Sernio goes
from television to the Web with a new
series
Belmar’s Joe Sernio recently finished up
a stint on the daytime soap opera, “All
My Children,” and will soon be seen on a
new, Web-based show called “Compulsive.”
The first four episodes will be
available in late January. Photo
courtesy JOE SERNIO
Story by By Zach Levine
Belmar’s Joe Sernio, 28, has been seen by millions in a myriad of television shows, from daytime soap operas like “All My Children” to prime-time dramas like “Love Monkey.”
For his newest venture, however, he
decided to test out one of the newest
forms of visual media — the Internet.
The show he is currently shooting is
called “Compulsive,” and it will soon be
available for viewers to watch online at
www.getcompulsive.com.
This
show is currently shooting all
throughout the Borough of Belmar, from a
residence on 11th Avenue to the main
setting of the show, at Brandl.
Restaurant.
Mr. Sernio said the borough as well as the restaurant will play prominent roles in the Web series, and all names of real places and locations will remain the same in the show.
The show is created and directed by Nick Pavano, who previously collaborated with Mr. Sernio on his most recent film, “The Roadhouse.” The show is being produced by Empire Creative and On Edge Entertainment.
He said, at first, he was unsure about filming a show that would only be viewed on the Internet. However, after doing research and further looking into the new media, he became very excited about the possibility of mass exposure for the show.
He added each episode would be kept
short, saying it is his belief that most
people have short attention spans when
it comes to watching streaming video on
the Internet.
“We’re going to be keeping it pretty
quick,” he said. “We did our homework
and found out many viewers don’t stay
too long when watching online, so we’re
keeping it as short as possible.”
With the show “Compulsive,” Mr. Sernio stars as Chris Donner, a successful family man who has a dark secret he hides from his wife Vanessa [Lauren Potter, “Mama’s Boy”] and their baby, Emily.
Though Chris tells his wife that he works as a regional bank manager, in actuality, he is a hired assassin.
The show is narrated by Mr. Sernio’s
character, with the viewer going along
with Chris as he commits murders, and
sees the effect his job has on his
everyday life.
“This show has got some pretty crazy
twists that should be able to grab some
viewers,” he said. He added the show is
for mature audiences only.
“Some of this stuff that’s being written will shock the viewers,” he said.
Mr. Sernio said, at first, he was unsure about doing this type of show, but after reading the dialogue from the first few episodes and learning it would be shot like a regular television show, he knew it was something he wanted to be part of.
“I just loved the writing and the
script,” he said.
Mr. Sernio said he is aiming for
“Compulsive” to be released online in
late January. Currently, a quick, sneak
preview of the show is available at
getcompulsive.com.
Mr. Sernio explained that, by the end of January, four episodes will be available online for viewers to enjoy. After those four episodes debut, the audience will then have the chance to have their voices heard pertaining to the upcoming plot of the show.
“What’s cool about it is that we’re putting these episodes up right as we shoot them,” Mr. Sernio said. “This means the audience can send us feedback, and if we like some of their ideas for characters or plot development, we will include it in future scripts.”
Mr. Sernio said it is this form of communication between the show’s actors and producers and the audience that will make “Compulsive” stand out online, and he is excited to see some of the viewers’ ideas when it comes to the main character of Chris Donner.
“For those viewing and thinking that Chris should do this or that, they can post their thoughts or e-mail us, and we’ll add it to the plot,” he said.
Mr. Sernio said, originally, he hoped to have the series up on the Web already, but due to the recent snowstorm, shooting had to be delayed by a few weeks.
However, he said he is very excited for the show to make its debut online, and looks forward to audiences worldwide having the chance to see his show and get “compulsive.”