A unique animated series for children, titled ‘Owen Nowhere’, is gearing up for its release later this year. However, it will diverge from traditional television or streaming services, opting instead for a decentralized web platform that leverages blockchain technology.

The production studio behind this venture, We Ghosted Media, was co-founded by Chris Jammal, an assistant director of the popular show “Bob’s Burgers,” and Jaclynn Demas, a producer renowned for “Peg + Cat.”

Partnership with Lamina1

On Friday, the studio announced a collaboration with Lamina1, a blockchain platform initiated by Neal Stephenson, author of the seminal science fiction novel Snow Crash, with the aim to develop ‘Owen Nowhere’.

Lamina1 launched in 2022 as a Layer 1 blockchain designed to empower creators with methods to safeguard, manage, and monetize their intellectual properties, all while striving to build an open metaverse.

The Concept of ‘Owen Nowhere’

Central to the series is Owen B. Gloom, a preteen content creator who documents his family’s quirky adventures at various tourist attractions on a road trip. The show features humor and heart, showcasing a somewhat dysfunctional yet loving family with adoptive vampire parents, a magical car, and an unusual pet ensemble.

More than a mere series, Jammal and Demas aspire to redefine children’s entertainment in this new decentralized landscape.

Interactivity and Community Engagement

‘Owen Nowhere’ aims to be an immersive experience, allowing its audience to engage with the storyline actively. The project will reside on Lamina1’s upcoming Spaces, a feature enabling creators to build interactive virtual environments. Users can create content in various formats, from 2D visuals to 3D objects and VR experiences.

In this virtual realm, fans will have access to exclusive content, digital collectibles, and opportunities to contribute to the show’s development by voting on story arcs and suggesting travel destinations for the Gloom family.

“We were thinking [fans could] vote for where the Glooms can travel next,” Jammal shared. “Do you want them to come to your hometown?”

Challenges Ahead

Despite the exciting prospects, introducing a children’s series in the blockchain space poses challenges, particularly concerning parental approval. Parents might be apprehensive about managing crypto wallets, fearing exposure to potential financial risks, even if they control the wallet.

Some parents, however, are becoming more accepting of cryptocurrency. For instance, Zigazoo hosted NFT projects for children’s properties, reflecting an emerging trend towards early crypto education.

Rebecca Barkin, CEO of Lamina1, acknowledged this complexity, stating, “It’s a big topic of discussion. It’s like, ‘What permissions do we need in place around it?’” She emphasized a commitment to establishing necessary protections as the project evolves.

Tokenized Community Engagement

The digital assets associated with ‘Owen Nowhere’ are designed not only to foster audience engagement but also to allow fans to financially support the show’s production. This includes ownership of digital collectibles such as artwork and character skins.

Barkin pointed out that these tokens can serve a variety of purposes, stating, “That token can be used as a loyalty token; it doesn’t have to be about cash and trading.” The approach encourages fan creativity and community involvement.

Appealing to a Broad Audience

While the target demographic centers on children and pre-teens, efforts are being made to appeal to a broader audience, similar to the way Bob’s Burgers captivates adult viewers with its clever storytelling.

Barkin noted, “We’re not going after that super young demographic,” suggesting a thoughtful strategy aimed at inclusivity.

Looking Ahead

Lamina1’s Spaces is expected to launch in the fall, promising a unique platform for creators. Another anticipated project on this platform is Artefact, developed by Wētā, famous for its visual effects in the Lord of the Rings films.

To date, Lamina1 has secured $9 million in funding from notable investors, including Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, and Matthew Roszak, co-founder of Bloq.