It was going to be up to Sedelmaier and his crew to design and produce the webtoons. While enthused with the original concept of webtoons, J.J. suggested strongly that the network consider an on-air presence with on-site posting to follow. This was eventually implemented. The production involved having Sedelmaier direct the cartoons and working with the show’s creators in addition to Jason and the other network partners.

 

The cartoon series “The Big Adventures Of Little Shawn & Gus” appeared for two seasons and was included in the DVD boxed sets. USA Network Premieres Short-Form Content With 'The Big Adventures of Little Shawn and Gus' Based on the Critically-Acclaimed Hit Series 'Psych' NEW YORK, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first for the channel, USA Network is taking a new approach to "pod-busting" with the introduction of "The Big Adventures of Little Shawn and Gus," a series of animated vignettes based on the hit series PSYCH.

 

Each vignette explores the timeless mysteries of childhood through the characters of young Shawn and Gus. The six animations were created by J.J. Sedelmaier Productions, the studio of renowned animation director and producer, J.J. Sedelmaier ("The Ambiguously Gay Duo", "Beavis & Butt-Head," "Saturday Night Live") and range in length from :50 seconds to two minutes. USA will unveil a new adventure in the second break of every episode of PSYCH beginning Friday, January 11 at 10/9c when the show returns with new episodes.

 

Alltel Wireless will be the exclusive presenting sponsor of the animated adventures as well as the presenting sponsor of the PSYCH mid-season premiere. "The Big Adventures of Little Shawn and Gus" gives PSYCH fans an exciting new perspective into the hit series' characters as children," said Chris McCumber, executive vice president, marketing, digital and brand strategy USA Network. "With the use of animation we can push the narrative boundaries in a fun, creative way while staying true to the show's core sensibility." Sedelmaier describes the experience as, "Creatively inspiring and collaborative. I loved working with USA Network and the show's producers and introducing them to the endless storytelling possibilities of the animation medium." The animated vignettes will be supported on-air via promos and snipes, as well as online with advance teases.

 

Additionally, in another innovation that blurs the lines between advertising and content, the Alltel Brand will be integrated into a customized promo featuring the little Shawn and Gus characters interacting with Alltel products. Mark Miller, senior vice president, ad sales for USA Network and SciFi describes the Alltel Wireless relationship with USA as "Creatively groundbreaking co-branded short-form content ensures that viewers stay tuned during commercial breaks by offering entertaining and engaging content related to a program we already know is successful."

 

While the animated vignettes will premiere on-air, they will also live on usanetwork.com and be available on other syndicated vehicles such as HULU.com and mobile platforms. Fans will also have the opportunity to experience Little Shawn and Gus further at psych.usanetwork.com through multiple cartoons; two flash based games - Pogo Adventure and Hotshot Shootout; and downloadable wallpapers & screensaver. SYS-CON Media