Over the last few years we have reported on many web series here on Gaelick, from Venice the Series to the promised sequal to I Can’t Think Straight.  Now YouTube is getting ready to launch its own entertainment network, WIGS (Where It Gets Interesting), and they promise us household names and diverse programming.  The network is described as “a digital channel featuring original series and short films exploring female characters”.

Created by filmmakers, Rodrigo Garcia (Albert Nobbs) and Jon Avnet (Black Swan, Fried Green Tomatoes) the WIGS site proclaims that they

will produce high-end, original, scripted series, short films, and documentaries, all starring female leads

Sounds promising, what’s even better is the promise of “real stars”, although personally I have always liked that actors can get a start in online shows, it is great to see the medium taken to the next level.  Those who have already signed up include Jennifer Beals (The L Word), Michale C. Hall (Dexter), Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars) and Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga), among a host of other big names.

There are not only faces you will recognise but also directors, filmakers and writers such as Rose Troche (Go Fish, The L Word) and Patricia Cardoso (Real Women Have Curves).

Sadly the channel’s marketing partner is none other than Rupert Murdoch‘s Digital Media Group at News Corp but I guess you can’t have everything.

The network”s first offering will air on May 14th and will be Jon Avnet’s series Jan, staring Virginia Madsen (The Event) and Stephen Moyer (True Blood).  Avnet has said of the network

The excitement in the creative community surrounding the productions has been palpable. We hope and believe the audience will enjoy these very diverse voices that explore women of all ages, races, and beliefs

Serena will be the debut short film, it is written and directed by Rodrigo Garcia and will star none other than the gorgeous Jennifer Garner (Elektra).

It all sounds very promising but it remains to be seen if people will want to watch programming on their laptop/desktop rather than their TV screens.  Personally I can’t see this being a problem, many people do that already and still more just connect their computer to their TV and watch the old fashioned way anyway.  It will be interesting to see how it goes.

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