Are you hungry for a sip of “True Blood”?

With the new season premiering on HBO on June 13, the creators have prepared a little snack for fans: a series of six original minisodes. The first one – which pays homage to the audition section of American Idol and, in an odd way to Twin Peaks – features Eric and Pam auditioning exotic dancers for Fangtasia. It premiered yesterday at www.hbo.com (and is posted here as well). HBO plans to release a new online minisode every Sunday night after the 8pm encore presentations of Season 2 on HBO.

“The minisodes provide a wonderful and rare opportunity to take a deeper look into Bon Temps and the characters that live in this colorful town,” says Alan Ball, creator and executive producer of True Blood.  “The scenes are so much fun, and the performances as stellar as always.  I can’t wait to share them with everyone, old fans and new.”

“We can’t think of a better way to quench fans’ thirst for True Blood than to give them six, entirely new minisodes that let them step back into the amazing world created by Alan Ball,” said Zach Enterlin, VP of advertising and promotion at HBO.  “The minisodes are a perfect way to reward fans of the series while simultaneously exposing new, interested viewers to the show.”

The minisodes were shot on location by the series’ production team and feature lead characters Sookie, Bill, Eric, Tara, Sam, Jason, Lafayette, Jessica and Pam in all new, original scenes with a nod to past and future storylines.  The 3-5 minute minisodes promise to entice “Trubies” as well as potential viewers with scenes that will whet their appetites for things to come.

As one who has delved deeply into vampire lore and who loves the culture of Louisiana, I can’t wait to watch and comment on the new season. In the meantime, a sip of True Blood is a great way to whet the appetite!