Microsoft Brings New Shows to Zune and the MSN Website, Possibly X360

Microsoft is trying its hand at original content solely for digital distribution once more, after some of the initial attempts did not work out as nicely as they had probably hoped. This time around, they’ve got some more big names like Dave Foley (Kids In the Hall), Rainn Wilson (The Office), and Jim Henson’s company behind them. Here’s their plan:

Microsoft is working with stars from Arrested Development, The Office and Kids in the Hallto develop at least four original Web series to be offered through Zune portables, the MSN Web site and possibly the Xbox 360, reaching the three screens where consumers watch video.

The company unveiled its development slate to advertisers last week in New York.

Already in production and set to debut in June is Cinemash, a spoof comedy that will feature Will Arnett, Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon Levitt and other stars acting out their favorite roles from movies they weren’t in. Arnett, for example, will play the title role in Carrie.

Rainn Wilson, Dwight from The Office, will star in and serve as executive producer of The Foley Guys, a comedy about two guys who move to Hollywood to make it as foley artists, the sound crews on movies.

Microsoft also is working with the Jim Henson Co. to create a live-action/puppet series about a hapless guy who works as a mall cop by day, but turns into a crime-fighting hamster at night.

Dave Foley from Kids in the Hall and NewsRadio has signed on for the Untitled Workplace Comedy, to be named by the advertiser or sponsor that supports it. The show itself will be developed around the sponsor. (You can see Foley give the presentation in this YouTube clip below.)

Microsoft plans weekly installments of the shows, which will run between five and 12 minutes and be offered for free with ads.

There’s an interesting statement at the end, which is this:

“As long as content is done well, users view it and take advantage of it,” Reilley said.

Amen to that. Will Microsoft be able to do it well? Thanks to VidBiz.