Webseries
Most Popular Webseries January
Each month, Mashable with partners Visible Measures compiles a list of the top ten most popular web video series, and they are kind enough share those results with you and provide analysis.
In January, the threshold for entry into the list was the highest it’s ever been, but viewership for the top 10 shows dropped 26% as compared to the record-breaking month of December.
If you’ve been keeping track in previous months, you won’t be surprised to see that Fred and Happy Tree Friends have again topped the list. Also notable: CollegeHumor and video game-themed shows collectively took up half the list. There weren’t any new series on the list in January, but a couple that dropped off in the past made a comeback. We also learned that the majority of viewers for the top 10 shows were male.
Here’s the complete chart with video clips included for each series. We provide some deeper analysis below.
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NOTE: This article is a audition/casting call/press release issued by the aforementioned individual/organization/network. Any essential errors relegated to authenticity are attributed to the original author. This post is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information
Webseries Financing Available!!!???
Webseries financing is available for…..Canadians? Well, I do love ‘em ,but that was somewhat anti-climactic for those of us in the City of Angeles. I looked for a few loop holes, but it would seem as if it needs to be all about the Maple. However…unless you have a few friends in Canada or are Canadian yourself. Someone tell…Casey McKinnon.
IPF PRESS RELEASE
The Independent Production Fund provides equity investments to encourage the production of prime-time dramatic series and dramatic children’s series, produced by independent Canadian producers for private sector broadcasters, in English or French. The IPF’s Special Project Grants program supports professional development activities for not-for-profit organizations that undertake training and promotional programs to further develop dramatic production skills and recognition. The IPF provides administrative services to other Private Funds.
Project and Applicant Eligibility
To be eligible for support, projects must:
1. be new and original; and
2. be scripted, dramatic content
3. originate with an independent Canadian producer/creator and have, without any limitations
regarding formats, media, territories and duration, all rights, title and interest including copyright in
the completed production beneficially owned by an individual resident in Canada, by a corporation
incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province of Canada, or by any combination of these,
4. have a Canadian-owned URL or be hosted on a Canadian portal or Canadian online webcasting
service
5. be limited to one (1) Request for Proposal (RFP) for this Pilot Program
“Kyle Piccolo” Webseries Review
For some, comics are therapy. They’re a way to escape the real world into a land of panels, colors and exaggerated body-types. Some call it art. Some call it literature. Some call it pathetic. Kyle Piccolo calls it psychology and applies it to everyday life. Successfully I might add. One part mega-nerd, one part psychologist, one part rant-poet, one part Jack Black on a very bad hair day… and you got the very animated character of Kyle Piccolo. Add to that his utter disrespect for his employee/sidekick Doucheus, and you actually have a type of anti-comic book hero team.
People come to his comic book shop to buy comics and get advice on life. Not that he exactly seems like the qualified guy to do so. Yet Kyle knows it all and yet knows nothing. He can see into the hearts of his customers and like a good pharmacist, or, more fittingly, bartender, prescribe the right medication in form of a comic book.
The show is fantastically well written, acted and produced. The comedic cues work every time, be it through the music, the actor’s glances or the editing. Not a single cue is missed and thats such a blessing. Not surprisingly, the crew behind the show are seasoned professionals and equally unsurprisingly, the show is branded. After all, Kyle always manages to push some comic book on unsuspecting clients, and even makes several Watchmen related jokes and references. In fact, how many Watchmen hints can you pick out? I wonder…
Indeed, since the launch (and crash) of the Watchmen movie, there really haven’t been any updates to the show. Still, whatever episodes there are, Kyle manages to hold the attention and the focus of the show.
But seriously, am I the only one who is seeing Jack Black in him?
“Trenches” Webseries Update
We’ve been waiting for this show for literally years and it’s finally coming back! Trenches was initially scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2009, but one year later we still didn’t see anything online beyond the trailer. Creator Shane Felux found many reasons to blame on his blog, but most of all the usual industry issues putting up roadblocks. For a simple hand-to-mouth film-maker like Shane, that can be incredibly furstrating. Our hearts were with you, Shane.
