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Lonelygirl15

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Lonelygirl15
File:LonelyGirl15 Bree.jpg
Bree aka lonelygirl15 in an early video blog.
GenreVideoblog, Drama, Comedy
Created byMiles Beckett
Mesh Flinders
Greg Goodfried
Amanda Goodfried
StarringJessica Lee Rose
Yousef Abu-Taleb
Jackson Davis
Alexandra Dreyfus
Becki Kregoski
Maxwell Glick
Country of origin United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes258
Production
Production locationsMarin County, California
EditorKevin Schlanser
Original release
NetworkYouTube
ReleaseJune 16, 2006 –
Present
Related
KateModern

lonelygirl15 is an interactive web-based video series, centering on the life of a fictional teenage girl named Bree, whose YouTube username is the eponymous "lonelygirl15." The series is presented through short, regularly updated video blogs posted by the fictional characters. Lonelygirl15 came to international attention ostensibly as a real video blogger who achieved massive popularity on YouTube, a popular video sharing website, but was eventually outed by suspicious viewers as a hoax featuring a fictive character played by American-New Zealand actress Jessica Rose.[1][2]

A story in The New York Times entitled "‘Lonely Girl’ (and Friends) Just Wanted Movie Deal" revealed the series' creators: Ramesh Flinders, a screenwriter and filmmaker from Marin County, California, and Miles Beckett, a surgical residency dropout turned filmmaker.[3]

The series, which began June 16, 2006, is still running, with new videos appearing regularly on YouTube, Revver, metacafe, LiveVideo, Veoh, Bebo, and MySpace.

A spin off show, KateModern, premiered in July 2007 with a video featuring Kate's art on Bebo. It can be viewed at www.KateModern.tv.

History

lonelygirl15 debuted on YouTube posing as a "real" 16-year-old video blogger with the eponymous username. In "lonelygirl15"'s earliest videos, she posted video replies to and name-dropped popular YouTubers, which attracted the attention of their fans. To further the initial illusion that Bree was a real girl, a MySpace page was set up for her and she began meaningfully corresponding with many of her fans. Several fans of lonelygirl15's video posts began to wonder[4] if Bree was, in fact, a real person or if the posts were part of a teaser campaign for a television show or an upcoming movie[5][6] (similar to the viral marketing used to hype The Blair Witch Project). Others felt that the blog might be part of an alternate reality game.[7]

In early August 2006, fans began an active discussion on the www.lonelygirl15.com message boards and instigated an all-out investigation into the details behind lonelygirl15, pointing to small inconsistencies within the videos as evidence that the story might not be genuine. Los Angeles Times reporter Richard Rushfield was the first to provide proof of a hoax, when he wrote of Shaina Wedmedyk, Chris Patterson, and an anonymous law student, who set up a sting on MySpace to reveal that the Creative Artists Agency was behind the videos. Eventually it was revealed that 16-year-old "Bree" was played by 19-year-old New Zealand actress Jessica Rose.[8][9]

Because of lonelygirl15's YouTube popularity, media sources seized upon the story, extensively covering both the search process and the eventual "outing" as a fictional series. She has fooled many people into believing that she is a real 16 year-old.

Afterwards, numerous news sources and talk shows featured interviews with the creators and actors of the series itself.[10][3][11][12][13][14][15][16]

New York Times reporter Virginia Heffernan expanded on the series of revelations on September 12 out with an article which confirmed Jessica Rose's identity, and revealed the identities of her "co-conspirators", Ramesh Flinders, a screenwriter and filmmaker from Marin County, Calif., and Miles Beckett, a doctor-turned-filmmaker. Software engineer Grant Steinfeld was also involved in this project, as a photographer. Amanda Solomon Goodfried assisted in their efforts to hide their identities as well as posed as "Bree"'s online alter-ego. Ms. Goodfried's father-in-law, Kenneth Goodfried, handled various legal matters. The personnel involved worked under a non-disclosure agreement, according to Grant Steinfeld. Steinfeld has verified most of this information to the Times, and provided photographs he took on set of Ms. Rose as proof.[3] Also on September 12, the three main creators gave an interview to the Los Angeles Times revealing the third major partner as Greg Goodfried.[16]

Since the fictitious nature of lonelygirl15 has been revealed, the storyline continued to develop via new videos posted to both YouTube and Revver. However due to the recent partnership with YouTube and Myspace, videos stopped being posted on Lonelygirl15's Revver account, and now are only viewable via Youtube and MyspaceTV.

