 | This article needs to beupdated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(April 2021) |
 | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Programming | |
| Language | English |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Sony Pictures Television[1] |
| History | |
| Launched | June 2007 |
| Links | |
| Website | sonypictures.com/tv/minisode |
The Minisode Network (later known asCrackle Minisodes) was aSony Pictures Televisioninternet televisionnetwork launched in June 2007. The termminisode is aportmanteau of "mini" and "episode". Unlikewebisodes, which are initially broadcast on the Internet, minisodes are condensed versions of previously broadcast, full length,television series.
The New York Times reported that the idea came out of a conversation between the president of Sony Pictures Television, Steve Mosko, and the head of Sony Pictures Television Distribution John Weiser, after they saw the "Seven-MinuteSopranos", a condensation of the 77-hour HBO series posted onYouTube,[2] and after watching a collection of mini clips found at the end of a DVD for the international television series titledKung Faux that had recently released its first season as a Box Set under the promotional companion name "Bento Box TV". The DVD Box Set had been passed along by Ross Pollack, then V.P. of Sony Pictures Television in Asia, and now CEO of Celestial Pictures in Hong Kong. Kung Faux was subsequently picked up for distribution in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by Sony Pictures Television (SPE) soon after this viewing, and the idea for "The Minisode Network" was born.
Using the Sony Pictures Television library, the network consists of heavily re-edited television series designed to run from four to six minutes, yet retain the story arc from the original broadcast episode. The network is ad supported, and past sponsors have includedHonda andPepsi.[3][4]
On 1 April 2009, Sony Pictures Television consolidated its US and international television subsidiaries and joint ventures including The Minisode Network under one roof under the SPT brand. Sony Pictures Television International now operates in-name-only.[1][5]
Originally set up as part of an exclusive agreement withMySpace,[6] the network now includes several othervideo hosting services. According to aSony website, the network is available on the following services:
The following shows are available in the minisode format on Minisode Network video hosting services.
Taking the lead from the example provided by the international Kung Faux television series on DVD aka "Bento Box TV", Minisodes have also begun to show up on Sony DVD releases, e.g., minisodes ofCharlie's Angels andThe Facts of Life on the second-season DVD set ofBarney Miller.
On June 24, 2008,FX Network broadcast 10 originalRescue Me Minisode episodes over ten weeks, and the next day made them available on the various Minisode Network outlets.[7] This is the first time original shows have appeared on the Minisode Network.
In January 2009, Michael Buckley ofYouTube'sWhat the Buck!? fame became 'The Minisode Maniac' by discussing and promoting the Minisode Network's content on the Minisode's YouTube page andCrackle.[8]
On February 17, 2009, AMC and Sony teamed up to offer webisodes (referring to them as "Original Minisodes") ofBreaking Bad that take place between seasons one and two. These episodes were made available on the Minisode's homeCrackle andAMC's site.[9]
In February 2009, the Minisode Network began hosting Minisodes ofSports Illustrated's hour long Swimsuit Specials from the years 2002-2004. Twenty-six Minisodes were originally presented and are available onCrackle.[10]