Fox and Unilever bring back "24" inspired shorts

[Brian Damage]

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Even with "24" off the air this season due to the writers strike, Unilever's Degree deodorant has partnered with Fox for a second season of digital shorts inspired by the hit series.

Entitled "The Rookie: Day 3 Extraction," the six digital shorts -- each running about three to five minutes -- chronicle the adventures of American Counter Terrorism agent Jason Blaine, as he tries to rescue his boss from a drug cartel.

It will debut Monday at DegreeRookie.com (http://www.degreerookie.com). It is also being distributed via mobile devices and video on demand.

The shorts are being directed by "24" cameraman Rodney Charters, and are set in the same "high-stakes" world as "24," utilizing its trademark style. Various members of "24's" key production crew and stunt coordination teams also participated in the production.

Unilever paid a licensing fee to Fox for the rights to the property, and is also promoting the content through media buys on numerous Fox-owned websites targeted at its 25-34-year-old male demographic.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter