character and plot development never-before-seen on the Web.

Featuring an ill-fated cast of characters, the supernatural thriller will take audiences through a spine-tingling journey as personal dramas are revealed. Throughout the short-form series, each character will face a moment of jeopardy, leaving only one survivor.

In a media twist, audiences are invited to guess the solution to the cryptic back-story using customised interactive experiences situated in and around the series. When collected together, the series will be redistributed as a full-length
feature.

MySpace will be the exclusive hub for Section 8 allowing its audience in the US the opportunity to view, share and uniquely interact with this thriller. In addition to finding character descriptions, episode discussions and behind-the-scenes content, users will be able to embed each episode on their MySpace profile pages.

PDE president Thomas Lesinski says, "PDE is continuing its commitment to developing high quality original content for web audiences. For Section 8, Paramount has partnered with top producers and distributors to develop a compelling interactive story on a unique platform that will engage audiences like never before."

Gaumont CEO Christophe Riandee adds, "Our partnership with PDE is an important next step in Gaumont's production strategies. We are constantly looking for new platforms to deliver quality content to a global audience."

Endemol global head of digital Adam Valkin says, "Section 8 sets a new standard of theatrical quality for an online production. The innovation and creativity that has been invested in the project will make this a unique opportunity for our digital and brand partners".

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