US & Wattpad to Debut DIG Prequel

In a first of its kind collaboration, usa network and Wattpad, the world's largest social community of readers and writers, announced a partnership to release the prequel to the much-anticipated event series DIG. Premiering this fall, DIG is created and executive produced by Tim Kring ("Heroes") and Gideon Raff ("Homeland") and stars Jason Isaacs ("Harry Potter") and Anne Heche ("Hung"). This marks the first television network partnership for Wattpad, which will provide users with exclusive content from the upcoming series well in advance of its debut this fall.

"Wattpad represents a new frontier in immersive storytelling that enables us to engage its massive audience in the mythology and characters of DIG well in advance of the fall premiere," said Alexandra Shapiro Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, USA Network. "This global platform will help expand our narrative canvas, creating an early and engaged fan base and driving readers to 'dig deeper.'"

"Wattpad stories unfold chapter-by-chapter, just like TV episodes, to create an addictive entertainment experience. It's no surprise that entertainment brands are turning to Wattpad to activate fans and influencers around the world," said Wattpad's General Manager Candice Faktor. "As the first television network to take advantage of the serial, social nature of Wattpad, USA is a true innovator, with a unique opportunity to promote the DIG series to more than 30 million people."

DIG centers around FBI agent Peter Connelly (Isaacs) who, while investigating a murder, uncovers a conspiracy 2,000 years in-the-making. "DIG: The Official Prequel" on Wattpad follows Peter as he arrives in Jerusalem to solve a multi-million dollar cyber-heist and will take readers right up to the first episode airing on USA.

Inspired by the compelling mystery behind DIG and geared to the more than 30 million avid readers and writers using Wattpad, the 12-part serialized prequel is written by the DIG writers and can be accessed via the Wattpad app, and on Wattpad.com. Each week, a new chapter from the backstory will be released and exclusive DIG teasers will be shared with the Wattpad community. Fans will be encouraged to follow the DIG profile on Wattpad, comment on each installment and share content on their social networks for a chance to win a trip to the DIG premiere party in New York City.

DIG, created and executive produced by Kring and Raff, is from Universal Cable Productions and was developed by Keshet, in association with producers Gail Berman ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") and Gene Stein ("Deception"). The six episode event series began production on June 1 in Israel and will premiere in the fall on USA Network.