Neighbours is claiming an Australian first for any television show, using Twitter to create virtual stories for its characters that goes beyond their on-screen television world.
The accounts for the younger characters of Ringo, Declan, Donna and Zeke share thoughts and feelings beyond what is seen on the show. Although Twitter is increasingly used by television stars, this one allows fan interaction with soap characters in a virtual world.
While “fan fiction” has long been an internet favourite by viewers, this one is co-ordinated by online digital media experts at FremantleMedia.
For the past few weeks, fans have been getting daily updates from Twitter accounts in the voices of Donna Freedman, Declan Napier, Ringo Brown and Zeke Kinski.
The characters talk to each other, talk to others, get advice, take advice,and give advice through Twitter, every afternoon after school.
Some of the Tweets include:
@declannapier @zekekinski @donnafreedman going to harold’s for cake and coffee, anyone want to join me?
@DonnaFreedman Was gonna play footy with Declan babe, right now getting carried away on twitter….meet you there later. Cool?
@DeclanNapier that’s shameful dude, your placing bets on who’s gonna win out of your mum and lyn? Favourite: Rebecca, definately!
The Twitter accounts are under the names of declannapier, donnafreedman, ringobrown and zekekinski.
@ john
did you see TV Burp?
and Neighbours biggest barrier to storylines like that is the timeslot, having recently seen some promos for Home&Away it amazes me what H&A can get away with at 7pm but Neighbours cant at 18:30pm
Neighbours,Home & Away…time to go,or get some balls & get real.The same old tripe,especially H&A.How about a Ringo/Declan love affair,viewership up 100%.
@wamdue Oddly I completely agree.
Seems like a great idea, very progressive, and frankly if I was still watching Neighbours I’d follow the online extended storyline…
Well done TEN – is this a world first????
Ringo is soooooo hot! He makes me drip everywhere!
Note to whoever is updating the tweets: be careful – don’t let any of the stories/cliffies slip!
I had no idea that they were doing this! The funny thing is 3 of the cast members actually have twitter in real life…
Fremantle have always been very impressive in the digital space. They did The MySpace Road Tour last year and all the video on the MasterChef site is very well done.
neighbourhood twits ?
you would hate to be the writer who has to write these things
that is so cool. i will twitter them right away
Desperate times.
Clever, very clever.
Now if only they put that much effort in to actually improving the show.
as a fan of Neighbours and someone with a Twitter account, I can not put into words how much I dont care.