Lonelygirl15

Lonelygirl15 is a web series that initially appeared as a vlog on YouTube and MySpace in 2006, created by Mesh Flinders, Greg Goodfried, and Amanda Goodfried. The series featured Jessica Lee Rose as the main character, Bree, and was produced by LG15 Studios, in association with Revver and YouTube. The show's concept was influenced by The Blair Witch Project and The Ring, and it gained a significant following on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

Introduction

The series premiered on June 16, 2006, and it initially presented itself as a vlog created by a teenage girl named Bree, played by Jessica Lee Rose. As the series progressed, it became clear that it was a fictional story with a complex narrative structure, featuring characters like Daniel, played by YouTubers Daniel, and Jonas, played by Jackson Davis. The show's storyline was influenced by science fiction and mystery genres, and it explored themes like paranormal activity, conspiracy theories, and coming of age stories, similar to those found in The X-Files and Twin Peaks.

Background

The concept of Lonelygirl15 was developed by Mesh Flinders and Greg Goodfried, who were inspired by the success of YouTube and MySpace as social media platforms. They created a production company called LG15 Studios, which produced the series in association with Revver and YouTube. The show's target audience was teenagers and young adults who were active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. The series was also influenced by independent film and guerrilla marketing techniques, similar to those used in The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity.

Production

The production of Lonelygirl15 involved a team of writers, directors, and producers who worked together to create the storyline and characters. The show was filmed using digital cameras and editing software, and it was distributed on YouTube and MySpace. The series featured a ensemble cast, including Jessica Lee Rose, YouTubers Daniel, and Jackson Davis, and it included guest appearances by other YouTube personalities. The show's music was composed by Brett Ryback, and it featured songs by independent artists like The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie.

Reception

The reception of Lonelygirl15 was largely positive, with many viewers praising the show's original concept and engaging storyline. The series gained a significant following on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, and it was featured in mainstream media outlets like The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and CNN. The show's success was also recognized by the web series community, with Lonelygirl15 winning several awards like the Streamy Award and the Webby Award. The series was also compared to other web series like The Guild and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, which were also popular on YouTube and Hulu.

Impact

The impact of Lonelygirl15 on the web series genre was significant, as it helped to establish YouTube and MySpace as major platforms for original content. The series also influenced the development of other web series like The Guild and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, which were also created by independent producers and distributed online. The show's success also led to the creation of other web series like Red vs. Blue and The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, which were also popular on YouTube and Hulu. The series was also studied by academics and researchers who were interested in the social media and online communities, like Henry Jenkins and danah boyd.

Legacy

The legacy of Lonelygirl15 continues to be felt in the web series genre, with many creators citing the show as an inspiration for their own projects. The series also helped to establish Jessica Lee Rose as a talented actress and YouTube personality, and it led to the creation of other web series like The Guild and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. The show's influence can also be seen in other forms of media, like television shows and films, which have incorporated social media and online communities into their storylines. The series was also recognized by institutions like the Library of Congress and the Internet Archive, which have preserved the show as a cultural artifact of the early 2000s. Category:Web series