But, to quote the ever popular Dolly Levi: “If you have to live from hand to mouth, you better be ambidextrous!”, Shane kept himself busy working, shooting and even selling of props from his previous internet sensation, the Lucas-blessed Star Wars fan-film Revelations.
And continually pushing the release for his epic (guess, what it had a $250k budget!) web series that Disney so unceremoniously had tossed aside. Indeed, after The Great Web Series Rush of ‘08 web studios such as Stage 9 got dropped like naughty puppies that had seemed so cute at first, and shows like Trenches got rejected like something the puppy had coughed up.
But then the sky opened up and the New York Times broke the news: Trenches is going to Crackle.com, thanks to a deal with Sony.
Indie film-makers world-wide rejoiced! One of us finally ran the industry-blockade and made it beyond Greenlitland into the Nation of Distribution. February 16 is the big day for all you non-geoblocked viewers. For everyone else, they promised eventual YouTube uploads.
In celebration, here is the trailer. No, its not yet another horrible Starship Troopers sequel or a long-lost conclusion to Space: Above and Beyond. No, it does not look like any other generic war-in-space movie/TV show.
Well, okay, maybe a little.
LG15 : Outbreak Episode 1 Webseries Review
The first episode has launched and LG15 is once again an active part of the web series world. Outbreak does not have a powerhouse opening like Resistance or The Last, but ventures more into the “hi, guess what, I’m vlogging” territory once explored by the original LG15 Bree and later by Kate in KateModern. Despite that, YouTube already has a long list of positive comments and it seems everyone is very eager to welcome this new ‘vlogger’ into the internets and pretend she’s a real person. Which she of course is, except, uh… you know what I mean.
Her name is Crystal O’Brian, she’s cute (aren’t they all?), loves art (such as it is), knows how to use Mace (so did the 9/11 hijackers), slams doors on possible suitors (I feel your pain, brother) and for some reason moved into a new city to start a new life (Squee! Intrigue!). She has a Twitter page, a Facebook page and uses the name of ArtGirl47 (AG47?) on the lg15.com messageboards, and those will serve as a platform for fans to explore the puzzles and clues that will no doubt be released upon a very suspecting viewership.
Oh, did I mention at the beginning there may be some spoilers in this article? Darnit, too late. Well, there will be more episodes here on VisiwebTV. We’ll try again.
WATCH LG15 : OUTBREAK EPISODE ONE AT VISOWEB.TV BY ALEC CORDAY
LG15 : Outbreak Trailer
We had been warned, and here it is. The trailer of yet another installment in the LG15 epic.
We’ve mentioned it before, but LG15: Outbreak was the third pilot submission for EQAL’s second LG15: The Show Is Yours contest, where the original creators of LG15 outsourced the continuation of their epic to fans.
Was that a good idea? If LG15: The Last, the previous fan-created installation is any indication, then yes. The trailer looks simple but promising. It is after all a fan-based creation and just about a notch below the usual EQAL creations where quality is concerned, but that never stopped a good story. The series will launch on January 11th, 2010 and VisiowebTV will be there, front row. And if we are, so will you.
On an amusing side note, on the trailer’s YouTube message board there is a buzz (and by extension on Tubefilter who should have known better) about a mysterious whispering voice towards the end of the trailer, and someone even uploaded a backwards version of that section to decipher the possible meaning and it seems hundreds of fans have been playing the recording back and forth trying to decipher it. Unfortunately there is no hidden message. The voice says “Revostock” which as most editors know is the company Revostock.com’s way of watermarking their template stock audio products. Must be a doodoo by the trailer editor, using stock music that still had an audio watermark. Oops. You can go the Revostock site and check out some of their stock music. The samples all have that mysterious voice.
