Bebo Launches Sam King Series With UMG
The social network Bebo will launch on Wednesday its latest original video series, The Secret World Of Sam King, which promises to be another interactive, product-integrated show in the vein of past successes Kate Modern and Sofia’s Diary.
Produced in partnership with Universal Music Group, Sam King has an interesting premise and also the promise of lots and lots of real-life music act guest stars (a cameo by the ubiquitous Jonas Brothers is embedded below). Set at Universal Music UK’s actual offices in West London, Sam King is a mailroom worker who starts his own music label. The show will incorporate up-and-coming bands on Bebo and perhaps pave the way for them to hook up with Universal.
Bebo’s Ziv Navoth, SVP of marketing and business development, was in town from London and stopped by our office today. We asked him for a rundown on the new series, which is embedded above.
Sam King will air daily episodes lasting 3-5 minutes. Virgin Mobile and Sony Ericsson are already signed on as integrated product. The show is hosted on VideoEgg, whereas other Bebo series have been on Ooyala.
OK, that’s it for the vitals. As to whether or not Sam King is good — that’s yet to be seen. Check back in with our friends at NewTeeVee Station for a review.
Watch More Videos Uploaded by www.bebo.com/IamSamKing
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Any word on the rationale for selecting Video Egg over other players?
Bebo said something about how they choose different players based on the series. If I hear any actual information I’ll let you know.
Just a quick clarification, Ooyala is powering the episodes of Sam King on Bebo. We are excited about this launch and look forward to seeing who the winners are! Check out the episodes for week 1 here: http://www.bebo.com/samking.
Odd, it looks like Ooyala is powering the full episodes but someone else is doing the previews??
Yeah, Ooyala let me know today they are going to be powering all the full episodes, so the PR seems to have made a mistake on that.