ABC.com launches original series ‘Voicemail’

By Cory Bergman 

It’s a web-only, weekly video series that features actual voicemails from co-creator Michael Wilde (he saved them for ten years.) Pretty funny stuff, especially “Poetry.” ABC.com plans to debut several new episodes every week. Voicemail will also be available on mobile. Screen grab followed by a press release…

PRESS RELEASE — Dedicated to expanding its network and channel brands across multiple platforms and connecting viewers with their favorite shows anytime and anywhere, Disney-ABC Television Group’s ABC.com is launching, for the first time in its history, an original series of video shorts entitled “Voicemail.”

Inspired by a decade of saved phone messages from co-creator Michael Wilde, the never-before-seen collection of humorous, fictionalized vignettes captures the life of Mike, a twentysomething slacker male in pursuit of happiness… and the avoidance of all responsibility.

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From psycho first date stalkers and torturous breakups to hung over mornings and nagging relatives, the often serious answering machine messages are in stark contrast to the creative interpretation seen in the shorts. Whether it’s Mike boxing up an ex-girlfriend’s belongings while she leaves a message thanking him for being so mature during the breakup, or re-gifting an elderly Aunt’s cookie jar gift only to discover it was filled with cash, Mike’s imaginative unpredictability strikes a chord with young adults, all of whom have a friend, roommate or relative like him.

“We’re very excited to launch this one-of-a-kind program across multiple digital platforms, including ABC.com,” said Bruce Gersh, senior vice president, Business Development, ABC Entertainment. “The creative approach for ‘Voicemail’ aligns perfectly with the digital media audience. It is snack size, funny, relatable, and has a distinctive point of view.”

The short-form series consists of 30 one-to-four minute episodes starring actor Ezra Godden as Mike. The first three shorts are currently available for viewing on ABC.com and several new episodes will debut each week through mid-June. “Voicemail” will also be available on wireless platforms.

Based on an original film by Michael Wilde, “Voicemail” was co-created by Angela Mancuso, who also serves as executive producer. The webisodes were produced by ABC.com.

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