MTV Unveils 'The Dropout Chronicles'  By Sherri
- (0) comments  May 08, 2007
 With more than 1 million American students dropping out of high school each year, the problem has reached epidemic proportions. MTV is trying to help lessen those numbers. It intends to do so a number of ways, but one might be of particular interest to TV and film fans. "The Dropout Chronicles," an MTV documentary will debut May 9 on MTV2 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT with a sneak peek on MTV at 2 p.m. that day, as well. The documentary follows three individuals, "facing unique obstacles and all on the brink of walking away from their high school diplomas. "Sean, from Miami, finds school boring and often cuts class, but wants to make his father proud and become the first male in his family to graduate high school. Glendy, of the Bronx, has already been held back a year and faces a daunting daily commute just to get to school. Maxine, from San Diego, is only one exam away from her diploma…or so she thinks. Only one will graduate." It's not 100 percent clear whether this documentary will make it into the online viewing arena, but it's one that's important enough it should. In addition to the documentary, MTV also intends to take part in the National Summit on America's Silent Epidemic in Washington, D.C., May 9. If this one makes it online, I'll let you know. Related: Shakira Webisode On MTV.Com‘Andy Milonakis’ Debuts Free OnlineLabels: documentary, dropout chronicles, mtv, mtv2
EA Aims To Change Online TV By Sherri
- (0) comments April 16, 2007
 Electronic Arts has announced a rather interesting partnership with the Endemol group that would seek to marry television and video games in a hybrid creation. The Virtual Me, as its being billed, will bridge "the divide between traditional TV and videogames." This brand new production is being created to debut during the next "Big Brother" round. According to the EA media release, "Virtual Me combines cutting edge avatar creation technology from EA with popular TV formats from Endemol to give consumers a breakthrough way to meet, compete and socialize in online digital worlds. Avatar creation takes a leap forward with a high performing, easy-to-use tool that creates astonishingly life-like cyber-clones, with uniquely customized appearances and identities." While using the Virtual Me, gamers or viewers, if you will, will be able to participate in virtual versions of hit shows, such as "Deal or No Deal," "Fame Academy" and more. The web site, VirtualMe.com, is expected to go live in the coming months. Peter Bazalgette, Chief Creative Officer, Endemol, is quoted as saying, "We’re told that people are starting to spend more time online than they are watching TV. Both markets are now important and this has huge implications for content creators. Our opportunity with Electronic Arts is to develop ideas that fully embrace the way people are consuming entertainment today.” This does sound a whole lot like the Wii Mii or even MTV's virtual games on steroids, but with EA behind the wheel the result should be interesting to say the least. Related: "Big Brother All-Stars" 24 Hour Live FeedWii Will Change Online TVLabels: big brother, ea games, electronic arts, mtv, online tv
‘Road Rules’ Voting Made Easy By Sherri
- (1) comments March 28, 2007
As the competition on MTV’s “Road Rules” heats up, fans have a place to turn for quick way to vote for their least favorites. A new widget is out thanks to Wired Set that can be accessed here. The widget just makes it a little easier for fans to access the voting, espeically during peak times. Following tonight’s “Road Rules” fans can hit the site to register their votes for who goes from the Pit Crew to the Elimination Pit. The show airs at 10:30 p.m. EST on MTV. The above clip features a look at the action in the Pit Battle between Dan and Derek. Check out more about “Road Rules” on MTV.com. Related: ‘Andy Milonakis’ Debuts Free OnlineNick Cannon Returns With ‘Short Circuitz’Labels: mtv, pit crew, road rules, road rules voting
‘Andy Milonakis’ Debuts Free Online By Sherri
- (0) comments March 22, 2007
MTV is testing the online waters even more this week as it premieres the new season of the “Andy Milonakis Show” via iTunes. The entire season is available right now and that’s just the beginning for the digital roll out for the comedy. The iTunes premiere runs this week, but starting the week of March 27 individual episodes will be available on Unbox, AOL Video, MTV2.com, Wal-Mart Video, Xbox Live Marketplace and MTV’s own vehicles. The show debuts on the air on MTV2 April 27, so this roll out is quite a bit in advance. “Our audience is spending as much time on the internet, their mobile phones and with video games as watching TV and they want to be able to control how, when and on which platforms they can access and watch the programming and content they