USA networks' Burn Notice is gaining more popularity by the week. This action-packed original series follows around a "burned" spy who tries to piece back together his life in Miami. It's a clever story that doesn't take it self too serious. The lead character, Michael Westen, has an abundance of spy knowledge that he shares with an online audience through a voice-over narrative. It's very McGyver meets black ops.
Just like a spy, the online marketing of the show covers all of it's bases. "Ask a Spy" captures the essense of Michael Westens character in a quasi-question/answer video forum. There are twenty-five one-minute videos that provide that answer to those classic questions like "I am locked in the a car trunk... again! How do I escape?" or "How can I tell if someone is following my car?" The idea is fresh and fun, but what really makes it engaging is the production, writing and delivery by actor Jeffrey Donovan. This execution has extended Michael Westen into another medium - online. He acts natural, calm & assertive even while the playful, yet alluring motion graphics illustrate his point. For a moment, you almost believe you could bust out of a locked car trunk, survive a bar room brawl, and break out of prison – only to realize you may be dating a spy. Aaaah the life of a spy.
by Jeff Jura
WHO WE ARE
