Web-TV series promoting Winnipeg getting a few thousand views per episode

WINNIPEG – It didn’t go viral, but the creator of a publicly funded Internet sitcom aimed at promoting Winnipeg is happy with the results of the show’s first season.

WindCity, which received money from provincial Crown corporations, a college and other public bodies, garnered more than 12,000 views for its first episode after launching in January.

But the view count for its sixth and final episode of the season was just above 3,000.

WindCity creator Paul Vieira says he expects to meet his target of 100,000 total views of all episodes in the near future, because the episodes are still getting hundreds of views each week on YouTube.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation contributed $80,000 to the project, Red River College put in $50,000 and the Canadian Museum For Human Rights ponied up a more modest $2,500.

Red River spokesperson Christine Payne said in a written statement that the college was pleased with the results and the series generated “buzz” about the school.

Manitoba Public Insurance was a key donor as well, but has yet to reveal how much it contributed.

WindCity is a comedy about a couple going through a divorce while starting up a business and promoted Winnipeg as a fun place.

Sponsors get product placement in the web series. One of the characters is a graduate of Red River College, and the Canadian Museum For Human Rights is frequently shown in the background and mentioned.

Plans are being made for a second season and Vieira says talks with some sponsors are underway.