Lonelygirl15, a cyberspace superstar also know by the offline moniker “Bree Avery” died under mysterious circumstances in a nondescript medical facility Aug. 3 in or around Santa Monica, Calif. while participating (possibly against her will) in some vaguely explained cult ritual involving DNA or something. She was 17 … or there abouts. Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). Rose portrayed the lonelygirl15 character as she sat by herself in her bedroom talking to the camera. The subject matter in the video focused on antipoverty, which breaks from the regular subject matter of the show. The video was posted on an alternate account, separate from the main channel.[17]

  • On November 20, 2006, lonelygirl15.com announced that the spin-off OpAphid was the official Alternate Reality Game of lonelygirl15.[18] OpAphid began in late September with what many speculated was a well-produced fan effort, and this announcement merges its characters OpAphid, Tachyon, and 10033/Brother, into the series storyline and continuity. In early February, 2007, it was revealed that Glenn Rubenstein was the original Puppet Master behind the OpAphid Alternate Reality Game and also the creator of its characters, OpAphid, Tachyon, and Brother. Due to internal issues between the Creator's and Glenn, OpAphid is no longer the official ARG.
  • A 2006 episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent was "inspired" by the lonelygirl15 phenomenon. The episode "Weeping Willow" featured a blogger named weepingwillow17, played by Michelle Trachtenberg. Willow and her boyfriend were kidnapped by men in black who demanded her fans donate money to a website to save their lives. The investigators did not know if Willow was real or fake. Various other video bloggers were also seen decrying weepingwillow as a fake, just like many did on YouTube. The site on the episode was named YouLenz.
  • On November 9 2006, DEE, a Montreal artist, released a song and a music video entitled lonelygirl.[19] The lonelygirl music video was shot in an almost exact replica of Bree's bedroom. In February 2007 it was featured by YouTube and got hundreds of thousands of views.
  • Wired magazine ran a story on YouTube titled "YouTube Grows Up" in its December 2006 issue, featuring Jessica Lee Rose on the cover.[20]
  • The lonelygirl15 blog won Biggest Web Hit Award on VH1's Big in '06 Awards.[21]
  • Epic Movie released a series of trailers on YouTube in which Carmen Electra spoofed lonelygirl15. Electra portrayed lonelygirl362436. Yousef Abu-Taleb, the Danielbeast actor, even appears in one of them.
  • In the "Best Series" category of the inaugural YouTube Video awards in March of 2007, the series "Ask a Ninja", "Ask a Gay Man", and "Chad Vader - Day Shift Manager" finished first, second and third, with the lonelygirl15 series finishing fourth.[22] The New York Times attributed Lonelygirl's finish to the YouTube community's ill will towards the series.[23]
  • The entire Season One Finale first premiered entirely on MySpace's new video site MySpaceTV on August 4th, 2007. One video was posted every hour for 12 hours from 8am PST to 7pm PST In the end Bree's character was killed off due to Jessica Lee Rose not renewing her contract for Season Two[citation needed].

