• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, December 3, 2008

Looking to upgrade the visibility of its Web site, Univision will launch an online, scaled-down version of its bread-and-butter telenovalas next year. The production will offer advertisers ample opportunities for product placement and brand integrations, Univision said.

The novela, "Vidas Cruzadas" (Crossed Lives), will have 15 three- to-five-minute episodes and will be available for free on Univision.com. A dedicated microsite for "Vidas" will also offer ancillary features, such as behind-the-scenes footage and blogs.

Univision will offer a sweepstakes, and the winner will have a chance for a cameo in the series. A mobile version of "Vidas" will also be produced.

Cesar Conde, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Univision, said "Vidas" is "another example" of Univision looking to offer "original, premium content which creates innovative ways for our advertising partners to connect with [an] audience."

Endemol, which is behind shows such as "Big Brother" and "Deal or No Deal" in the U.S., and Amistad Productions are involved with the production.