Sunnyvale, California — Original web content quickly becoming an essential item for Internet giants. Yahoo is undertaking yet another step toward pushing itself as a content-focused company with the announcement of a new Web series being launched in association with Oscar winning actor and Emmy winning producer, Tom Hanks, as the digital distributor of “Electric City,” an animated science fiction series created by Hanks, in which he is also producing and starring.
Today at the Consumer Electronics Show 2012, the highly-distinguishable voice of Toy Story’s Woody will be heard on a new Yahoo Web series–Hanks will be imparting more insight into this new project which will be appear on Yahoo! by late spring.
The Web series is, dubbed “Electric City,” is the latest animated show which reportedly began as a puppet concept will guide viewers through a virtual world that is the result of some serious environmental and social problems. The science fiction-themed show, set to debut this spring, will be comprised of 20 episodes, at roughly 4 minutes per episodes and will feature a message about energy conservation.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Yahoo’s Executive Vice President, Ross Levinsohn, said that Yahoo intends to develop “not just shows, but real experiences. We are looking to build franchises…”
Electric City, Yahoo’s first original scripted show, will be filmed in a post-apocalyptic world and attempt to take on various social issues. Apart from his producer role on the show, Hanks will also double as the voice of the lead character. Hanks, whose distinct voice of Woody from Pixar’s hit film series Toy Story, is no stranger to playing animated characters. But venturing into the uncertain waters of producing Internet-exclusive content presents a new challenge for the actor/director, and may help push other, often hesitant, Hollywood luminaries to explore tie-ups with Internet brands pioneering the next phase of content distribution.
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These days, many Internet firms outside the the view of the Hollywood sign have been dipping their toes into the sitcom and video content creation industry including YouTube and Netflix. With strong Internet money and a captive audience that is more easily reached and tracked, Internet companies could become the new production houses influencing Hollywood.
Interestingly, Yahoo has been deeply looking into original online entertainment for a few years now, with reality and news roundup shows like “omg! NOW,” “Primetime in No Time,” and “Daily Ticker” helping to drive around 26 million people per month. Thanks to Hank’s involvement in “Electric City,” though, Yahoo thinks the series has the promising future to significantly expand the scope of digital-first series.
“We are focused on providing the best digital canvas for the world’s greatest storytellers to create, develop, and showcase their visions,” said Levinsohn. “’Electric City’ is further proof that we want to set the bar in premium online content and be the global home for groundbreaking ventures from the world’s best-known and next-generation artists.”
Yahoo currently touts 700 million users globally and hosts some original video programs that reach more than 26 million people per month. Electric City will debut as a full-fledged internet series, equipped with interactive features and “social media connectivity.”
In addition to English, “Electric City” will also be available in multiple languages, including Spanish and French. No word on whether this partnership is a one-time deal, or if it makes Hanks and Yahoo bosom buddies.
Further details about this production are expected at the CES conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday.