The Minisode Network

The Minisode Network is a Sony Pictures Television internet television network launched in June 2007. The term minisode is a portmanteau of “mini” and “episode.” Unlike webisodes, which are initially broadcast on the internet, minisodes are condensed versions of previously broadcast, full length, television shows.

History

The New York Times reported that the idea came out of a conversation between the president of Sony Pictures Television, Steve Mosko, and the head of Sony Pictures Television Distribution John Weiser, after they saw the “Seven-Minute Sopranos,” a condensation of the 77-hour HBO series posted on YouTube. [ [http://www.marketingvox.com/archives/2007/10/22/big-brands-hop-aboard-sony-minisode-network/ Big Brands Hop Aboard Sony Minisode Network - MarketingVOX ] ]

Using the Sony Pictures Television library, the network consists of heavily re-edited television shows designed to run from four to six minutes, yet retain the story arc from the original broadcast episode. The network is ad supported, and past sponsors have included Honda and Pepsi. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/30/technology/30sony.html?ex=1335585600&en=a0aa68272a6e520a&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss Coming Online Soon: The Five-Minute ‘Charlie’s Angels’ - New York Times ] ]

Originally set up as part of an exclusive agreement with MySpace. The network now includes several other video hosting services. According to a Sony website, the network is available on the following:

*YouTube
*MySpace
*Crackle (Formerly Grouper, and owned by Sony)
*Verizon Wireless
*AOL video
*Gaia Online
*Joost

Sony Television may launch a separate internet channel called “The Minisode Network” at a later date.

hows

The following shows are available in the minisode format on Minisode Network video hosting services.

*"Dilbert (TV series)"
*"What's Happening!!"
*"Diff'rent Strokes"
*""
*"The Facts of Life"
*"The Karate Kid (TV series)"
*""
*"Malcolm & Eddie"
*"Sheena (TV series)"
*"V.I.P."
*"Ricki Lake"
*"NewsRadio"
*"The Partridge Family"
*"Silver Spoons"
*"Who's the Boss?"
*"Fantasy Island"
*"Charlie's Angels"
*"Married… with Children"
*"I Dream of Jeannie"
*"Bewitched"
*"The Jeffersons"
*"Starsky and Hutch"
*"T. J. Hooker"
*"Police Woman"
*"Jackie Chan Adventures"
*"My Two Dads"
*"The Three Stooges"

As DVD bonuses

Minisodes have begun to show up on Sony DVD releases, e.g., minisodes of "Charlie's Angels" and "The Facts of Life" on the second-season DVD set of "Barney Miller."

"Rescue Me" Minisodes

According to an article in USA Today, starting on June, 24 2008 the FX Network will broadcast 10 original " Rescue Me" Minisode episodes over ten weeks, and the next day make them available on the various Minisode Network outlets. This is the first time original shows have appeared on the Minisode Network.

References

1. [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/30/technology/30sony.html?ex=1335585600&en=a0aa68272a6e520a&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss| Carter, Bill. "Coming Online Soon: The Five-Minute ‘Charlie’s Angels’." The New York Times. (30 April 2007)]

2. [http://www.marketingvox.com/archives/2007/10/22/big-brands-hop-aboard-sony-minisode-network/| "Big Brands Hop Aboard Sony Minisode Network." Marketing Vox. (22 October 2007)]

3. [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/15/business/media/15adco.html| Elliott, Stuart. "MySpace Mini-Episodes, Courtesy of Honda." The New York Times. (15 June 2007)]

4. [http://www.calendarlive.com/tv/cl-ca-minisode2mar02,0,6976423.story| Ziemba, Christine N. "Web's Minisode Network gives quick hits of stars' humble beginnings." The Los Angeles Times. (2 March 2008)]

5. [http://www.lacitybeat.com/cms/story/detail/?id=5597&IssueNum=208| Farren, Mick. "Attention Span Threatened by Advancing Minisodes!" The Los Angeles City Beat. (31 May 2007)]

6. [http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/06/myspace_minisodes_networks_lau.php| "MySpace Minisodes Network Launches." TV Week. (18 June 2007)]

7. [http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-06-18-rescue-me_N.htm| "'Rescue Me' minisodes stoke fans' interest on break." USAToday (19 June 2008)]

External links

* [http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/minisode Sony Pictures Television Minisode Network]
* [http://myspace.com/MinisodeNetwork Minisode Network MySpace Page]
* [http://youtube.com/MinisodeNetwork Minisode Network YouTube Page]
* [http://crackle.com/c/minisodenetwork Minisode Network Crackle Page]