WIMO (the name stands for Writing for Mobile) is a movie production company that shoots and produces a brand-new type of content: series/movies specifically targeted to be shown on mobile devices (cell phones, Zune, PSPs etc). The concept is that the type of video programming currently available for mobile devices is re-purposed content originally shot either for TV or cinema. Not the right form factor and, WIMO argues, not the properly-targeted audience. One of the main issues with re-purposing content from TV shows/movies for mobile devices is that the footage was never shot for a small screen: In wide shots, details are obscured; In fast moving action, shots lose perspective when reduced to the size of a phone’s screen. By using new filming techniques – that include animation and green screen composition -- shooting actors against a blank (green) background in studios rather than going on location, and then filling the background with ad-hoc content (city scapes, advertising etc) – these new movies can 1) be shot at low cost; 2) can be very flexible about advertising insertion via the green screen technique; and 3) formatted speficially for a small screen and the mobile audience. WIMo has conducted research into the viewing habits of existing mobile video
viewers and found that people tend towards short form content. For example, a traditional TV format, 30-minute sitcom or 60-minute drama, is too long to be viewed on mobiledevices and under current viewing constraints.
WIMO’s answer is “COMA” – a series of 7 episodes, 7 to 9 minutes each. The entire series was shot in 2 days in LA studios in December 06 and is currently in post-production.
The series features two popular actors – Michael Madsen and George Hamilton. It’s an urban, cliffhanger, mystery-type of show – here is the synopsis:
“The Mayor of Los Angeles is in political trouble, ratings are at an all-time low and the election is fast approaching. He’s certain a high profile mob indictment will secure his second term. The city’s upstart DA has been entrusted to build the case. Kingpin (the Head of the Los Angeles crime family) stands to make a huge payday with his
latest racket. He sends his top two lieutenants, Madsen and 2nd, to handle the exchange. The DA has the exchange under surveillance, but when Madsen gets shot and falls into a coma, his case goes cold right before his eyes. Mayor wants his indictment. Kingpin wants his money back. DA’s job is on the line. 2nd wants revenge. Madsen is the only one who knows all the angles, but with him in a coma, everyone is a suspect.”
COMA unfolds in an non-linear narrative – each episode introduces new clues and characters adding more background and detail to the story. The final episode brings everyone to together for a final showdown.
