A cybernovela is a term used to describe an Internet-based video serial, derived from the terms cyber (“through use of the computer”) and novela (“short novel”). The cybernovela has evolved as a form of popular entertainment from the Spanish and Portuguese telenovela genres. It blends the plots and relationships present in traditional telenovelas with stylish storytelling devices and modern sociopolitical issues, seeking a worldly and cross-cultural audience. Cybernovelas are not broadcast on television but are circulated online, where viewers can download new episodes to watch on their personal computers or mobile devices.

The first cybernovela, alamoheightsSA (alternate spellings include “AlamoHeightsSA” and “Alamo Heights SA”), is currently in production. It is being produced by El Mundo Entertainment, zyntroPICS, Inc. and OEN Studios.

Since the genre of the cybernovela has only recently emerged, it lacks the established conventions of its processor to create an authoritative definition. However, there are numerous notable differences exist between the cybernovela and telenovela that are beginning to give the former a distinct identity.

Content

Like most telenovelas (and American soap operas, for that matter), the story of the cybernovela concerns interfamily conflict with subplots that revolve around love affairs, cutthroat business practices, criminal activity and political intrigue. It boasts a synergetic blend of tragedy and comedy with a cast featuring a majority of Hispanic characters. Unlike telenovelas, however, the cybernovela tends to have a more modern and chic edge, featuring stylish storytelling, depicting Hispanic characters in non-stereotypical social roles and addressing modern day cultural issues. Whereas the traditional telenovela’s variations of the boy-meets-girl plot tend to be predictable, the cybernovela creates complex situations for its characters to confront and experiments with numerous narrative devices. A single episode, for example, could take the form of a situational comedy but possess undertones of fantasy and Magical Realism, while simultaneously addressing a timely social issue. The cybernovela also challenges mainstream television’s tendency to portray “ethnic” characters as primarily low class individuals. In many telenovelas, the powerful, dynamic characters are fair-skinned and blue eyed, while the weak, disenfranchised characters are dark-skinned. As a genre, the cybernovela breaks this convention by depicting “ethnic” characters as business people, politicians and vital pillars of their communities.

As the first cybernovela, alamoheightsSA represents these definitive elements by chronicling the experiences of a modern family of Mexican decent that runs a lingerie apparel empire out of San Antonio, Texas. Rather than depicting its “ethnic” characters as low class citizens, alamoheightsSA portrays them as prominent figures in San Antonio who are actively involved in Texas politics and who plan to expand their international business to China and beyond. The series also interweaves timely issues such as immigration, political corruption and white collar crime into its storyline.

Language

Some cybernovelas may possess a multiple language format to reach more diverse audiences. Rather than offering Spanish-only episodes like many Mexican telenovelas or dubbing episodes from Portuguese into Spanish like Brazilian telenovelas, cybernovelas may be filmed in multiple languages.

Because most of its cast is bilingual, for instance, the scenes of alamoheightsSA are filmed in Spanish first and English second. Upon its premier in fall of 2006, audiences will be offered both Spanish and English language versions of the show.

Distribution & Format

Perhaps the two most distinctive attributes of the cybernovela are its distribution and format. Unlike telenovelas or television shows in general, cybernovelas do not utilize network, cable or satellite TV as a primary method of distribution. Instead, new episodes of a serial are posted on the Internet for audiences to download or to watch as streaming video. Episodes are generally offered in a variety of video formats, including High Definition for superior quality viewing and compressed formats that allow the show to be shared on viral video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo. A cybernovela can also be viewed with mobile devices such as video iPods®. Past episodes are archived online for a specified period of time, allowing viewers to catch up on missed episodes or re-watch their favorites.

Whereas the average length of the telenovela can vary from 30 to 60 to 90 minutes, a cybernovela is usually between 5 and 10 minutes so they can be circulated online with ease. Most cybernovelas are posted online every weekday until the end of the series or season.

See Also

alamoheightsSA
soap opera
telenovela