Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Nice WIGS

I haven’t watched too many web series. Mostly this is because they can be amateurish and awkward, with non-existent budgets and untested talent. Also, believe it or not, I still enjoy watching things on my TV, from my couch, without an overheating laptop weighting down my midsection. But I do love the entrepreneurial and independent nature of web series. And I love that they can exist outside the Hollywood machine and therefore tell stories that we don’t always get to see. The stories of the people otherwise relegated to token background character or sassy gay friend or simpering supportive spouse. Anyone can be the star of her own web series with a camera and a dream and a functioning YouTube account.

Still, it’s something quite extraordinary when the production values and big stars of Hollywood converge to tell little-heard stories on the web. And that project appears to be WIGS. Billed as “an innovative new YouTube channel producing high-end, original, scripted series, short films, and documentaries, all starring female leads,” WIGS launches next week. And already it has an impressive array of stars attached including Jennifer Beals, Dakota Fanning, Julia Stiles, Jennifer Garner, Maura Tierney, Allison Janney, America Ferrera, Sarah Paulson, Troian Bellisario, Virginia Madsen, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Rosanna Arquette and more. The vignettes will all be short, about five to eight minutes – which is also perfect because most people barely have the attention span to watch an animated gif these days. I wish there was a tad more diversity in the casts – though it’s early and hopefully more people will sign on. Also, I think the name, which stands for “Where It gets Interesting,” is pretty horrible. Also wouldn’ that make it WIGI? But, you know what, show me a project featuring a slew of talented actresses telling women’s stories and I’ll show you a big smile on my face. Consider me sold.


6 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:28 AM

    looks good.....

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  2. True its hard to produce something on a small budget but some Webseries have been able to do just that with actual talent really. Have you seen
    http://bjfletcherprivateeye.com/

    totally funny , slapstick detective comedy with a nice little following.

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  3. tlsintx8:08 PM

    thanks for the tip Snarker. you're a gem!

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  4. If all those names are participating then I say where there is smoke there is fire. It is probably pretty good. I have recently become a fan of Netflix which has a show called "Lillyhammer" starring Steven Van Zandt from Sopranos. It's a pretty good show. My mom and I sat and watched each episode back to back. I understand they are going to be dropping a new show soon starring Kevin Spacey who is my FAYYY-VORITE!!! I suspect this is just the beginning of good TV coming to the web.

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  5. Anonymous11:41 PM

    Also, it looks like Jaime Murray will be in the first series, "Jan."

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  6. I hope it does well. I like it a lot. Even the "Anyone But Me" web series is pretty good

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