Shankaboot is an interactive web-based video series filmed in and around Beirut

Beirut

Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...

, Lebanon

Lebanon

Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...

. It is the world's first Arabic Web Drama Series.

Series overview

Shankaboot - The web series takes us into the beating heart of modern Beirut street life through the eyes of Suleiman, our 15-year-old, happy-go-lucky delivery boy. Along for the ride are 19-year-old Ruwaida and the mysterious 20-something Chadi and a host of other memorable characters. One of the aims of the series is to present Beirut life and the life in Lebanon in the most realistic style. In keeping with that aim, the show's creators cast actors with little to no prior acting experience for a naturalistic acting style rarely seen on Arabic television.

Additional elements in Shankaboot

Shankaboot’s popular Facebook fan page, Twitter and Youtube Channel offers the opportunity for the viewers to interact with the program and other viewers.
Between seasons, the viewers can stay updated on events, twists, and inside stories of Shankaboot, through the weekly episode of “Inside Shankaboot”. These short videos provide insight on the characters’ thoughts, desires, explanations to events and the comical endeavors that surround the production of the series.
In Autumn 2010, Shankaboot will be releasing “Shankactive”, an online forum and showcase platform for creative talent in the Middle East. This platform will enable Shankaboot viewers to participate in creating their own stories through various media and visual means. In parallel with the launch of “Shankactive”, young Lebanese enthusiast will be trained in video production and storytelling through series of workshops.

Production

The Production of the first season of Shankaboot took place in Beirut in December, 2009, largely in the area of Burj-Hammoud, a densely populated town on the Eastern borders of Beirut. The second season of Shankaboot was filmed in Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. The third season was filmed again in Beirut during July 2010, and is to be released shortly. Shankaboot is produced by Batoota Films in Association the BBC World Service Trust and The Welded Tandem Picture Company.