Characters

Jonas/jonastko: Jonas made his entrance, like Gemma, posting video replies to Bree. His wealthy parents were lost at sea six years ago, and he was raised by his Nanny until he came of age. During his introduction he lived alone in a big house with his inheritance at his disposal. He offered shelter to Bree and Daniel when they were on the run, but they have since left his house and traveled to various other out posts, including his residence in the mountains and his aunt's house. After fleeing from his aunt's house, his aunt told him his parents were still alive, although this has not been confirmed. After hearing a message Bree left for Daniel at the end of the Season 1 Finale it appears he may try and save the other girls (like Bree) in Season 2, but this is unknown as of yet.[24]

Daniel/Danielbeast: Daniel is Bree's best friend. Daniel is naturally laid-back and a bit of a slacker, but he will do just about anything to protect Bree. While Bree is a creative dreamer, Daniel is usually grounded and the voice of reason. He has a knack for breaking into buildings and other forms of amateur espionage. At the end of the season 1 finale Daniel went his own way.[25]

Taylor/soccerstar: A Revver poster who makes videos similar to the ones Bree made in the beginning of the series. She first appeared when she contacted Jonas, Daniel and Bree with information regarding to Jules, a possible new candidate for the ceremony. She has continued to help the trio with information and clues in their fight against the Order. At the end of season 1 finale Taylor and Sarah both returned back to Zalvalla, Texas.

Sarah/skyisempty: Taylor's older sister, she is a former cheerleader who is very affected by her parent's divorce, changing several aspects of her personality, such as her outlook on life, her wardrobe, and her behaviour. Taylor, however, says that such changes are nothing but 'an act' to cope with the trauma. She joined Jonas and Daniel when Bree was taken in by the Order and is currently assisting them to keep Bree from completing the ceremony. At the end of season 1 finale Taylor and Sarah both returned back to Zalvalla, Texas.

Spencer Gilman/LAlabrat: Spencer is the son of the deceased Isaac Gilman, who was a scientist working for the Wyman Foundation, an in-game research foundation. Isaac was working with Bree's father to help Bree become "trait negative". When Daniel, Jonas, Sarah, and Taylor learned of Isaac Gilman's involvement, his subsequent death under suspicious circumstances, and the existence of his son Spencer, they proceeded to contact Spencer in hopes that he could carry on his father's research. Spencer was wary at first, but he has since decided to help Jonas, Daniel, Sarah, and Taylor with finding Bree and trying to make her trait negative. Spencer is 22 and graduated from UCSD early, completing his B.S. in only 3 years. He is employed by Neutrogena, where he was recently named employee of the month.[26]

Former Characters

Bree Avery/lonelygirl15: (October 26,1989—August 3,2007) Bree was a perky 17-year-old girl (16 at the start of the series) who has been homeschooled for most of her life by her strict and religious parents. Although she is intelligent and well-read, she can be naive and emotionally immature because of her sheltered upbringing. Her family belongs to a mysterious cult called "The Order". In the early stages of the series there was speculation about the similarities to Thelema.[27] Recently it has been learned that Bree's last name is Avery. On the last day of season 1 (in which 12 episodes were made public) Bree died in an act of self-sacrifice to let her friends live normal lives. Strangely however, in a recorded voice mail received after her death, she asks her friends to promise to help other girls in the same circumstances, which will surely complicate their lives.

Gemma/gemmers19: Gemma first showed up on YouTube replying to one of Bree's videos. They had been friends when Bree was living in England, and they were both part of the same "Order." She was the owner of the dog that Bree alluded to earlier in the series, the dog was Bree's best friend whilst living in England. Gemma claimed to be a University student living in a flat in London who had drifted away from the Order. She would often post videos giving advice to Bree while talking about her life there. It was later revealed that Gemma was actually an agent of the Order who had been in Southern California all along. She was last seen in a video posted by "Brother," in which it is implied that she is shot by him.[28]

OpAphid: OpAphid was the leader of a divison of the order called Operation APHID. OpAPHID was an elite organization within the Order (the secret society behind Bree's religion, the Hymn of One). [1]

Tachyon: A secret agent, assumed to be a member of The Culper Ring. She worked undercover within the Order (Hymn of One), before disappearing with an encrypted disk full of the Order's secrets. Tachyon helped Bree rescue Daniel when he was captured by the Order, and for a short while she was training Bree to help lead a new Resistance against the Order. [2]

Brother/10033: Tachyon's partner in The Culper Ring who once had an affair with Gemma. Previously, Gemma blew 10033's cover and an attempt was made on his life. This resulted in 10033's assassination of Gemma. [3]

Trivia

  • The series was developed under the working title The Children of Anchor Cove.[29]
  • lonelygirl15 has various signature items/props that appear in its episodes. Recurring props include a pink feather boa, a safari hat, her beloved puppet Purple Monkey (a.k.a. "P.Monkey"), and her green, stuffed animal turtle, Owen.

