There’s a definite sense in the entertainment business right now that the internet is where the future lies, and although many continue to grapple with it, more and more we’re seeing recognizable names attached to new and exciting web ventures. People like Jack Black, Spike Jonze and Will Ferrell have all recently planted their fingers in the online video pie, and now we can add Sam Raimi to that list as well. His production company Ghost House Pictures has teamed up with FEARnet to create two exclusive online horror offerings.

The first is a weekly series of webisodes called Devil’s Trade, directed by Toby Wilkins and written by Ben Ketai (the same people who did the Tales From The Grudge web shorts released online to promote The Grudge 2). The story revolves around a group of friends who buy a strange wooden cross from a website, before bad stuff starts happening to them. The second project, due in October, will be a prequel to the upcoming movie 30 Days of Night, based on the Steve Niles graphic novel. I think short videos work well for comedy, because there’s a lot of people who want a quick laugh during their work day. Horror is another story though… I’m not sure anyone could (or would even want to) get creeped out while watching a small video on their video iPod or computer monitor. Either way, I guess the proof will be in the pudding, as the first episode of Devil’s Trade is now online over at www.devilstrade.com. If you decide to watch it, come back and let us know what you thought of it!