[March 14, 2010] 'Shankaboot': Delivering day labor to the web: First-ever Arabic-language online drama launched at Art Lounge Tweet BEIRUT, Mar 15, 2010 (The Daily Star - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Of all the species of motorists thronging Beirut's chaotic thoroughfares, the moped-driver is probably the most terrifying. Where car-drivers are constrained by the size of their vehicles in the range of journey-quickening manoeuvers they can attempt, the relatively lithe moped specializes in zipping in and out of lanes of traffic and nipping directly across red-lit crossings. In spite of clampdowns on reckless moped-drivers, and periodic confiscations of unregistered vehicles by the ISF, Beirut streets teem with them. The death-defying life of a Beirut moped-driver has now been immortalized in "Shankaboot," which its makers claim is the first-ever Arabic-language web series. Unfolding over 30 five-minute episodes for dissemination in the coming weeks and months (the first is already online), "Shankaboot" tells the story of Suleiman (Hassan Akil), a 15-year-old roof squatter who earns a living by running errands on his white moped. True to life, the lead character is shown cutting up traffic with large objects precariously balanced about his person -- at one point, an oversized floral lampshade sits atop his head. Suleiman, however, wears a helmet, a sensible precaution eschewed by many of his real-life counterparts. A road accident in the first episode causes a literal collision between Suleiman and the comely Ruwaida (Samira Kawass), who has fled an abusive marriage and now has only one ambition, to become a star. An older friend of Suleiman's, Chadi (Nasri Sayegh), completes the lead trio. The character's mute appearance in the first episode is accompanied by some decidedly sinister music -- there's something fishy about this guy. The fourth character of importance is Beirut. Although none of the conventional landmarks of the city are visible, in the first couple of episodes at least, the distinctive architecture and congested streets of the more urban, less touristy, areas of the Lebanese capital figure large in the series' aesthetic. The Beirut River, a Bourj Hammoud internet cafe, a Monnot Street nightclub and an Achrafieh barber's shop all crop up. The series pays tribute to quirky city residents -- like Suleiman's bird-hunting concierge Abu Zuheir (Nagi Shamel) and the terrifying proprietor of Suleiman's local internet cafe. Shot mainly through the kinetic lens of a hand-held camcorder, the editing team has done a great job in making "Shankaboot" as fast-paced as its hero's chosen means of transport. Veering wildly between tight close-ups, long-shots and the reactions of passers-by, the breakneck pace vaults the viewer to each episode's cliffhanger ending. "Shankaboot" could prove strongly addictive to its youthful demographic. This series is a collaboration between the BBC World Service Trust -- attempting to fulfill its brief to produce "socially responsible media content" -- and Batoota Films, a production company headed by Katia Saleh that has previously worked with Al-Jazeera English and Britain's Channel 4. Several months ago, producers circulated notices via posters and social networking sites, calling for participation in the brave new world of Arabic web drama content. A selection process narrowed down the writing team to four Lebanese, an Egyptian and a Palestinian. Working with the British scriptwriter James Payne, a veteran of such TV shows as "Eastenders," the writers developed the "Shankaboot" concept and screenplay. Amin Dora, who has previously worked on ads and music videos, came on board to occupy the director's chair, while a casting call brought in Akil, a newcomer to the acting game, and Sayegh, who studied dramatic arts in Paris. The young Akil is remarkable in the lead role, combining freshness and vitality with a slight edge, appropriate to a street-kid who lives by his wits. His performance betrays none of the gurning mawkishness that so often mars the performances of younger actors, with Dora's direction presumably a large contributing factor. Alongside the series, several other strands have been incorporated to make "Shankaboot" a fully fledged multi-media concept. Online forums will allow viewers to help shape the future direction of the series. There is also an offshoot series of comedy sketches featuring Waheed al-Booz, a character created and performed by stand-up comedian Hisham Jaber. A "Shankaboot" video game allows fans to fill Suleiman's virtual shoes. The full package was launched on Friday with a gathering at Karantina's Art Lounge. Waiters circulated in motorbike helmets reminiscent of Suleiman's own. The "Shankaboot" moped was parked in the middle of the venue and various other props -- a street sign that Suleiman defaces, and a neon sign that he keeps in his apartment -- festooned the walls. A much bigger gathering is planned for late April, giving the series a boost once it's more established. Producers have engaged the services of local superstars Mashrou3 Leila, Tania Saleh and hip-hop artist Rayess Bek -- who has contributed original music for the series -- to play at this post-launch event. Producers are so confident about the success of "Shankaboot" that shooting for the second season is already scheduled over the coming months. The series may well provide a blueprint that the BBC will develop in other countries. "We're hoping to take this idea to other parts of the world," said Michael Randall of the BBC World Service Trust. "It's a way for young people to express themselves and take ownership of a program. "In Russia, there's a saying that 'The first pancake always comes out lumpy.' I can say with great confidence there are no lumps at all in 'Shankaboot.'" To keep up with the "Shankaboot" action, visit www.shankaboot.com. To see more of the Daily Star, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.dailystar.com.lb. Copyright (c) 2010, The Daily Star, Beirut, Lebanon Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]