Have you been watching the new series? The one with simulated human beings running amok and secret government plots to secure and locate them? Yes, I know, the idea isn't too far off "Blade Runner," but "Gemini Division," a web series released by NBC Universal has a ways to go before being compared to director Ridley Scott's (GLADIATOR, BLADE RUNNER) sci-fi classic.
Is that even fair for me to try and relate these two? Maybe. But I'm doing it for two reasons: first, simply on the basis of the concept. Second, because "Blade Runner" was not a darling when it first hit the screens either, but it did become one later.
'Gemini' is released on the web and runs new episodes about four times per week that last only a few minutes at a time.
These episodes come complete with backdrops that are sometimes obviously "green screened" (Layered in behind the actors in editing) and a fair share of product placement and logo flashing.
The best part of "Gemini Division" is the always interesting to watch Rosario Dawson
Also, on the special effects side, the moving map graphic effects which
give us some location orientation are pretty cool. We get the maps in
between Dawson's camera testimonials which drive the story.
I am not quite giving it the smack down yet and here's why: 'Gemini' is on the first wave of shows created for online premiere and distributed through a major film and television company. These types of shows have not quite proven they can make windfalls of cash for studios and creators. They are subject to lower production budgets and a limited style of shooting to generate the frequency of distribution a Web product needs.
There is going to be more scrutiny, a lot more. Why? Because there are studios, producers, writers and directors looking to see if this will catch on. Internet rights were a major issue in the Writer's Strike negotiations.
Audiences online are tougher to please. I know I am. So I'm holding out on the final judgment on this show a little while longer. Basically, "Gemini Division" has Dawson on screen 99 percent of the time and she's as convincing as she can be in this plot so far.
The story line seems a little old hat for sci-fi nerds of my kind, but that doesn't mean it can't turn around - we are only three weeks into the series after all. Will this be a "Blade Runner?"
Only time will tell.
I am not quite giving it the smack down yet and here's why: 'Gemini' is on the first wave of shows created for online premiere and distributed through a major film and television company. These types of shows have not quite proven they can make windfalls of cash for studios and creators. They are subject to lower production budgets and a limited style of shooting to generate the frequency of distribution a Web product needs.
There is going to be more scrutiny, a lot more. Why? Because there are studios, producers, writers and directors looking to see if this will catch on. Internet rights were a major issue in the Writer's Strike negotiations.
Audiences online are tougher to please. I know I am. So I'm holding out on the final judgment on this show a little while longer. Basically, "Gemini Division" has Dawson on screen 99 percent of the time and she's as convincing as she can be in this plot so far.
The story line seems a little old hat for sci-fi nerds of my kind, but that doesn't mean it can't turn around - we are only three weeks into the series after all. Will this be a "Blade Runner?"
Only time will tell.
I think one of the attractions of GD is the interactive nature of the show. That one can simply lean back and watch or lean forward and get involved with through the game.
One of the challenges to overcome for any web series and not just GD alone is how to tell a story and hold the storyline in brief 5-10 min webisodes. Some viewer patience is required.
Rosario Dawson is great in the role and I wholeheartedly agree that she's does the best that she can with the material. Kudos to her for the experimentation.
It is so important that GD succeeds though as the first attempt by a major studio at this sort of interactive web series. Success could usher in greater spending by sponsors in the genre benefiting indie productions like our own http://www.deletedthegame.com, a web series in which our characters interact with the audience and where the audience heavily influences the storyline. Heck, this week, we saw the demise of our main protagonist in respect of the interactive ideal.
For those outside the US who are waiting for Sony to make Gemini Division available in their territories to watch and play (since it is currently geo-blocked), why not check us out, we'll already got a nice international following.
Deleted: The Game