See also

References

  1. ^ Jessica Rose at IMDb
  2. ^ Jessica Rose's acting headshot (dead link)
  3. ^ a b c Heffernan, Virginia and Zeller, Tom (2006-09-12). "'Lonely Girl' (and Friends) Just Wanted Movie Deal". The New York Times. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ gohepcat (YouTube user) (2006). Lonelygirl15 a Fake? (YouTube video blog).
  5. ^ Krazymalicous (YouTube user) (2006). LONELYGIRL15 IS A FAKE (YouTube video blog).
  6. ^ Sternbergh, Adam (2006-08-28). "Hey There, Lonelygirl". New York Magazine. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Cook, Lee (2006-09-29). "LonelyGirl15". Alternate Reality Gaming Network. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Flemming, Brian (2006-08-21). "Lonelygirl15 jumps the shark". Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ Trademark Application
  10. ^ Rushfield, Richard and Hoffman, Claire (2006-09-08). "Mystery Fuels Huge Popularity of Web's Lonelygirl15". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ "lonelygirl15 revealed : jessica rose aspiring actress". Top of the Tube. 2006-09-12. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ mgpapas (2006-09-12). Lonelygirl15 a.k.a. Bree a.k.a. Jessica Rose Exposed (YouTube video).
  13. ^ Foremski, Matt and Foremski, Tom (2006-09-12). "SVW Exclusive: The identity of LonelyGirl15". Silicon Valley Watcher. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ Foremski, Tom (2006-09-12). "The Hunt for LonelyGirl15: Life in a blogger household . . ". Silicon Valley Watcher. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Foremski, Tom (2006-09-12). "How the secret identity of LonelyGirl15 was found". Silicon Valley Watcher. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ a b Rushfield, Richard and Hoffman, Claire (2006-09-13). "Lonelygirl15 Is Brainchild of 3 Filmmakers". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ETsRObMQI Youtube.com
  18. ^ lonelygirl15.com
  19. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc1LL5if2kM
  20. ^ Garfield, Bob (2006-11-26). "YouTube Grows Up -- But What Does It Mean?". Retrieved 2006-11-20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/big_in/2006/index.jhtml VH1.com
  22. ^ cnn.com
  23. ^ NYTimes.com
  24. ^ Jonas at lonelygirl15.com lonelygirl15.com
  25. ^ Daniel at lonelygirl15.com lonelygirl15.com
  26. ^ http://www.neutrogena.com/spencer.asp
  27. ^ http://www.lonelygirl15.com/lgpedia/index.php?title=Bree lonelygirl15.com
  28. ^ Gemma at lonelygirl15.com lonelygirl15.com
  29. ^ http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNjcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY5OTI4MTEmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3 Northjersey.com
  30. ^ http://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/6089
  31. ^ http://www.lonelygirl15.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=701&sid=3f0ac2d9aeb7fe5e0b47207d0ce290ab
  32. ^ http://www.lonelygirl15.com/lgpedia/index.php?title=LG15_Soundtrack
  33. ^ lonelygirl15's Amie Street Music Store
  34. ^ Van Buskirk, Eliot (2007-05-15). "LonelyGirl15 Soundtrack Will Use Amie Street Artists". Wired. Retrieved 2007-05-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ Asbill, Peter (treetops) (2007-05-22). "LonelyGirl15 featuring Chase Emery". Amie Street. Retrieved 2007-05-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ modelmotion (2007-05-16). "LonelyGirl15 Soundtrack Will Use Amie Street Artists". LG15 Today. Retrieved 2007-05-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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