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.

READ FULL ARTICLE AT MASHABLE

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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

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

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?

WATCH TRAILER AT VISIOWEB.TV BY ALEC CORDAY

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.

WATCH THE TRAILER AT VISOWEB.TV BY ALEC CORDAY

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

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…

WATCH LG : OUTBREAK AT VISIOWEB BY ALEC CORDAY

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.

Social Media

The term social media is fairly understandable. A social interaction which takes place on a media or product. However I believe this to be fundamentally flawed. Social media, at least as most of us have coined the meaning, is relevant to our interaction based upon a medium or avenue upon which we interact. Its more of a social medium. Media is an end product. We are using a bridge to get from Often when we speak of social media we are really speaking of a medium or avenue to which we can discuss.

New Media

New Media is better to be termed Online Media. Online dictates a internet based, entertainment which I think is the differentiating princple from all other forms. Due to its home on the internet, time, production value, and revenue models are distinctly different. We are developing upon a new online platform. Previously you were a radio, television, or feature film director/producer, and now we have added a new or online format which we can all agree is very different.

Are you working THROUGH a social medium or CREATING a new media?

Recommended Reading

• Social Media vs Social Technology
• What Is Social Media by Robert Scobel
• Social Marketing vs. “Social Marketing” Smackdown by Nedra Weinreich
• Viral Marketing vs. Social Media Marketing by New Media Chatter

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

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?