In fact, much of the trailer’s effects seem as if someone had made extensive use of the creator resources links collection here on VisiowebTV, which is actually quite commendable…
The Top 10 Most Watched Web Series, December 2009
Each month Mashable tracks the top ten web video series with partner Visible Measures, and this time they have good news for fans of web TV. December saw the top web series bounce back in popularity after a two-month slump. Actually, they did more than that. READ MORE.
What Makes A Good Webseries?
Currently, webseries are considered one of the fastest growing, and most lucrative aspects of new media. Yet no one has given webseries a definitive scale, direction or even a basic measurement to gauge success. On a daily basis I filter through dozens of webseries under consideration for television networks, online distributors, and mobile platforms. However it is very frustrating to relate how few webseries are given a standard or checklist for success. Therefore I have shouldered the burden of generating a brief breakdown of a few of the key elements for creating and selling a successful webseries.
1. Production Value
The very first essential is a high production value. Naturally there are exceptions to every rule, but Webseries must be professionally produced. There is no question that content that is created by a group of dedicated professionals is far better received from any corporation then user generated content. High Definition is another step up from the average production which would set you apart. You say you want to kick it up another notch. Get a sound designer or a original soundtrack. Night and day difference in the positive response and potential business development.
2. Duration
A majority of media on the internet is far too long. (I know…I know..one of you is standing on your chair and scream, “What about Hulu?” To which I respond with “Really? Really? Are we going to start comparing apples to oranges AGAIN!”)Many studies have categorically backed the notion of content under the three minute mark is the most effective. Especially for the new media market and most in particular webseries.
3. Genre
Comedy, Horror/Suspense, Drama. These genres are an essential component to creating a successful webseries. Short form comedy is constantly at the forefront of webseries creation. Generally speaking, it is the also the most attractive. Writing may be palatable, but the timing is typically elongated seemingly so we may be able to bask in the writer/actors comedic genius. Shorter is always better for comedy. Horror/Suspense webseries are now becoming more prolifically due to the artistic credibility which arises from a competent cinematographer. We, as viewers, want to believe in the small screen world. Sadly, scary stories are best told through light.
Creative Team
The brains behind any team is where the strength lies. Its as if you often check under the hood a sleek convertible. Experience of a webseries creative team is crucial. I check for emerging artists with bankable vision. Perhaps the content they currently created is not sufficed for me, but I may be able to utilize them in the near future. Also previous experience is important, but I am always intrigued by recently joining creative forces with distinct different backgrounds or interests. Screen writers made their stake into New Media during the WGA strike. Producer’s Guild New Media Council heavily supports gamers.
Personalities/Talent
Talent individuals are readily beginning to see the advantages of being involved with a webseries. iJustine, SxEPhil, have all joing into the fray. However these are more new media personalities rather then talent as a actor/actress. This does mean they are talentless simply, not able to convincingly perform as another character other then themselves. Excellent first step though. If you are able to cast a personality then go for it. However there are successful talents rising and even crossing from tradional telelvision. Felcia Day at the Guild, even Whoopi Goldberg is gettting involved.
Deal Structure
Who owns the content? What is the criterion for purchase and or license? This is a whole other conversation, but I’ll remain satisfied that I’ve put a nasty bug in your ear. Good. Go read a book or better yet more of my blog.
Marketability
You must create content with not only your audience and eventual fans in mind, but also your paid sponsor or client. Often I am given great quality of content with no real possibility of reaching markets. Anyone who either invests or purchases your content is intently interested in recouping their losses and even making a profit. The easier you make this step
How To Sell A Webseries
Webseries are currently being hailed as the savior of new media. Why? Well, it brings Hollywood legitimacy and stardom along with a very welcomed financial freedom for all involved! Right? Wait. Is this really true? Webseries may be popular, but can I be truly profitable? I’ve created my webseries, but how can I sell it? What can I expect them to ask? I have included a list of questions I like to ask when considering purchasing a webseries. Keep in mind every interview is different but there are a select few questions that remain the same.
