Sony Pictures Television Minisodes, four to six minute versions of classic TV shows, launched this summer on MySpace with advertising from Honda. On Monday, the Minisodes began playing on Crackle, a Sony website that started this summer that plays a variety of entertainment content, with advertising from Pepsi.
“Phase one launched this summer with an exclusive distribution partner and advertiser,” said Amy Carney, president of ad sales at Sony Pictures Television. “Phase two is a broader distribution with additional advertisers.” Pepsi is the exclusive sponsor on Crackle. Honda will continue to sponsor the programming on two other new distribution platforms, AOL and Joost, Carney said. The shows will also play without advertising on V Cast, Verizon Wireless’s mobile video service.
Pepsi is running a 15 second spot on Crackle that was created by Sony Pictures Television. The spot features a retro bottle cap and can that supports Pepsi’s campaign that will feature new retro packages in stores beginning Nov. 4. The retro can is the latest installment in an initiative that began in February that updates Pepsi’s packaging graphics. A unique URL found on the can links directly to the Minisode network on Crackle.
“It is meant to transport the consumer back in time,” said Michelle Naughton, a Pepsi spokesperson. “When these shows originally aired, our consumers could watch them while drinking a Pepsi. Today, they’re able to do the same. The Minisode Network is a great partner. The combination of our can with this site provides a full nostalgic experience.”
Crackle is the site that was formerly www.Grouper.com, which was purchased by Sony Pictures last year.
Josh Felser, president of Crackle, said the site is currently running Minisodes for six shows as one of the channels on the site, which is clickable on the home page. There are 18 shows in the Minisode network and he said more will be added on Crackle later.
The site plays ads after three videos have been viewed, so the Pepsi ad won’t play as a pre-roll, unless viewers have seen three other Crackle videos before playing a Minisode.
Crackle will promote the Minisodes on its home page and in newsletters to its regular viewers. The content will also play on syndicated partner sites, including Hi5.com and Piczo.com. It also plays on Sony BRAVIA TVs.
When asked how long the Minisodes will play, Felser said, “It depends how they do. It’s programming that needs to be profitable. We’ll run it as long as users are excited.” It was a big success on MySpace, with over three million views.
“Dune: Part Two,” “Wicked,” “The Wild Robot” and “Shลgun” Among Lumiere Award Winners
The Advanced Imaging Society has revealed the winners of the 2025 Lumiere Awards, recognizing outstanding creative and technical achievements in its 15th annual celebration. The awards honor the artists, engineers and innovators whose work continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic technology.
While the annual Lumiere Awards luncheon was scheduled to be celebrated at the Beverly Hills Hotel, once it became clear that the devastating Los Angeles fires were affecting not only the AIS community, but impacting so many in Southern California, the decision was made to announce and deliver the awards directly to the honorees, and to forgo the luncheon celebration. The Society has honored the results of this yearโs voting body and announced the 2025 Lumiere Award winners today, Feb. 7, the eventโs originally scheduled date.
AIS President Jim Chabin said, โOur hearts go out to everyone in our community impacted by these devastating fires. In recent weeks, weโve been deeply saddened to learn of friends and colleagues who have lost their homes and irreplaceable memories. Yet, amid this hardship, we have also been inspired by the incredible generosity of our members โ opening their homes, providing resources, and rallying together in support. This unwavering spirit of unity and compassion is a testament to the strength of our industry.โ
The Lumiere Awards recognize distinguished directors and professionals in film, television, and emerging media, voted for by members of the Hollywood creative and technology community. Technological advancements expand the possibilities of storytelling, and these awards celebrate their significance for all who love film and television. โOur awards have humorously been called the Oscars for... Read More