love,” said MTV exec Brian Graden in a media release. “Because The Andy Milonakis Show was born from the internet, we felt that it was the perfect vehicle to experiment with a new distribution strategy in which we premiere an entire season of a returning series via digital outlets prior to its on-air debut. This strategy allows us to reach as many viewers as possible to view this show on the platforms that they choose.” Sounds like a very cool way to kick off season three. The cost for the episodes varies from location to location. The first episode is free right now on iTunes and will go up to standard pricing before too much longer. The entire season is $9.99. To check out more about the show, visit the official site. Related: Nick Cannon Returns With ‘Short Circuitz’Hilary Duff Promotion On MTV Shakira Webisode On MTV.ComLabels: andy milonakis, mtv, mtv.com, mtv2, online tv
Nick Cannon Returns With ‘Short Circuitz’ By Sherri
- (0) comments March 21, 2007
 Comedian Nick Cannon is teaming up with MTV to debut a new series April 5 at 9:30 p.m. EST. “Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz” will include eight episodes featuring Cannon and a host of guests, including Eliza Coupe, Leonard Robinson, Mikey Day and Affion Crockett. Appearances from Lil Jon, Nas and Snoop Dogg, among others, are also planned. According to the official release, “Nick and his uber-talented comedy crew notoriously parody everything from rappers who band together for a common cause, "R.A.C.S" (Rappers Against Child Support); Judge Mo Dolla$ (played by Katt Williams), a pimped out judge who's the star of his wacky courtroom; and celebrity guests adding to the fun, such as Ice-T explaining the virtues of his newest invention “Ice-Tivo”. Cannon’s first MTV collaboration “Wild N Out” is in production for its fourth season. Fans who want to check out “Short Circuitz” before its debut, can get an exclusive sneak peek online at mtv.com. The pre-show online features Cannon explaining the show and introducing cast members. Once the show debuts, MTV Mobile video will offer clips and full episodes. Related: Hilary Duff Promotion On MTVMTV’s ‘True Life’ Focuses On AutismLabels: mtv, mtv.com, nick cannon, short circuitz
Hilary Duff Promotion On MTV By Sherri
- (0) comments March 15, 2007
 MTV is pulling out all the stops for the April 3 release of Hilary Duff’s new album “Dignity.” Taking full advantage of all its available platforms, the network intends to load up the airwaves, Internet and more with Duff, the Disney star turned rocker. To celebrate the release of “Dignity,” MTV will premiere “Hilary Duff: This Is Now,” which features two half-hour documentaries, April 2 and April 9 at 9:30 p.m. EST. The network is also offering Duff fans a chance to listen to the entire album before its release on MTV.com. This promotion will arrive on March 27. Meanwhile, MTV Mobile will feature full versions and clips of both specials for 30 days after the shows’ premiere. This could turn out to be a brilliant cross-platform promotion, or it might just overload fans with too much Duff. Knowing a few big Hilary fans, however, it’s my guess this multi-media presentation will be a bit hit. This isn't the first time MTV has gone all out to promote a new release or a documentary. Shikra was the last recipient of the royal MTV treatment. Related: MTV’s ‘True Life’ Focuses On AutismShakira Webisode On MTV.ComLabels: disney, hilary duff, mtv, mtv.com
MTV’s ‘True Life’ Focuses On Autism By Sherri
- (15) comments March 14, 2007
Autism is a silent epidemic that has many children and families suffering alone. With an estimated 1 in 150 people now being diagnosed with the neurological disorder, the silence can no longer be tolerated. Thanks to the efforts of autism awareness, fundraising and research supporting agencies like Autism Speaks, the condition is starting to get the mainstream recognition it desperately needs to increase demands for research and treatment. But as strong as the educational effort has been, many still know very little about this condition. Enter MTV. The network is focusing some of its attention on showing what it’s like to live with autism. The condition has many different presentations. Symptoms can range from very mild to severe, which is why patients are said to fall on a spectrum. Autism is characterized by communication impairments, rigid routines and repetitive behaviors. “True Life: I Have Autism” will feature three teenagers that fall on different parts of the spectrum. The first person point of view show will feature Elijah, Jeremy and Jonathan as they tell their stories. Viewers will learn about an aspiring comedian, an artist and a teen that just wants a regular birthday party. The episode debuts March 18 at 9 p.m. EST. It’s my hope it will make it in its entirety on the MTV.com site as it could be a real eye-opener for those who are unaware of autism and the demands it puts on not only those who suffer from the condition, but also their families. Related: MTV Overdrive Speeds UpMTV Flux Launches in the UK Labels: autism, mtv, mtv.com, true life
