Fox and Unilever bring back "24" inspired shorts

By Gail Schiller

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Even with "24" off the air this season due to the writers strike, Unilever's Degree deodorant has partnered with Fox for a second season of digital shorts inspired by the hit series.

Entitled "The Rookie: Day 3 Extraction," the six digital shorts -- each running about three to five minutes -- chronicle the adventures of American Counter Terrorism agent Jason Blaine, as he tries to rescue his boss from a drug cartel.

It will debut Monday at DegreeRookie.com (www.degreerookie.com). It is also being distributed via mobile devices and video on demand.

The shorts are being directed by "24" cameraman Rodney Charters, and are set in the same "high-stakes" world as "24," utilizing its trademark style. Various members of "24's" key production crew and stunt coordination teams also participated in the production.

Unilever paid a licensing fee to Fox for the rights to the property, and is also promoting the content through media buys on numerous Fox-owned websites targeted at its 25-34-year-old male demographic.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter