A local web series called 4Villains aims to let people embrace their inner super-villain. Created by Jeff Saamanen and Devan Douglas, it features ShadowSnake, Dr. Don't, Evil Hidden, and Psynapse. The project draws inspiration from shows like Buffy and Red Dwarf. It stands out by emphasizing fan interaction, with plans for a card game, comic, and social site where fans can level up. Filming of the first episode is underway.

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Pray for villains
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September 29, 2011 by Matthew Mathiason, contributing writer Leave a Comment
Almost everyone dreams of being a superhero at some point in their lives, but what about the people who
dream of villainy? A new, locally produced web series wants to give people the chance to embrace their inner
super-villain.
The 4Villains project was created by Jeff Saamanen, a graduate of the web design program at Camosun, and
his friend Devan Douglas, who plays the mad scientist Dr. Don’t on the show.
“I wanted to start a motion-capture studio,” says Saamanen, who also plays the clumsy, immortal ninja
ShadowSnake on the show. “But what began as a project to kick-start the studio exploded into something
bigger.”
Drawing inspiration from directors like Joss
Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly), and
Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, Spider-Man), and
television shows like Red Dwarf and the Venture
Bros., the project has already attracted a group of
enthusiastic volunteers.
Justin Guthrie, a local financial advisor, voices the
invisible Evil Hidden, and UVic education student
Laura Lapadat rounds out the four with her
villainous alter ego, Psynapse.
The 4Villains crew (photo provided). Although the comic book world is traditionally
male, Lapadat’s character has pretty much
become the project’s poster child.
“I’ve always been interested in more ‘nerdy’ things than most girls,” says Lapadat. “Women used to be
underrepresented in the genre, but the female demographic is becoming larger and it’s nice to be a part of
that.”
With so much of the superhero genre already being exploited, the 4Villains crew knows they need something
to make them stand out. For them, it’s the emphasis on fan interaction.
“We wanted to create a universe that everyone could get involved in,” says Saamanen.
As well as the actual show online, plans are underway for a digital collectible card game, a web comic, and a
villainous social networking site that’s currently in beta testing. Here, would-be villains can level up, earn
points, and unlock achievements.
“Fan interaction is the backbone of the entire project,” says Lucas Erskine, the 4Villains’ assistant director.
“Through involvement, fans may land a small role on the show, or cards in the game.”
Filming of the first episode is currently underway, and anyone wanting to release their villainous side can go
to facebook.com/4Villains to find out more.
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