Feature Report: The Virtual Journeys

I was hesitant to post this one, as I wanted it to be farther along before I mentioned it. I'm really excited about this one! Many of you are probably familiar with projects around the web to extend the life of Xena through fan written stories extending into full seasons. It's time Hercules was able to continue beyond the original journeys so many years ago!

The Virtual Journeys (working title) are intended to be a massive, proper treatment of the series. Much more than a simple collection of fan fiction! These episodes will be given their own subsite under The Legendary Fansite. From there, regular episodes will air, and it will be treated as a fully functional website for extending the life of this series.

How will it be handled though? I want to move beyond the typical fan fiction formats, and instead run TVJ (The Virtual Journeys) like an actual television show. This means producers, directors, and writers. I want staff writing jobs, I want freelance writers from around the 'net, and, like everything else, I want it big. By spreading out responsibility and power, by 'processing' every script that's done through these lines, I believe we can achieve a season worthy of its predecessors.

Originally, this was intended to start production in 2009, which would put the first episodes out rather late that year. With this posting, I am accelerating my time tables. I'm now seeking applicants for a variety of positions for TVJ. Anyone can apply, as the roles are varied. An outline of current positions are below:

Producers - Very familiar with the original continuity and characters. They work with the writer and director to get the show the "Hercules feel." they will also be responsible not only for ensuring continuity with previous seasons, but within the virtual episodes as well.

Writers - Writers can either join as a staff writer or a freelance writer. A freelance writer may only write one story, and then be on their way. A staff writer will contribute a more steady supply of stories, between 3 and 6 per season. They dream up the idea (with or without the help of other staff members) and craft the story.

Directors - Directors work with the writer to guide the writing process. While not actually writing the story, the director works alongside the writer, as a proofreader to fix any spelling/grammatical errors, offering suggestions, and creating story ideas.

As the project is still far out, there are many issues to be dealt with, but they will be dealt with alongside staff members. Questions that need to be answered include: Should the post-Hercules Xena continuity be followed? In what format should the episodes be written (like a novel, a script, a play)? Should length requirements be instituted? Most of all, where should the series go? Time will tell!

If you're interested in a staff position, would like to know more, or just wish to leave your thoughts, then leave a comment below! See you around!