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08/05/2011 01:13 PM

Tech Beat: New movie gets 'Inside' social media

By: Adam Balkin

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It is an entirely new type of movie, one that wouldn't have been possible as recently as five years ago.

The film is called "Inside" and stars Emmy Rossum and, in a strange way, anyone else who wants to join in.

It's about a girl named Christina, who wakes up trapped in a small, windowless room with no idea how she got there.

Her only tool to help solve and save her from this mystery is a laptop computer left inside with intermittent internet service. She uses the laptop to reach out to anyone who will listen via her Facebook and Twitter page.

"It's sort of the first integration of how the internet and social media can work in conjunction with a film," DJ Caruso, director of "Inside," said. “You can experience this film and watch it as it unfolds in an episodic way, and participate in the outcome via social media."

There are eight, roughly seven-minute long "movie" segments available on YouTube. They play out over 11 days.

"We have shot a lot of things that give you options, so the audience can help steer the menu that helps take those options," Caruso said.

Creators say that social network junkies will enjoy this new type of interactive media.

The movie looks into one of this era's pressing internet inspired social quandaries.

"Who truly is your friend," Caruso said. "Yes, you might have 1,000 friends all over the internet and on Facebook, but which friends will really step up for you?"

"Inside" is also a giant, 21st century product placement advertisement. The project is funded by the makers of Christina's laptop, Toshiba and Intel.

To find out more, visit TheInsideExperience.com.

Each Monday and Friday, tune in to Tech Beat to learn the newest high-tech trends in both industry and product development. Also tune in each Thursday and Saturday to App Wrap to find the newest and coolest apps for your cell phone or mobile device.