Posts Tagged ‘creative’
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
5.5 Questions for Creative Communication Success
Often we filmmakers must be one part creative genius, three-fifths entrepreneur, and about 20% therapist. We must also understand braille, pig-latin, sign language, and any other relatively obscure methods of communication. I have often found that a majority of unending, unrewarding film work is due to either miscommunications between client and production house or creative shortsightedness.
I submit several questions that should be asked in any meeting that will get your clients talking, and you will hear their intentions for your interaction. Always remember they want you to succeed as well!
1. “How can I help you?”
This idiom is typically overlooked or reduced to a sappy yokel introduction, but the mystic is within the profound direction it contains. It frames the conversation in their terms, and on their turf. Remember they have a problem, and they are looking for you to fix it, because they either can’t or won’t. Think of them as a damsel or dude in distress, and your the knight in shine armor.
2. “What do you hope to gain?”
Now that they have previously framed the conversation you are now plotting a destination. What exactly is the end game? Naturally more money, but how? Lower overhead? You now have perimeters to work within to give your pitch
3. “Is this something you are interested in?”
Perhaps you are NOT the answer to their problem. However if you can point them in the right direction they will appreciate it, and remember you and your work when they need it.
4. “What changes do you want to see?”
This allows them to realize the position you have given them. They hold the power. It is a very creatively bare place to be. Open to all criticism for the benefit of the project. Never be defensive. You may deflect an ingenues notion. Also you have allowed them to see your flexibility and ease of work flow. Everyone wants to work with a friend. Be that friendly face.
5. “If you like this, you should see what I am working on now!”
This is an excellent showstopper at the end of a meeting, but must be said with utmost sincerity and respect. You are now showing instant growth. It does not demean your current project in the least, but it does spark their interest on your current workload. If you have a trailer, concept art, or exciting casting development give a little taste of it. This is your fallback. Perhaps your meeting didn’t go as well, but this opportunity may leave something with them to call you back in the future.
5.5 “Thank you for ……”
Never forget the power of being polite. Before you leave thank them for their time, their effort, their perspective. Whatever. Everyone loves to be validated and appreciated. You will find that once you set the cordial tone this will continue on into the more tense situations which are bound to arise.
Hopefully now you have some great questions to keep in mind for any creative meeting you may be heading off to. I’m curious to see if these questions are applicable to other creative arts. Can anyone add to this list?