• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, March 29, 2009

Paramount Digital Entertainment and French film producer/distributor Gaumont have partnered to develop a Web series to debut exclusively in the U.S. on MySpace.

Positioned as an interactive short-form serial thriller, "Section 8" is expected to feature an ill-fated cast of characters, each of whom will face their own moment of jeopardy until only one survivor remains.

Endemol, the producers of "Deal or No Deal" and an existing MySpace partner, will handle worldwide distribution, product integration and brand partnerships.

"Section 8" was expressly conceived to give brand partners the opportunity to become integrated its story line. "The innovation and creativity that has been invested in the project will make this a unique opportunity for our digital and brand partners," said Adam Valkin, global head of digital at Endemol.

Audiences, meanwhile, will be invited to guess the solution to a cryptic back-story using customized interactive features situated in and around the series.

When collected together, the series will be redistributed as a full-length feature.

To date, MySpace has helped distribute original programming, including teen drama "quarterlife," and hidden-camera show "Special Delivery." In 2007, the News Corp.-owned site even co-created an original Web series, "Roommates," with new-media production studio Iron Sink Productions.

At the beginning of the year, meanwhile, MySpace tapped Endemol to create a 13-episode reality series, "Get Married on MySpace."

Slated to debut on MySpace TV this spring, the show will bestow a free wedding upon one lucky couple in exchange for letting MySpace users -- and several brand sponsors -- plan and experience the big day with them.