In Yahoo’s first ever scripted show, Tom Hanks will not only play the creative force behind-the-scenes but will also lend his voice to the lead character. Electric City, an animated sci-fi series, is a production of Reliance Entertainment and Playtone, a TV and film company owned by Hanks and Gary Goetzman. About twenty episodes, each around four minutes long, should begin streaming this spring exclusively on Yahoo. While already a popular news outlet, Yahoo is looking to build franchises and hopes to start with Electric City. If successful, the property could find other avenues of media, such as games, home video, TV and perhaps even a feature release. The first look at Electric City will be at this week’s CES in Las Vegas. Hit the jump for more.

THR reported on Hank’s involvement with Electric City and the partnership with Yahoo. Speaking about the project, Yahoo vice president and head of video Erin McPherson had this to say:

"Tom actually created this. He wrote and he stars in the lead voice. It is animated and it has a science fiction bent and in that way, like all great science fiction, it definitely plays on what is the best type of society to live in and themes around energy usage, conservation and sustainability."

In regards to content, she went on to say that:

"On the surface, the Electric City is utopia and under the surface, Electric City is secrets and heavy-handed state control. What we found really compelling is that this is perfect for a highly digital audience, a lean-forward audience who likes to utilize the medium of the Internet."

NPR also quoted Goetzman on finding the right fit for Electric City, which was once pitched as a puppet show:

"It was always our intent to have this project live and breathe online, and we felt Yahoo would be the perfect home. Electric City' is the first of its kind, a clutter-breaking, global 360 digital project."

Electric City will initially be available on computers, smartphones and tablets, as well as Yahoo Connected TV. The company also plans to have an explorable virtual 3D map along with social-networking features, casual games and unique avatars, in addition to its featured episodes.