Book-Based Digital Movies

Just when you think you've got a handle on book promotion, something new springs up. You've probably already seen the mini "movies" authors put up on sites like MySpace or YouTube - sort of a trailer for the coming book. And, of course, the thought of having to make one of those based on your book can send you into a depression, especially, if like most ordinary authors, you haven't a clue how to do it.

Now comes Robin Cook (best-selling author) and Michael Eisner (former Disney CEO). The two have joined forces to make a digital movie based on Cook's upcoming book, Foreign Body.

The New York Post reported:

Under the deal, Vuguru, in partnership with Cyber Group Animation and online entertainment company Big Fantastic, will script out 50 two-minute Webisodes that will feature the same characters as "Foreign Body" and serve as a prequel to the book's plot.

G.P. Putnam president Ivan Held hopes the digital movie will build enough buzz to set up Foreign Body for a blockbuster opening weekend. Clearly, this is beyond even the dreams of most authors. But it is something to keep in mind, since books seem to be going digital, one way or the other.