MSN and Endemol have partnered to bring to the UK what they claim is the first ever online interactive sci-fi show.
Kirill takes a linear series of ten three-minute episodes and layers them with blogs, images, video and audio files online, as well as “secret websites”. The aim? “To tell an intricate story of a man on a quest to make contact with a young woman who holds the key to the future of humanity.”
Happily for Microsoft, it’ll push a range of the company’s services too, with the storyline taking place across Vista, Live Search, Live Messenger, Live Spaces and MSN.
The hope is that viewers will take an active role in the show through leaving comments on blogs and instant messaging.
“Video is central to our strategy and with Kirill we’re putting ourselves firmly on the map. What makes it unique is the interoperability of the show with Microsoft’s range of products and services. Not only can users find out more by solving clues, but they can also watch the show in high definition by downloading Silverlight,” said MSN’s Executive Producer, Peter Bale. “This is the first time we have commissioned a drama of this scale but with Endemol looking after production, an actor of David [Schofield]’s calibre and high production values, we’re really excited and confident about its launch.”
Pasa Mustafa Head of Digital Studios at Endemol UK commented, “We’re thrilled to be part of MSN UK’s first ever original production. Kirill is a unique concept bringing together a wide range of styles and techniques, from high production drama to blogging and messaging. This is an action packed sci-fi thriller and I have no doubt that MSN’s audience is going to love it.”
