MySpace launches 'Krofft Kwikies'

'Pufnstuf,' 'Land' condensed for web audiences

By DIANE GARRETT

'H.R. Pufnstuf'

MySpaceTV has launched "The World of Sid & Marty Krofft," a channel that will draw from the duo's library of quirky children's skeins of the 1970s and '80s.

The channel, which the social network will operate on revenue-sharing basis, will feature "Krofft Kwikies," streamlined versions of skeins such as "H.R. Pufnstuf," "Land of the Lost" and "Lidsville." The Kroffts will regularly update videoblogs based on their iconic properties, several of which are being developed for the bigscreen. Universal's "Land of the Lost," for example, is skedded for a July 17, 2009, bow.

"The timing of it was uncanny," said Josh Brooks, MySpace VP of marketing, who approached the Kroffts early last year. "We didn't realize all that was happening."

The partnership will operate on a revenue-sharing basis; content is exclusive. Channel will launch with two "Krofft Kwikies" from all five shows, which also include "The Bugaloos" and "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters." Each will last between three and five minutes.

"When we made these shows, we barely had VHS," said Marty Krofft. "Now we can have new fans looking at Krofft Kwikies and sliding over to buy them."

Eventually the channel will feature interviews with the directors, never-before-seen footage and outtakes.

Brooks believes the zany skeins -- frequently described as trippy -- will play well with younger auds and draw older MySpace users eager to revisit them as well. "It's really easy to come to it again," Brooks said. "These are blasts from past things we all feel will resonate well with users."

MySpace has already had success with condensed versions of Sony TV skeins such as "Fantasy Island" and "The Partridge Family." Brooks said the most successful minisodes have drawn "tens of thousands" of viewers. Total minisode viewership is 5 million.

Although there is a strong movement toward Web syndication, Brooks says exclusive deals work well when the creators have a strong following. MySpaceTV also features Web originals such as "Roommates," "LonelyGirl15," "Quarterlife" and "Prom Queen."