Showtime and FanLib Plot ``THE L WORD(R)'' Fan Episode; Innovative and Highly-Interactive Online Event Kicks-Off Q1 '06 and Will Result in an Original Fan-Written Script for the Critically-Acclaimed Drama.
LOS ANGELES -- Showtime Networks Inc. and FanLib have developed the first network-sanctioned, collaborative fan event featuring a writer from a television series guiding fans in the development of a script using the characters of Showtime's hit series THE L WORD(R). Set to launch in early 2006, the event will be moderated by a member of THE L WORD(R) writing staff. The third season of THE L WORD, which stars Jennifer Beals, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Erin Daniels, Leisha Hailey, Sarah Shahi, Rachel Shelley and Pam Grier, premieres Sunday, January 8, 2006 on Showtime.
During the sponsored, multi-week event (at http://lword.fanlib.com/), the show's millions of fans will be invited to collaborate on an original script for the show. Each week, fans will write short scenes based on an instructive "scene mission" provided by the writer from THE L WORD(R). The most popular form of participation will occur when fans log-in to vote on their favorite scenes. With friends telling friends to join in the creation of "their" episode, growth of the participation database will build on grassroots momentum. At the end of each week, the winning scene will be added to the script in progress. The process will repeat each week with a new "scene mission" until the entire script is complete.
The audience of Showtime's Emmy-nominated series THE L WORD(R) is one of the most demographically desirable to advertisers. According to a February 2005 online survey conducted by the network, 76% of the show's website audience is between 22-45 years old; and, over 50% earn over $50k annually and have completed college or more. The show's viewing audience skews female 18-49. THE L WORD(R) also has one of the most active online fan communities, with multitudes of users spending countless hours each month on THE L WORD(R)-themed blogs, message boards and fan fiction sites.
"THE L WORD audience has developed into a very vibrant community," said Judy Pless, Senior Vice President, Digital Media Group for Showtime Networks Inc. "THE L WORD FanLib event will draw fans even closer to the show and attract new viewers in its third season through the power of on- and off-line word of mouth."
"THE L WORD FanLib event is a tremendously sticky and interactive way for marketers to reach one of the most coveted demographics in television," said Chris Williams, co-creator of FanLib and a former Yahoo! executive. "FanLib's technology is a quantum leap in the effort to link brand marketing initiatives to consumer generated media. For the right sponsors, this event is a great opportunity to reach a coveted audience and to tap the potential of the booming consumer generated media phenomenon."
