Warner home video arm sets live-action Web series

By Andrew Wallenstein

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The production arm of Warner Home Video is branching out into live-action webisodes with some help from "Superman Returns" director Bryan Singer.

Warner Premiere is in discussions with Singer's Bad Hat Harry Prods. to develop the apocalyptic sci-fi thriller "H+," with the intent to supplement Premiere's roster of direct-to-DVD titles with a slate of original programs intended for digital platforms.

While Premiere's previous efforts on DVD and digital are mostly based on existing intellectual property, "H+" represents an opportunity to introduce new material.

On the digital front to date, Premiere has released so-called "motion comics" based on existing franchises "Batman," "Peanuts" and "Watchmen," and more will come including a "Superman"-branded release. But the animated fare will begin to be balanced with live-action fare including "H+" that could bring Premiere's digital slate to more than 20 projects during the next 12 months.

"H+" centers on the aftermath of an act of cyber terrorism that kills off a segment of the world population who elected to hardwire their brains to the Internet. Writers John Cabrera and Cosimo De Tommaso first pitched the project to Bad Hat as a TV series, but were persuaded to convert it to a digital-friendly format.

Still early in the development process, the distribution strategy, episode total and length has yet to be determined, though "H+" should roll out before the end of 2009. "H+" also will need a cast and director; Singer is not expected to serve in that capacity.

Premiere would not divulge the budget for "H+" but it is not believed to be a record setter by any means.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter