BBC launches online EastEnders spin-off
The BBC is to launch an online spin-off series of EastEnders aimed at young audiences.
EastEnders: E20, which launches in January, will follow four teenage characters with independent storylines but will also cross over with plots in the TV show.
The online episodes will last between 6 and 12 minutes and will be posted on the EastEnders website after the TV episodes are broadcast. The site will also feature extra material such as video blogs and behind-the-scenes footage.
The series aims to appeal to new audiences as well as established fans of the long-running soap.
The series, which was commissioned by BBC multi-platform commissioning executive Rosie Allimonos, was written by 13 London teenagers aged between 17 and 22 as part of the Corporation’s new talent initiative.
Simon Nelson, controller of portfolio and multi-platform at BBC Vision, said, “EastEnders: E20 is an opportunity to develop the BBC’s expertise in drama production by matching young talent from the TV industry with the best creative new media talent. Together they can exploit the creative potential of the web to create online drama experiences under the EastEnders brand.”
This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk
