A new animated series for children, set to premiere this year, is opting for a distinctive launch strategy, bypassing traditional television and streaming services. Instead, production studio We Ghosted Media intends to debut the series on a decentralized web platform utilizing blockchain technology, involving the use of a crypto wallet.
We Ghosted Media, established by Chris Jammal, an assistant director for “Bob’s Burgers,” and Jaclynn Demas, producer of the children’s show “Peg + Cat,” is taking a novel approach by using a decentralized method, often referred to as Web3, for their series release. On Friday, the studio announced its collaboration with Lamina1, a blockchain platform, for the launch of the new animated series called “Owen Nowhere.”
Founded by Neal Stephenson, the author of “Snow Crash,” Lamina1 was introduced in 2022 as Layer 1 blockchain, aiming to provide creators with control over their intellectual property and a monetization platform. While Lamina1 aspires to build an open metaverse, Stephenson had first envisioned this virtual universe concept in his 1992 novel, “Snow Crash,” involving lifelike 3D avatars for users.
The intersection of blockchain technology and the metaverse has been a focal point in the tech industry, yet widespread adoption has been gradual. Launching a children’s show within this domain presents unique challenges, particularly in navigating platform access with a crypto wallet. Nonetheless, Jammal and Demas are hopeful that the decentralized platform’s interactive and participatory capabilities will engage users.
The series “Owen Nowhere” narrates the adventures of Owen B. Gloom, a preteen content creator who documents his family’s amusing and slightly dysfunctional road trips to unusual tourist spots. The family includes Owen’s adoptive vampire parents, a transforming vehicle, a pet cat, and a pet fish in a stroller. Jammal and Demas are committed to establishing a new standard for children’s entertainment within a decentralized framework.
The show will be accessible on Lamina1’s upcoming platform, Spaces, set to provide creators with tools to design their own virtual universes. These spaces will enable interactive experiences and content development in multiple formats, including 2D, 3D, AR, and VR.
“Owen Nowhere” aims to provide an immersive experience, allowing fans to engage with and contribute ideas to the show. The virtual platform will feature exclusive content, digital collectibles, and community experiences, such as voting on the family’s travel destinations.
However, the integration of a crypto wallet raises concerns among parents regarding financial risks for their children. Some parents remain open to the idea, with initiatives like crypto summer camps gaining traction. Discussions at Lamina1 acknowledge the necessity for safeguards as they refine protective measures in response to these concerns.
The digital assets associated with “Owen Nowhere” are designed to deeply involve fans and offer a method to support the show financially through digital collectibles, such as artwork and character designs. These assets enhance community investment and loyalty without centering on traditional crypto transactions.
The series caters to a demographic of children and pre-teens, while also appealing to adults, reminiscent of the broad appeal of “Bob’s Burgers.” As Lamina1 prepares for the fall launch of Spaces, another virtual project, “Artefact,” by visual effects company Wētā is also set to launch. Lamina1 has secured $9 million in funding from prominent investors, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and Bloq co-founder Matthew Roszak.
