Ghost of a flea: Sanctuary for all

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December 17, 2007

Sanctuary for all

Sanctuary is, amongst other things, a new vehicle for Amanda Tapping; from cameos and even a couple errant sound effects it appears to be a Stargate alumni side project. It is noteworthy, however for two further things. First, this is the closest thing to steampunk I have seen in a non-animated television show. Excellent. Second, Sanctuary has been released using a peculiar web-only production model. In an age of TiVo and downloading this may be the future of television. Or possibly not.

Unlike traditional TV series, the primary distribution channel for Sanctuary is the Internet. Episodes are sold directly to viewers on the official website. The episodes, called webisodes, are about 15-20 minutes in duration and are released bi-weekly. The first four of the initial eight webisodes are available for free viewing in low resolution on YouTube, Google Video, and similar sites, allowing viewers to watch them before deciding if they wish to purchase the higher quality releases.[4] All eight of the first episodes are currently available for purchase on the Sanctuary website.

The show relies on impressive CGI and features inspired make-up effects. This and name actors - even assuming the writers are making a pittance for their hard work - adds up to a vanity project or a stunt rather than a business model. Perhaps there is more money in merchandising than I am giving the idea credit; in this case the show has a legion of Stargate fans to support it. Newcomers would not. Certainly, I hope my skepticism is unjustified. I would like to see more of the show and more like it too: The internet needs indigenous tv.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at December 17, 2007 07:24 AM