Reservoir Hill Nominated for International Digital Emmy Awards

By Craig Taylor

March 5, 2010

New Zealand’s Reservoir Hill was a weekly online drama where viewers could interact with the main character and become involved in her story. During its eight-week run last Nov., it was one of the most viewed shows on TVNZ Ondemand and became an instant hit.

The drama focused on the life of Beth Connolly, a teenager who is forced to move to a strange new suburb after her parents separate. The series were described by Producer Thomas Robins as dark as Twilight and as snobby as Gossip Girl, exploring all the issues that teenagers face.

A new town, a new school, a new life, Connolly can’t help feeling scared, confused and homesick. The people behave strangely and inexplicably stare at her constantly.

“Everyone in Reservoir Hill is freaked out by Beth, and she has no idea why,” Robins elaborates. “That story links all the episodes, but her journey is directly affected by the viewers—by becoming an online friend, by watching her blogs, or even by texting her, they really do become a part of the story.”

The viewers gave Connolly advice while the show aired on Mondays, which would be reflected in the next show. A personal video blog from Connolly was uploaded on Thursdays, so she could explain what was going on in her head. Comments on social media networking site Bebo also helped drive the story forward.

Reservoir Hill nabbed the first nomination spot in the International Digital Emmy Awards. Other nominees included shows from China, Canada, Finland, Brazil, Germany and the United Kingdom. The awards ceremony will be held on April 12.