TV-STYLE WEB BROADCAST INCLUDES "WEBMERCIALS"
By Adnews Staff
Calgary-based Intertooob.com debuted yesterday, presenting live 24-hour TV-style programming over the Internet. The site's lineup of over 50 programs, described as "loosely scripted" and "reality-based", are produced in-house at the company's studio by largely volunteer casts and crews. The programs are designed to be interactive, calling on viewers to occasionally direct the action. The range of news and entertainment shows target 15- to 35-year-olds with high bandwidth Internet connections. The site also aims to reach a global audience with a variety of non-English language content. In between programs the site airs 15- and 30-second "webmercials" consisting of full-screen animated images with voice-overs and sound effects. Clicking on the webmercial takes the viewer to the advertiser's website. The aim is to combine the look and feel of television advertising with the interactivity of the Internet. The site also offers standard banner advertising and product placement opportunities. "Reality-based TV streamed live over the Internet is the future of broadcasting," said Intertooob.com president and CEO Christopher Dores. "Our objective is to change the way the world uses the Internet for entertainment." The site is located at <http://www.intertooob.com>.