Billboard requires a JavaScript enabled browser to get the full experience

'O.C.' Creator Lining Up Bands For Web Show

Comments

by James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter  |   January 13, 2009 9:06 EST

Phantom Planet

Josh Schwartz plans to make good use of the indie rock bands appearing in his upcoming online endeavor "Rockville," putting their entire exclusive performances online.

Unlike on his former Fox series "The O.C.," which introduced bands like Death Cab For Cutie to larger audiences, acts appearing on the show will perform live during the taping.

Although only about 15 seconds of the performance will be highlighted during each four-minute episode, viewers will be able to watch the entire music performance of such bands as Phantom Planet and White Lies separately online. The production also is considering a DVD version of the series.

"Rockville," about the goings-on at a music club, is one series in TheWB.com's effort to create shortform scripted series. "Rockville" will debut March 17 with four episodes, then switch to about two or three new episodes each week until the show ends.

Schwartz said yesterday (Jan. 12) at the Television Critics Assn. press tour that he wouldn't rule out expanding the show to network if it is successful, but he noted that "Rockville" was designed with single-set and narrow story line focus appropriate for a low-budget series with a short running time.

"I don't know this is the final result, that we're going to make five-minute episodes of things," Schwartz said of the series' next-generation format. "But that's what makes this exciting."

Up for Discussion

Post Comment

Sort By

More Features

All features

Get your recommended daily allowance of music news in one two-minute video dose.

The Chart Game: Can you predict the hotness?

Win Seven Nirvana Albums

Thanks For Joining Billboard

Log in to create your profile, speak your mind and connect with listeners like you.

Why Join ?

Don't just hear it. Live it. Go deeper than a casual listen: Voice your feelings, build a profile around your favorite music, connect with people who share your passions and discover new ones. Sign up for free.

Complete Your Registration at Billboard.com!

Haven't Joined Yet ?

For the full Billboard experience, you need to be a member. Sign up. It's free.

Join Billboard

Forgot your password?

Enter the e-mail address you used to sign up and we will email you the password .

Email Sent !

Your password has been sent to the email address you provided. Please sign in below :

Log In

Forget your password ?

Action Successful

We'd love to hear your feedback on the new Billboard.com!

Whether it's a feature request or a bug

We want to hear from you. Please use this form to anonymously give us your input.

open
close

CLICK PLAY TO RESUME