Are you looking for something new and original to watch?
You know, something that goes beyond the typical content seen on YouTube, and makes you think? Well, then we’ve got just the thing for you! Today (13 October), YouTuber and filmmaker Emily Diana Ruth‘s debut web series Cold has been released on Verizon’s streaming platform, go90.
Here at TenEighty, we were lucky enough to get an exclusive sneak peek at the new and captivating series. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the ten things you NEED to know about Cold. Prepare to feel anticipation for what is sure to be one of the best web series of 2016!
1. Cold started out as part of New Form Digital’s Incubator 2
In 2015, New Form Digital – the digital studio backed by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer – commissioned a number of short films as part of their second Incubator series, from creators including Jack Howard, Dean Dobbs, and Benjamin Cook. Among them was Emily’s original Cold pilot.
After its premiere, Verizon’s streaming service go90 picked up Cold to be adapted into a ten-episode series. And it’s a good thing too, because – as we were told last year – Emily had plenty of ideas on how to take this story forward.
2. Emily created and directed the entire series
Not only is Emily the brains behind the concept, but she was also in control behind the camera! Seriously, the girl’s got some serious talent and we’re super jealous.
Being both creator and director allows Emily to present an end product that is all her own, and we think that’s pretty awesome.
3. The series features a different story than seen in the original short film
We don’t want to give too much away about the original film, in case you haven’t seen it yet (and seriously, why haven’t you?!), but we’ll give you a brief lowdown. The film follows Isla, a teenage girl who was adopted at the age of three, as she looks to uncover information about her past. She finds the answers, but they might not be the ones she was expecting.
The series, on the other hand, follows Isla as she looks for answers about her mother’s murder after receiving a letter from her imprisoned father, who claims to be innocent of the crime. With help from new friend Tina (played by Devery Jacobs), Isla looks to uncover the truth. However, the path isn’t as straightforward (or as safe) as she hoped.
Two different stories, two unique creations.
4. It’s a suspenseful mystery story that will leave you on the edge of your seat
Cold is pretty intense, and that’s why we love it. Emily doesn’t shy away from showcasing issues that are occurring in today’s society, which is something we applaud. Take that story and layer it with effective shots and soundtracks, and you have a recipe that’ll have you hooked until the very last episode.
5. It features an exciting mix of performers
Cold features actors you might recognise from critically-acclaimed shows like True Blood (Todd Lowe) and The Wire (Jim True-Frost), alongside newer faces who have won awards and are set to appear in larger features in the next year (Devery Jacobs and Annalise Basso).
There’s a lot of talent present in the series and that shows with every scene. A+ acting, everyone.
6. There are social media stars present as well!
US-based Vine star and YouTuber Marcus Johns appears in the series as police officer Adam – and he’s pretty good, if we do say so ourselves. He makes a very convincing officer.
Go #TeamInternet!
7. The entire series was shot in Northern Ontario
Just as the original short film was shot on location in St. Thomas and London, Ontario, the series was shot on location in Northern Ontario. The snowy roads, endless forests, and dreary conditions certainly made everything feel much more authentic.
8. Cold was actually shot in the spring
…although you wouldn’t be able to tell, because in Northern Ontario, spring is still actually pretty cold – cold enough for that devil called snow to stick around well into the season. But hey, it’s good to know the actors weren’t ACTUALLY freezing their toes off during filming.
9. The series deals with a real-life issue from Canada, Emily’s home country
As the series progresses, viewers are introduced to “starlight tours”. For those of you unaware of the term, starlight tours are when police officers arrest someone and take them out to the middle of nowhere, where they are dropped off and left to fend for themselves. Sadly, a lot of the time, this results in death, as below-freezing temperatures and nature’s elements take effect.
This is something that is commonly heard of in Canada’s northern First Nations communities, and the series is actually based on a Reserve. It’s a sad, angering issue that rightfully causes outrage, and Emily’s series does a good job of touching on its seriousness.
10. Prepare to experience every emotion you’ve ever felt
We don’t want to give too much away because we don’t want to spoil the ending, but trust us: if it’s an emotion, you’ll definitely feel it throughout the ten episodes.
Have we got you excited for Cold to premiere?
We certainly hope so! Cold is honestly Emily’s best work to date and we’re excited for the rest of the world to see it. You can tell how much effort she’s put into it, and it’s great to see all her hard work pay off. We hope you love it just as much as we did, and that this project leads to more great work from Emily.
Keep your eyes locked on TenEighty for more coverage of Cold! In the meantime, find out how many awards PJ Liguori’s Oscar’s Hotel series won at the Streamys, or alternatively, read about the new partnership between Wildseed and Pinewood Studios.
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