Award-winning entertainment company Paulist Productions has forayed into the developing media world of Internet television with the April 22 debut of its web series drama, "Tyler's Ride," featuring acclaimed Christian pop singer Jeremy Camp.

Five shows from the 12-episode series can currently be viewed on www.tylersride.com, with a new show available weekly until the finale. The first episode has the drama's lead character, Tyler, receiving news at his 23rd birthday party that his "tough love" parents are revoking his credit cards and kicking him out of the house. Camp's character plays an aspiring Christian musician and mentor to Tyler.

From April 22-24, the show received 9,000 "hits" by viewers. "We thought that was pretty good," said Paulist Father Frank Desiderio, executive producer of the series and president of Paulist Productions, based in Pacific Palisades. Though web TV shows such as "Quarterlife," "Prom Queen" and "Roommates" have been attracting teen and adult viewers, the market, according to Father Desiderio, has been devoid of faith-based video dramas until now with "Tyler's Ride."

"We wanted to create a show that would be of particular interest to young people who are spiritual seekers and who may be going through a spiritual conversion. What we suggest in "Tyler's Ride" is that God is the answer to a person's spiritual quest. By witnessing the characters' journeys, it will help [viewers] on their own journey," said Father Desiderio.

Five-time Gospel Music Association "Dove" award winner Camp, playing "Jesse," makes his acting debut in the Paulist Productions' new web series. "It was a joy to work with people in the film industry whose purpose is to share their Christian faith and really make a difference in the world," said Camp.

A year in the making from idea inception to web launch, "Tyler's Ride" was shot around Camp's busy touring schedule. The first four episodes were shot last August and the next eight were completed in December. Producers hope the web series, which will soon be available on YouTube, will attract an advertiser to sponsor season II.

"We aspire to lead the way in producing Internet entertainment that helps people meet life's challenges," said Father Desiderio. In a future where networks will face increasing competition from new media, he noted, faith-based producers need to get onboard with the new technology.

"With Cable TV, the only Catholic entity that emerged was EWTN," said Father Desiderio. "Right now, the Internet's open, but it won't be open forever. We need to establish a presence now."