1. Tell me about yourself?
Pop Personality Quiz! I always begin by giving them an open ended question to gauge their personality. Please don’t be boring. Do NOT begin with your content or your business. This will come later on the conversation. Discuss your interesting hobbies, interests, my secretaries outfit, the current market change, your crazy aunt Lil who gave you the gout last week. Anything to engage me. Sell me on you. If I like you, you have a better chance of me being more interested in your project. Jeffory Gitomer is a prophet on the topic.
Tip : Actors Casting Sessions are the best training ground to work on your personality pitch under pressure.You have less then a minute to make a lasting, and meaningful connection with a important industry contact. These casting sessions are free in the form of “cattle calls.”
Recently, a potential network client and I had very good initial meeting, he ended the conversation very enthusiastic, and his secretary booked me in two weeks for a phone conference. Disappointing. He then called me two hours later on his commute home to discuss not only my project, but also similar paintball hobbies we both shared.
2. What are you working on right now?
Give a BRIEF overview of your current projects. Never have only one concept you are currently developing. Be prepared with examples of different stages of development. Simply list them with an interesting information tidbit, and let them select which of them they find interesting. This is your initial barometer for your conversation to gauge their interest in the project you are about to pitch. Be passionate, engaging, and informative. Allow them to interject their thoughts and feed off their input. Utilize the power of suggestion. Never leave something with the that initial conversation for it may derail the reason you were brought in. Let each project run its course. Often web creators are bursting with concepts, and other such passions which comes of as an overanxious rabbit. Give them one thing to think about and move on.
Verbal Tip : Always have several irons in the fire. We are not seeking one hit wonders, rather a trained professional who will be able to provide us with a series of successful ventures. Be sure to explain briefly your project, and be prepared to discuss in depth. Do not answer this short question with a speech. Rather treat it as an elevator pitch.
Written Tip : Give them a two sentence synopsis of your project. If they are interested give them your one paragraph premise. Then stop. Do not provide direct information. Supply casting improvements, or the creative team behind it. This adds potential to your project while allowing their mind to wander on its possibilities.
3. What are you passionate about?
Understand and explain articulate a simple answer. It is important to do background research on the client‘s corporate vision to ensure that your passions fall within their interest or you may be wasting both of your time. If you are passionate to create family programming do not pitch to SPIKE TV. I encourage a themed approach to your answer. This is broad enough of an answer to engage them without being off topic. “Educating & Entertaining teens” or “Engaging & Equipping Gamers.” This lets them know you are on the same page.
4. What one thing are you best at?
Be Honest! This is not a trick question, but a sincere one. Often webseries creators must be a multitasking King, and as a result the overall quality suffers. Often we would like to pair up like minded professionals to produce a excellent product. Do not give a generic answer, be honest. Do not state what you WANT to be best at. Discuss your current strengths. Often enough we work on building/ or fixing our weaknesses which is not the reason we make money or attract work. No one hires you for your weakness. Rather your strengths. want them to either pick up our webseries or hire us. It is for our strengths. Be comfortable not cocky discussing these.
5. What are you willing to concede?
Be Inquisitive. This is a critical point in the conversation as it is a fundamental buying question. If you are unwilling to consider their terms the conversation is over, and you may have lost a potential client. I recommend asking in return, what are you willing to invest? This is not a tic for tac, but rather best executed earlier in the conversation. Not an opening questions, but if you are able to ask a few questions previously you should be able to tell where their price point is at.
6. Where do you think this will go?
Be Realistic. Contrary to popular belief this is NOT a “closing the deal” question. Remember to be realistic for your product, experience level, and even what the market will bear. Currently there is less then half a dozen mainstream successes of webseries, so set your sight reasonably. Give KPI (Key Performance Indicators) regarding what your estimates are for audiences your content can attract, as well as a most budget, finishing with a healthy ROI (Return on Investment) If you take this route you are answering all the essential questions your client is asking. Provide them with information to excite, and motivate them to use your studio or purchase your content.
