HBO has acquired a documentary film shot in second life that follows the journey of Molotov Alta in Second Life. Molotov Alta is the avatar of the documentary filmmaker Douglas Gayeton. Reuters reports that Gayeton was paid a six-figure sum for the rights to the film.
HBO said on Tuesday it has acquired the rights to a short-form documentary shot entirely within Second Life, as entertainment companies increasingly turn to virtual worlds as a source for new content.
"My Second Life: The video diaries of Molotov Alta" purports to tell the story of a man who "disappeared from his California home" and began issuing video dispatches from Second Life. The popular virtual world, which has its own currency and a growing economy, has drawn millions of users who create alter egos called avatars and interact with people from around the world.
HBO, the premium channel owned by Time Warner Inc, paid a six-figure sum for the rights, Douglas Gayeton, who made the film, said in an interview. Gayeton, who uses the avatar Molotov Alta in Second Life, said the documentary is scheduled for release in 2008.
Second Life has hosted dozens of real world companies in the past year, usually as a means of promoting products like cars or movies. However, Hollywood has been increasingly interested in using worlds like Second Life as virtual movie sets, a process known as machinima.
A website for the documentary can be found here. The documentary film contains seven parts. 1UP reports that HBO is so excited about the film that are submitting it for an academy award in the animated short subject category.
The film was first reported at a mystery documentary by Boing Boing back in March. It was also covered by New World Notes.
HBO has acquired a documentary film shot in second life that follows the journey of Molotov Alta in Second Life. Molotov Alta is the avatar of the documentary filmmaker Douglas Gayeton. Reuters 
