“Hidden somewhere in the urban jungle of Los Angeles, there is thought to be a secret academy where regular people can train to become superheroes…”

If you’ve been paying attention, then you’ll be very well aware of what feels like a sudden rush of web-based programming – especially by and about people of African descent. Or maybe it’s just me, and it feels like I’m all of a sudden being made aware of several of these series. I suppose the fact that I’m a blogger, and I’m constantly on the lookout for related content to share with you all.

I’ve previously written about some of these web series on this blog, and I promised that I’ll provide as much coverage as I can of all of them. I’m always encouraged by those who are finding alternative methods to produce and distribute their content. And as I’ve said before, the web is what’s next, and I think it’s only a matter of time before it becomes the dominant source for much of our entertainment – if it isn’t already.

Web series certainly aren’t anything new. However, a minuscule few have actually been successful – whether as an online series, or for the creators offline. And I think this lack of proven widespread success is partly why there doesn’t seem to be much overall coverage, as you’ll find in other related kinds of media – film & TV notably.

I do believe that, in time, that will change, with what feels like the proliferation of web-based programming so far this year. And I want to make sure Shadow And Act fully embraces the zeitgeist.

Today’s highlight is a relatively new series simply called Chick; and I must say, of all those I’ve seen thus far, this one intrigues me the most – based on what I’ve seen of it anyway. That could certainly change the more episodes I watch. But episode 1, which I embedded below held my attention (granted, it’s only 3 1/2 minutes long – however, you’d be surprised).

So what’s Chick about? In short, Lisa (played by Kai Soremekun) is disillusioned with her life, and sets herself on a quest to find a Secret Academy, where she will be able to realize her dream of becoming a superhero!

The series was created by its star, Kai Soremekun. It apparently started out as a feature film called Guerilla Girls, about a group of girls who went around beating up men who were assholes. In Kai’s own very revealing, honest words:

This web series is a passion project for me and very close to my heart.  It manifested out of a very challenging relationship I was in.

On January 5, 1998 I was held at knifepoint for a night by my boyfriend.

It was the best thing that ever happened to me.

It forced me to look at a lot of choices I had made in my life that weren’t serving me and of course, being an artist, I explored this through my art.

CHICK started out as a feature film called “Guerilla Girls”. It was about a group of girls who went around beating up men who were a**holes.  It was dark.  It was angry.  I was definitely working it out.

From there it morphed into a story about one main character who wanted to be a superhero to feel worthy.  She still beat up men but something didn’t feel quite right about that angle so I let the idea sit for a couple of years.

By the time I revisited the script I had become fascinated with the internet.  I reworked what I had to better suit the web.  I also found a lightness to the story I had been searching for and the CHICK interactive web series was born.

Season one begins tomorrow, but it’s really just a tiny taste of the fun journey I plan to go on with this character and project.  I hope you’ll tune in, become a fan, and share your thoughts.

And there you go! Like I said, I’m like what I’ve seen thus far, and I hope it continues to intrigue.

Check out the series website HERE, or if you’re on Facebook, become a fan, as she suggested, or subscribe to its YouTube page to be alerted when each new episode is online.

Watch episode one below. I’ll post future episodes here.