7. How much will you sell it for?
I recommend offering a sliding scale for your services. This allows them to suggest where they see the most natural fit. For example, offer a “per-finished minute” rate or a episode rate with a bulk discount. Do not cloud the issues with extraneous detail. Give broad overtones to financial discussions. The market is currently treading lightly on engaging and thereby purchasing web series. There is no hard bargaining. Yet.
Tip : Consider your stage in your career. Perhaps you may not get the majority of monies you would like to see, but you are establishing yourself. You may be giving one idea away for less then you are willing to , but you must start somewhere. What are your future project?
Conclusion
Hopefully this list has encouraged you to either begin or continue your pursuit of webseries success. Perhaps you will be one of the select few independent webseries creators to profit from this recent market trend. It is a growing process with lots of adventures along the way. I remember my first few pitches were full of stressful excitement which resulted in some pretty memorable moments. Anyone have some great stories of great or horrible pitches?
Happy Birthday Hulu
Hulu has change our dreary lives forever. Hulu has most recently been voted into the top 10 websites for this year. It is changing the way that we consume content, but more important where we consume it. No longer are you locked into watching your television or attempting to strain through torrents to find the poor grade of quality. Besides that now you are no longer being a deviant and watching pirate content. Anywho…..Hulu has changed alot. Mostly for the better, some of it could be better though.
Positives
1. First Mover
Hulu is the new cool kid at the party. Not that nerdy one that just moved into the neighborhood. Nearly a year after its dubious launch everyone is attempting to do business with them. It is estimate that by the middle of next year they will have matched Youtubes advertising. This is very impressive due to the fact that Hulu does not have 98% of its content considered a loss.
2. Embeddable
Naturally, there have been several other contenders in this arena, but Hulu is the first that has been able to do it with some class. Sure Youtube, but thats about as ugly as you can get. Also the variety of content that you are LEGALLY allowed to embed is purdy nifty. Which brings us to….
3. Broad Content
Hulu never ceases to amaze me with its broad array of content both old and new. I can’t explain the sheer joy of being able to watch “He-Man” on Hulu, as well as the latest episode of “Prison Break.” Interestingly enough networks are eager to place their content here, and other directories are beginning to shape up under this
4. Simplistic
It might as well be copied by ____ . Other corporations are slowly getting the idea. ABC causes users to utilize their premium player. Joost most recently discontinued their download P2P software in favor of promoting their .com home.
Negatives
1. Fix Awkward Update
Hulu has the habit of releasing content either far ahead of schedule, or a day after. “Hooking Up” (HBOlabs) experimented by releasing to specific locations (colleges) earlier then other destinations. The next most plausible step is to release them the day of, regardless of time slot. It would be in hte networks/hulus best interst due to the fact they control more rights and revenues online, and would further speed the public’s interest in consuming professional content online. A golden example would be the Olympics. Reports placed nearly half its viewing audiences consumed the events online. What more of a incentive or proof of concept do you need?
2. Add Independent Webseries
Currently, Hulu has made available a select few independent webseries. Since the somewhat recent success of “The Guild,” and “Dr. Horrible,” you would imagine they would eager to find and expose other undiscovered talents. However there is only one member deciphering through these content with no discernible criterion for accepting webseries into their almighty directory.
3. Create Content
Hulu is poised to be the first directory to cross over into creating content. Typically it has been content creators such as ABC, and CBS to create thier own destinations. Without Hulu establishing an additional incentive for this glorified directory will lose its prominence. Content has been/will be king, so why not partner with some growing studios?
Webseries Kiss of Death
The recent surge of webseries popularity, and the overall improvement of quality has made webseries the new kid on the block. Formerly technologies, directories, and applications stood within the limelight, but thanks to programs like “The Guild” (Felicia Day) “Hooking Up” ( ) There is a immense interest in getting your webseries sold or better yet licensed.
I suppose I should have named this entry “Webseries Negotiations Kiss of Death Comments,” but the title was far too long, and not nearly as snazzy as I would have hoped. I have included several phrases which spell death for any webseries creator to utter.