MTV, Yahoo! Movies Team Up For Awards By Sherri
- (1) comments March 12, 2007
MTV wants viewers to get into the 2007 MTV Movie Awards in a big way. The network has teamed up with Yahoo! Movies and Mark Burnett Productions to create an interactive experience that’s different than anything else. “This year, fans will be given the chance to realize their dreams of standing on stage at the ‘2007 MTV Movie Awards’ to accept the legendary golden bucket of popcorn in front of Hollywood’s movers and shakers. Through ‘MTV Movie Awards on Yahoo!,’ aspiring filmmakers will be offered the platform to showcase their twisted genius and story-telling talent.” To accomplish this, a new interactive site will be launched April 23 that will allow fans to submit their own original movie shorts that parody films from the past year. A winner will be announced in the Best Movie Spoof category during the June 3 broadcast of the awards. In addition to the movie spoof award, the trio are developing a portion of this new site where viewers can create their own interactive community, posting photos and videos. Selected content from the site will appear on the awards show’s World Wide Web Wall. “How many of us have seen a movie and thought, ‘I could produce something better, something funnier, something cooler?’” said Christina Norman, president of MTV, in a media release. “MTV and Yahoo! Movies attract the world’s most creative minds and we know that somewhere out there is an imaginative filmmaker with a fresh take on today’s movies. Together, we’re giving them a chance to share their inspiring, weird or hilarious work and reward their personal sacrifices and countless hours of filming and editing with … a cheesy bucket of gold-plated popcorn.” Aspiring moviemakers can upload their submissions to the site while viewers can rate and discuss the films. The top five filmmakers will get a trip to Los Angeles for the awards show. This sounds like a great way to get fans in on the action while taking advantage of the Internet’s power. Once live, the new site will be accessible via Yahoo! Movies.Related: MTV Creates Mobile Animated SeriesMTV Overdrive Headed To EuropeMTV Movie Awards 2006Labels: movie parodies, mtv, mtv movie awards, yahoo movies
Shakira Webisode On MTV.Com By Sherri
- (3) comments March 07, 2007
 Shakira fans looking for more information about the international star only have to turn to MTV.com. The site has rolled out the first of three exclusive webisodes featuring Shakira during her “Oral Fixation Tour.” The webisodes, which feature footage that can only be seen on MTV.com, follows up the Dirty Little Secrets contest that had one fan globetrotting along with Shakira in 2006. The first webisode features contest winner Rachel Newhouse, a behind-the-scenes look at the tour and a performance of “Hips Don’t Lie.” The first webisode is up and running right now on MTV.com. The others are soon to follow. While I’m not a big Shakira fan, I have to admit this is a great way to engage fans beyond the normal means. Related: MTV Creates Mobile Animated SeriesMTV Overdrive Headed To EuropeLabels: mtv, mtv.com, music videos, shakira, webisodes
Joost, Viacom Ink Deal By Sherri
- (0) comments February 21, 2007
 Viacom has signed on to be one of the “key content partners” on the Joost Internet television service when it goes live. The deal gives Joost access to programming from MTV Networks, BET Networks and Paramount Pictures. According to the media release, Joost will give users free access to thousands of programs not normally available on the Web. “Through Joost, viewers can watch programming from many of Viacom’s brands on their computers through a customizable platform with advanced television viewing features such as links that lead to more information or related websites based on the content; and a variety of plug-in applications, such as instant messaging, message boards, and news tickers.” The service is available right now in limited beta, and is touted as being the first online, global TV distribution platform, bringing together advertisers, content owners and viewers in an interactive, community-driven environment. With Viacom coming onboard, Joost is well on its way to seeing if this model of free viewing and ads will work. It’s my guess, the site will be a big hit if the commercials aren’t too invasive. The short ads on Innertube and NBC.com are just the right length and frequency, anything more would be an annoyance making the iTunes $1.99 seem more than worth the price. Related: The Venice Project Becomes JoostSkype Gets Into Online TVLabels: bet, itunes, joost, mtv, paramount pictures, viacom
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