Shorter shows: an unlikely fad
that, strangely, is catching

Big name consumer brands are signing on to sponsorships for Sony Television's new Minisode Network as it expands to other venues, reports The New York Times.

The "network" has been running since June on a MySpace page, sponsored by the American Honda Motor Company.

Now Sony is expanding the network's reach with distribution via Sony-owned Crackle.com, AOL and Joost, as well as through Verizon's V Cast service.

Honda will continue to sponsor the Minisode Network on AOL and Joost.

Pepsi has signed on to sponsor the Crackle channel. The soft drink company will use the execution to promote its retro packaging campaign. Each episode will be preceded by a 15-second Pepsi spot.

Pepsi hopes the blasts from the past will be a good fit for stripped-down versions of classic TV shows.

Sony has reached out to other television studios to see if they, too, would be interested in having their programming added to the Minisode Network.