1. How much money do you think I can get for it?
You just made it embarrassingly well know that you don’t know the value of your market, let alone of your product. If you don’t understand its value why should your audience appreciate and therefore I pay you for it?
2. If the money is there I can make many more!
Obviously. This goes without saying, that if someone paid you to do, what you love, you would do it. ALOT. If a fat kid was paid to eat candy he would make the effort. Catch the drift?
3. “We aren’t looking to sell it, just see where it goes.”
Essentially you just disclosed that the project is a lose leader with no vision or exit strategy, and very few companies are looking to acquire lose leaders. One exception that I am aware of HBOlabs. Woody has stipulated from the very beginning that it is a testbed. Excellent. However in the real world no vision + no direction = No money.
4. “I really don’t know.”
In this case ignorance is not bliss. Admitting that you don’t know is alright, but please follow up with what you are doing to remedy this. The unknown is incalculable, and irritating. We want to feel secure in working with you, no innundated with factors which may lead to our demise.
5. “I…I…I….”
Believe it or not its NOT all about you. I would like to work with you to see what you can do for ME. Definitely let me know what you do, but never fail to bring it full circle to let them know EXACTLY how they can benefit from your relationship. Remember I have the money, connection, distirbution, etc. and you have to convince me that you are trying to get ahead, but that you have my best intentions at heart.
Ownership : There are few things to consider when negotiating. Either you can own alot of nothing, or some of alot.
Revenue Model? Is it Pay Per Minute? Revenue Shares?
New Media Rock Star Kit I
What is a New Media Rock Star? How can I become one? Sadly, there is no simple substitute for hard work, and determination. However there are a few hints, tips, and tricks for you to consider which I have accumulate over the years from a successful online personalities and new media entrepreneurs. The result of conversations at mixers, soft sell pitches, closing meetings and so forth. Enjoy, and feel free to add to the list.
1. Reel or Portfolio
Always have an example of your creative project ON its medium. If you sell video, show it to me on a ipod. If you sell comics, bring me a paperback. Don’t just give me a card with a link. I’m busy, and to be honest, unless you really interest me I may not remember your face, name, or card due to the number of other new people I meet. Give me a tangible. Personally, I take my iphone and play the content right there on the spot. Gauge their reaction, and change based upon that.
2. Debrief Kit
Pen & Pad. Both small. Don’t bring a leather portfolio or a pocket full of sharpies. You want to keep your hands free for shaking hands, hugging people, and randomly kissing the occasional passerby. I bring a notebook that fits in my back pocket and a golf pencil. Small and cheap. Yes, this can be used for contact information, but here’s a new idea. I write a checklist throughout the event of what I have or have not been doing in conversation. Basically I become my own business coach. I read this before my next conversation. Typically my personal notes contain, “Talk slower” and “Get to the point fast” most often. I collect these personal critiques, and am now able to use these notes as my “debrief” before my next meetings at a later date.
3. Gifts
Small gifts for your new found friends really makes you memorable. Not bribes! Who doesn’t like gifts? I have been given some of the oddest trinkets by some of the most amazing people that I remember to this day. Whereas their pitches may not have been perfect, their personality and inspiration remains with you, and in turn the pitch. I have received plastic black widow spiders, a cloth orange, a chocolate Easter bunny, army men, a pocket mirror, and body lotion (don’t ask). All of which are small enough to place in my pocket, I can’t throw them away. I’m emotionally attached to this and the odd person. (I still have them even though only one of them ended up working.)
4. Deliverables
Let the other person know the actions you will be taking after this conversation. Wheather its keeping them on file or emailing them on Tuesday. (Never Monday) This helps them connect the dots later on. Typically I say I will send them an email with either more content or even arrange for a phone conference with them on a specific day/time.
This is a very good foundation for your Media Rock Star Kit. Begin with these, and gradually add to it the more mixers and/or events you attend.