Notes from the media landscape: AOL gets Punk’d over

First it was uber-producer Mark Burnett. Now, Ashton Kutcher? America Online (AOL) announced this week that Kutcher's production company Katalyst Films has been signed to create 'disruptive' online characters to infiltrate AOL's instant messaging community. Katalyst is the prodco that brought Punk'd and to TVs everywhere. The new project, aimed at the young, restless and media savvy, is meant to act much like viral marketing, with its aim to shock folks who use AOL's instant messaging system, AIM. Twenty mini-eps starring the Internet 'stars' will offer product placement opportunities within the content. And, as in TV, brands that make sense will be able to hold key roles in the material. AOL's AIM is used by 43 million in the U.S. The first episode is slated for spring.
By Staff 
February 16, 2006

First it was uber-producer Mark Burnett. Now, Ashton Kutcher? America Online (AOL) announced this week that Kutcher’s production company Katalyst Films has been signed to create ‘disruptive’ online characters to infiltrate AOL’s instant messaging community. Katalyst is the prodco that brought Punk’d and to TVs everywhere. The new project, aimed at the young, restless and media savvy, is meant to act much like viral marketing, with its aim to shock folks who use AOL’s instant messaging system, AIM. Twenty mini-eps starring the Internet ‘stars’ will offer product placement opportunities within the content. And, as in TV, brands that make sense will be able to hold key roles in the material. AOL’s AIM is used by 43 million in the U.S. The first episode is slated for spring.