Social Media Used to Enhance Lenten Experience
Los Angeles—Loyola Productions’ new post-apocalyptic drama 40—produced in association with the Midwest Jesuits and Loyola Press—offers viewers a unique Lenten experience delivered exclusively through the Internet and social media. This innovative program appeals to believers and seekers alike, and is ideal for individuals and groups.
40 premieres Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012, and shepherds viewers right up to Easter Triduum. Each week during Lent, two new episodes will air on the series’ original website— 40theseries.com—as well as on YouTube, Vimeo and Facebook, with updates available through Twitter. Each of the 14 (4–7 minute) episodes acts as a Lenten allegory and is accompanied by meditative reflections centered on the
scriptural references.
40 begins with seven strangers who appear to be the only survivors of a mysterious, calamitous event: Los Angeles is empty, devoid of people. No sign remains of family, neighbors or co-workers. No space ship hovers over the city, there are no zombies or flesh-eating viruses. There are just seven strangers, who share the same iridescent blue mark on the shoulder, a tiny, precise square of color that wasn’t there yesterday. Were they chosen? Or have they been culled? By whom? For what purpose?
Award-Winning Writer/Director Jesuit Brother Michael Breault developed the series to offer something new and engaging, stating, “A thrilling, post-apocalyptic drama to help further one’s Lenten experience takes storytelling to a whole new level and has simply never been done before. 40 is not just a series, it’s unique in that it also serves as a Lenten allegory. At the heart of each episode are questions and scriptural meditations designed to enhance a person’s Lenten journey.”
Executive Producer Jesuit Father Eddie Siebert also shares his enthusiasm for 40: “Loyola Productions is thrilled to partner with the Midwest Jesuits and Loyola Press in creating an innovative way to reflect on and prepare for Lent. Using a cutting-edge medium combined with mixed media to prepare for a centuries-old spiritual tradition is very exciting for us and the entire Jesuit Community. We hope to reach a wide audience and get people talking. 40 is about conversation and community.”
40 stars George Gallagher, Ethan Flower, Cherinda Kincherlow, Peggy Miley, Jan Broberg, Caroline Pho, Jack Little and Damon Murphy. Episodes will air on Mondays and Wednesdays during Lent. For more information and to view the full schedule of airdates please visit http://40theseries.com or search for “40theseries”