3:02 p.m. | Updated The online video service Hulu, most of whose programming consists of material licensed from television and film companies, has commissioned its first original script-based program, which is scheduled to be available on Hulu’s free web service, rather than its premium pay Hulu Plus site, as of the middle of next month. Called “Battleground,” the new series is described as a faux documentary-style political drama-comedy set in Wisconsin– which in real life has emerged as a frontline in combat between liberals and conservatives since Republican governor Scott Walker took office a year ago.
The new show, which is to have 13 episodes, will be directed by J.D. Walsh, a Wisconsin native known from acting appearances in “Two and a Half Men,” and will be produced by Marc Webb (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) and Hagai Shaham (“The Details”). Hulu is said to be aiming “Battleground” at the same kind of audience that watches popular programs like “The Office” and “The Colbert Report.”
Hulu already produces a documentary series, Morgan Spurlock’s “A Day in the Life,” and the new effort is seen as moving the service closer to direct competition with cable television. Mr. Spurlock’s series has just been renewed for a second season, and will be joined by another documentary series, “Up to Speed,” by Richard Linklater, the man behind the movies “Dazed and Confused” and “School of Rock.”
The Media Decoder blog has more here.