Storytelling and the web

From Slashfilm the following:

"What is Cloverfield? For those of you living in a cave, Cloverfield is the code-name for a new Paramount monster movie produced by Lost co-creator JJ Abrams, which is being filmed from the point of view of a group of people with a handheld consumer video camera. The cast consists of mostly unknowns and newcomers. The film’s teaser movie trailer played in front of Transformers and didn’t feature a title. Viral websites have been found, the first of which is the film’s release date: 1-18-08.com, which has been updated periodically with timecoded photos."

The use of viral websites for a full half year before the film's release reminds of Spielberg's web-based extension of the Artificial Intelligence: A.I. narrative back in 2001. And Abrams played in this arena to promote Lost, as well. I think there's going to be deafeninbg buzz created here. There's a high-def trailer courtesy of Apple here.

However there's another interesting and intricate use of the web and video to deliver a compelling interactive entertainment experience at www.hbovoyeur.com. This, too, is one to watch.