In 2007, Discovery Channel impressed us by embracing the social web in their attempts to promote perennial favorite Shark Week.
Back in the day, a five-track DIY video mixer was enough to tickle our fancy. But we have gone the way of all users and have grown lazier over the ensuing two years. We now require our personalized videos to be mixed for us. Shark Week to the rescue! This year’s promotional coup pulls all kinds of data from a user’s Facebook profile to generate creepily personal results.
At first, this year’s FrenziedWaters.com promo site was irritating and confusing. Until we clicked a link reading “My Story.”
What ensued could only have been better if Discovery/Shark Week had let us embed the video. All we can tell you is that you’ve got to try it for yourself. The app mined a few bits of data to create a sort of video obituary/newsreel that was a strange reminder of how much personal information we really do publish inside that particular walled garden.
That being said, it is a crime against humanity that users are not able to download, embed, email, or even pause the videos that are created through this hilarious little app. With a little more sharing, this Shark Week promo could’ve been hugely popular.
In addition to favorite programming from Shark Week’s past, this year’s lineup will include a two-hour docudrama of the true story behind Jaws and segments on sharks’ diurnal behavior and their favorite spots to hang out and maul people. Shark Week begins August 2. Try to get in the last of your summer beach outings beforehand.
