The first online, UK-produced show is to cross over on to TV.
The multi-platform series ‘Sofia’s Diary’ which to date has been broadcast on social networking website, Bebo, has been acquired by Five’s youth-orientated digital channel, Fiver.
Launched on online in March 2008, the series attracted an impressive five million viewers in its first two weeks online and averages almost half a million viewers per episode.
Starting from Monday, April 28 the 3 minute programmes will be screened each weekday at 4.55pm on Fiver (formerly called Five Life), with an omnibus thirty minute episode screened every second weekend.
Director of Programmes for Fiver and Five US, Hannah Barnes, said, “Quality programming for 16-24’s is booming on the internet, and our decision to showcase Sofia’s Diary shows our commitment to 16-24’s, which is part of our wider strategy in building a further connection with this group.”
Following today's news that Fiver has secured the broadcast rights to the hit online drama Sofia's Diary, which premiered on social media network Bebo, Joanna Shields, Bebo's President, said:
"This news represents a milestone for television broadcasting. Fiver's enthusiasm for Sofia's Diary shows that it wants to play a role pioneering the next stage of entertainment.
"Sofia's Diary is not simply another video series webcast over the internet: it's a truly interactive experience based on the concepts of social networking, participation and creative contribution. When we commissioned the show for Bebo, we believed that providing an entirely engaging experience, on multiple media platforms, was perfect for our key demographic of 16-24 year olds.
"The popularity of Sofia's Diary and Bebo's premiere online drama, KateModern, is evidence that young people are consuming media content in a completely new way."
Conceived by Nuno Bernardo, Sofia’s Diary was originally launched in Portugal in 2003 as an experimental web and mobile service.
The original programme now has 200,000 visitors per month online and over 19,000 mobile subscribers. Sofia’s Diary has run for four series on Portuguese state broadcaster, RTP2, and has since been adapted for audiences in Brazil, Chile, Turkey, and Vietnam.
The Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) production follows the life of 17-year-old Sofia Taylor, charting her ups and downs as she adjusts to a new life living with her dad, step mum and baby step-brother after being sent to London by her mum after getting into trouble at school.
The series has attracted a number of advertisers keen to reach young consumers though product placement and interaction including, Sure Girl body spray and Pearl Drops Instant White.
 |
Your comments |
Be the first to comment on this article