Futuristic "Electric City" aims at today's issus

Yahoo has lined up Tom Hanks to help it launch its foray into original scripted programming. Hanks will be creating Electric City, a 90-minute animated science fiction series for the digital media company. The premium content will be viewable on both Internet connected TVs and tablets.

Set in the future, Electric City describes a utopia built out to the rubble of the world as we know it. Ostensibly a symbol of peace and security, the city is full of problems. The story lines are intended to touch upon hot-button issues like energy, freedom, and the law.

Yahoo hopes to make the project an interactive experience. It will offer a 3D interactive map, character backstories, learn about the cast behind the characters, and watch behind-the-scenes footage.

It's also intended to be an opportunity for social networking. Viewers can post reactions and commentary to Facebook and Twitter, use their social networks in discussions and debates about characters, events, and themes, and participate in casual games.

Yahoo and Hanks have partnered with Playtone and Reliance Entertainment. Playtone is Hanks' and Gary Goetzman's production company which has produced movies including The Polar Express and Big Love.

The show will begin airing tomorrow. The series will presented in several languages, including English, French, and Spanish.

By Electronista Staff