The term ‘webisode’ is a new one heard around the world in the last decade. It’s a brief few minutes of a small aspect of a bigger story that is ‘television’. Appearing in the late 1990’s webisodes have escalated to being a new popular way to draw in viewers and buyers of television shows. Shows like the ‘Walking Dead’, ‘True Blood’, ‘Dexter’, ‘Offspring’ etc. are all making the jump to online content. Like Max Dawson’s Essay Television’s Aesthetic of Efficiency: Convergence Television and the Digital Short says, “a four minute webisode is not a waste of time, but rather a marvel of efficiency.” The reason being is that it gives the viewer a deeper look into the intriguing story world of that particular show. Say if you wanted to learn more about what goes on with the nursing staff of Australia’s popular show Offspring you can go online to Channel TEN’s website and view short clips (webisodes) of the untold stories of the nursing station. It’s basically a fan’s greatest place to be. It enables you to get a closer connection to your favourite characters and allows viewer ratings to rise. What’s more is the potential for the development of further webisodes with great creative thinkers. There is even the prospect of films creating webisodes to deepen the intricacy of their storylines. I suppose it would be another take on deleted or extended scenes, or what George Lucas has a habit of doing with the star wars saga; adding new scenes to the films every year or so with new editions. Right now we are even seeing video games making the leap to webisodes.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is an ever growing gaming saga. First released in November 2007 it is now about to release its fifth instalment. The game franchise has done so well due to the intricate story lines that it is capable of creating like its opening quote states “Inspired by historical events and characters, this work of fiction was designed, developed and produced by a multicultural team of various religious faiths and beliefs.”Along with minor games for PSP, tablets etc; novels (graphic and other) it only seems natural that the franchise has released a three part webisode. Relating to Assassin’s Creed II, ‘Lineage’ is the prequel to the Assassin’s Creed II story, revealing the manoeuvrings of 15th century Italy through the actions of Ezio’s (A main protagonist of the game) father, Giovanni. The filming of this is well done. It is well set out and feels just like the game itself. Releasing this around the time of the actual game is a talented way of promoting the game and persuading people to buy it. It also sways the possibility of there one day being a film or even a television show. If it were done by just a fan it would not have been well received but because Ubisoft themselves released it there was an increase in popularity. Webisodes like this demonstrate the successfulness they can make to boost viewer numbers of a show/film/game, along with allowing writers, actors etc. to spread their wings and create something well worth the watch.
Film and Television Appreciation 