In a groundbreaking move, production studio We Ghosted Media is set to premiere its new animated kids' series, "Owen Nowhere," on a decentralized web platform that leverages blockchain technology, rather than traditional TV networks or streaming services. This innovative approach will involve the use of crypto wallets, allowing viewers to interact with the show in unprecedented ways.
We Ghosted Media, founded by Chris Jammal and Jaclynn Demas, has teamed up with Lamina1, a Layer 1 blockchain platform founded by "Snow Crash" author Neal Stephenson, to bring this vision to life. Lamina1's mission is to build an open metaverse, where users can create their own virtual worlds and experiences. The partnership aims to create a new standard for children's entertainment in the decentralized era.
The show, centered around Owen B. Gloom, a preteen aspiring content creator, will be developed and viewable on Lamina1's yet-to-be-launched Spaces, a platform that enables creators to build interactive experiences, digital items, and content in various formats, including 2D, 3D, AR, and VR. The virtual space will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes content, collectible digital assets, and online community-driven experiences like voting, allowing fans to engage with the world and contribute their ideas for the series.
Jammal and Demas envision "Owen Nowhere" as an immersive experience that allows fans to make key decisions for the story, such as suggesting destinations for the family's adventures. This level of interactivity is made possible by the decentralized platform, which enables creators to monetize their intellectual property in new and innovative ways.
However, the use of crypto wallets and blockchain technology raises concerns about financial manipulation or loss, particularly when it comes to children. Parents may need to be convinced to manage a crypto wallet for their child, and protections will need to be put in place to ensure a safe and secure experience. Lamina1 CEO Rebecca Barkin acknowledges the challenges, stating that the company will "learn real fast as this develops, what protections need to be put in place."
Despite the potential hurdles, the project has the potential to revolutionize the kids' entertainment industry. By leveraging blockchain technology and decentralized platforms, creators can build more immersive and interactive experiences that engage audiences in new and innovative ways. As the metaverse continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this technology is adopted and adapted by the entertainment industry.
Lamina1's Spaces product is slated to launch in the fall, with "Owen Nowhere" premiering alongside another virtual world, "Artefact," a project by visual effects company Wētā. With $9 million in funding from notable investors and angels, Lamina1 is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the decentralized entertainment space.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how decentralized platforms and blockchain technology are adopted and adapted by creators and audiences alike. With "Owen Nowhere" leading the charge, it's clear that the future of kids' entertainment is about to get a whole lot more interesting.