A groundbreaking new animated kids’ series is set to debut this year, but it won’t be on traditional TV networks or streaming services. Instead, the production studio behind the show, We Ghosted Media, is taking a bold step by launching the series on a decentralized web platform utilizing blockchain technology.
Founded by Chris Jammal, an assistant director for “Bob’s Burgers,” and Jaclynn Demas, producer of the popular children’s show “Peg + Cat,” We Ghosted Media is breaking away from traditional release methods in favor of a decentralized approach known as web3. The studio recently announced a partnership with Lamina1 to introduce their new animated kids’ series titled “Owen Nowhere.”
Lamina1, founded by renowned author Neal Stephenson of “Snow Crash” fame, is a Layer 1 blockchain platform created in 2022 to empower creators to protect, control, and monetize their intellectual property. The platform’s ultimate goal is to build an open metaverse, a virtual world where users can have lifelike 3D avatars.
The decision to launch a kids’ show in the blockchain space is a bold move, considering the challenges of introducing young audiences to a platform that requires a crypto wallet. However, Jammal and Demas believe that the decentralized platform offers a level of freedom and interactivity that will appeal to viewers.
The show “Owen Nowhere” follows the adventures of Owen B. Gloom, a preteen content creator documenting his family’s quirky road trip to unusual tourist attractions. With adoptive vampire parents, a magical transforming vehicle, and a pet cat, the show promises a mix of humor, sweetness, and a touch of dysfunction.
But beyond just entertainment, Jammal and Demas see the series as a way to set a new standard for children’s entertainment in the decentralized era. The show will be developed on Lamina1’s upcoming Spaces platform, allowing creators to build interactive experiences in various formats like 2D, 3D, AR, and VR.
“Owen Nowhere” aims to be an immersive experience where fans can engage with the world, contribute ideas, and even make key decisions for the storyline. The virtual space will offer exclusive content, collectible digital assets, and community-driven experiences like voting on destinations for the family’s adventures.
While the show holds promise for engaging viewers, there are challenges ahead, particularly in convincing parents to manage crypto wallets for their children. Some parents may have concerns about exposing kids to financial risks, despite having control over the wallet.
However, there is a growing openness to blockchain technology among some parents, with initiatives like crypto summer camps and NFT introductions for kids’ content. Lamina1 CEO Rebecca Barkin acknowledges the need for protections and safeguards as the platform evolves.
The digital assets tied to “Owen Nowhere” offer fans a way to be part of the show and support its production by owning unique collectibles. These assets can be used as loyalty tokens, incentivizing contributions to the community and fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the series.
While the show targets kids and preteens, it also aims to appeal to adult audiences, similar to how “Bob’s Burgers” attracts a broad fan base. Transparency and possible parental controls may be necessary to ensure the series appeals to its entire audience.
Lamina1’s Spaces product is scheduled to launch in the fall, offering a glimpse into the future of decentralized entertainment and the unique opportunities it presents for creators and audiences alike. Another virtual world has recently launched on Spaces, and it’s called “Artefact.” This exciting project is brought to you by the visual effects powerhouse Wētā, best known for their groundbreaking work on the iconic “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy.
The launch of “Artefact” on Spaces has been met with much anticipation and excitement from virtual world enthusiasts. With Wētā’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of visual effects and storytelling, “Artefact” promises to offer a truly immersive and captivating experience for users.
In addition to the buzz surrounding “Artefact,” Lamina1, the company behind the project, has successfully raised an impressive $9 million in funding to date. This funding has come from a variety of notable investors and angels, including Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, and Matthew Roszak, co-founder of Bloq.
The support from such high-profile investors speaks to the potential and promise of “Artefact” as a virtual world that is set to make a significant impact in the industry. With the backing of these investors, Lamina1 has the resources and expertise to continue developing and expanding the world of “Artefact” to provide users with a truly unparalleled virtual experience.
As “Artefact” continues to gain momentum and attract attention, it is clear that this virtual world is poised to become a major player in the ever-growing landscape of virtual reality and immersive experiences. With Wētā at the helm and the support of top investors, the future looks bright for “Artefact” and the exciting possibilities it holds for users around the world.
