As fans of the Doctor Who spin-off “Torchwood” wait for the new season to start, the folks at the BBC and Starz are busy revving up the hype-machine. We’ve had teaser trailers hinting at what’s in store for Captain Jack Harkness and Co., and now comes word of a new motion-comic that has been produced to give fans a chance to explore an untold tale of Torchwood: Miracle Day. Here’s the 411:
BBC Worldwide and Starz announce interactive digital companion to “Torchwood: Miracle Day”
Motion Comic Titled “Torchwood: Web of Lies” Will Feature Interactive Gameplay Elements with Clues To the Series Run on Starz
Eliza Dushku Joins John Barrowman and Eve Myles Voicing the Parallel Story
Los Angeles – June 20, 2011 – BBC Worldwide and Starz announced today the production of an interactive app tied to “Torchwood: Miracle Day.” The app, titled “Torchwood: Web of Lies”, will feature 10, three-minute motion comic narratives providing clues to “Torchwood: Miracle Day.” The app and first motion comic narrative will be available for download on iTunes prior to the premiere of “Torchwood: Miracle Day” – produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, airing July 8 on Starz. Additional narratives and games will be available for download following each week’s broadcast transmission.
“Torchwood: Web of Lies” is an episodic interactive experience for iOS that fuses together motion comic and gameplay elements to tell an original and digitally exclusive Torchwood story. Players will participate in a parallel storyline to “Torchwood: Miracle Day” that includes lead characters Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper – voiced by John Barrowman and Eve Myles.
“Torchwood: Web of Lies“ runs alongside weekly premieres of “Torchwood: Miracle Day”, providing fans with a way to engage in the world of Torchwood between episodes. It reveals a past day in the lives of Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper – a day they’ve both forgotten. The events of that day fuel a modern day conspiracy-laced treasure hunt, as Holly Mokri, voiced by Eliza Dushku (“Dollhouse,” “Tru Calling,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”), labors to uncover the secrets of Miracle Day. Each week a new episode unlocks, allowing players to access another piece of original motion comic narrative and game which ties into and extends plot developments of the show, as well as providing new twists in its own narrative.
The first narrative and game will be released promotionally and the remaining nine can be purchased inside the app in packs of three, each for $0.99. A special bundle for all 10 narratives and game can be purchased for $2.99
Developed by BBC Worldwide Productions and BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games, “Torchwood: Web of Lies” is written by “Torchwood: Miracle Day” writers Jane Espenson and Ryan Scott. The motion comic and app is published by BBC Worldwide, with Double Barrel (“Tron: Legacy,” “Repo Men,” “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”) producing the motion comic and Powerful Robot (“Star Wars,” “Green Lantern,” “Scooby Doo,” “Total Drama”) producing the app.
About BBC Worldwide Productions:
BBC Worldwide Productions, led by Jane Tranter, is based in Los Angeles and develops and produces scripted and non-scripted projects for U.S. cable and broadcast networks, as well as digital platforms. The production company is responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars (ABC), Top Gear (HISTORY), What Not to Wear (TLC) and Torchwood: Miracle Day (Starz). BBC Worldwide Productions is one of seven core businesses within BBC Worldwide, the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
About BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games:
BBC Worldwide Digital Entertainment and Games is a core business within BBC Worldwide, the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Headquartered in Los Angeles and London and led by Robert Nashak, the team works with top BBC brands to develop new opportunities across a wide range of gaming platforms. The division is responsible for the company’s first MMO, “Doctor Who: Worlds In Time,” and the multi-year partnership with Top Gear and “Forza Motorsport,” amongst many others.
About Starz Entertainment:
Starz Entertainment, LLC, is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service provider operating in the United States. The company offers 17 premium channels including the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® brands with approximately 18.8 million and 33.1 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment airs in total more than 1,000 movies and original series every month across its pay TV channels. Starz Entertainment is recognized as a pay TV leader in providing HD, On Demand, HD On Demand and online advanced services for its STARZ, ENCORE and MOVIEPLEX brands. Starz Entertainment (www.starz.com) is an operating unit of Starz, LLC, which is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation and is attributed to the Liberty Starz tracking stock group (NASDAQ: LSTZA).
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What do you think? Does the idea of a comic-book supplementing the storyline interest you? Are you planning on downloading the preview? If you check it out, let me know what it’s like in the comment section.