Is it Too Late to Start a New Web Series?

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If I was a betting man I would place my money on Brett Register. Brett has a new web series called The Crew that as he explains is The Office meets Star Trek and it has the potential to become a huge hit in the Sci-Fi world.

I caught up with Brett at a party that TubeFilter and Mania TV threw last night and it was refreshing to see all the new blood entering into the web series space. There is a whole new crop of talent in online video and I think we are going to see some interesting new content this year and by the sound of my phone ringing I think we are also going to see some new marketing dollars entering web video this year as well.

Now The Crew is a little rough but with a small amount of sound design and music I can see this show getting bought or at least having some nice sponsorship deals.

What do you think? Is it too late to start a new Internet series?

  • http://www.storyforge.tv Steve Lettieri

    I hope it’s not too late Tim! We’re launching an online sci-fi series in a few weeks. I think you’re right about the crew — a little rough around the edges, but lots of potential. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen so far.

  • Pingback: 1TimStreet interviews Brett Register | The Crew: A Science Fiction Comedy Web Series

  • http://spaceshank.com/ Alec McNayr

    A friend said to me the other day, “2009 is a great year to be in online media… IF you don’t have to make money from it.”

    It’s a great and exciting time to launch a web series, but most first-time producers’ opportunity to sell a concept to a big media company is over. For a short time there, indie producers could weasel their way in and nab a six-figure production budget ahead of sponsorship dollars, but no longer. Big media companies hate losing money, and are trying to pre-sell online content before production, but most brands aren’t buying (yet).

    Even smaller shops like 60frames, DECA, and Generate aren’t pushing shows unless they’re backed by ad dollars.

    That said, now IS the time to get your series and name out there, to make sure that you’re hitting your stride when online dollars do start to flow a little more freely.

    Or take matters into your own hands and develop your own super-viral content and monetize that as best you can through ads, merch, and donations.

  • http://1timstreet.com 1TimStreet

    Hey Steve, I would love to see a clip from your new show.

  • http://1timstreet.com 1TimStreet

    I don’t know about it being over. I’m still being asked to pitch big media companies.

    As far as ads, merchandise and donations… I’m not that optimistic but several people continue to do it.

    I think the two best ways to make money with your own video content this year will be sponsorships (which are different from advertising) and DVD sales of your own content. I think you should have FREE content and premium content. I’m working on a DVD for 4th quarter release and the phone has been ringing this year for new sponsorship deals.

    I’ve never had so many people calling me. I think marketers are seeing the value of web video and how they can use it to reach millions of viewers for way less than the cost of television.

    Time will tell but I think it’s going to be a good year for web video.

  • http://www.shannongrissom.com Shannon Grissom

    It’s too late only if I think it’s too late. I’m going for it!

  • http://www.storyforge.tv Steve Lettieri

    Hey Tim, we’re in post on our show right now. When we have something good and ready I’ll be sure to give you a peek!

  • http://www.atmafilms.com Nikhil Prakash

    Hey Tim..great post! It is interesting that you say that DVD sales is one of the best ways to make money, as I am surprised that with the trend of free digital content online nowadays that ppl would be willing to buy DVD’s of small time content creators.. I was curious as to what premium content do you advise including on the DVD? Do you mean stuff like behind-the-scenes footage, cast/crew interviews, etc., like a normal movie DVD?

    Also, I don’t know, but except for super hardcore fans, won’t most ppl be satisfied seeing the show for free online (especially in this economy)? I’m trying to figure out if the added resources necessary for DVD creation, replication, and fulfillment is justified..

    I would love some guidance on this, as until now I hadn’t seriously considered DVD sales as a monetization avenue, and would love to if it could really work..

    Keep up the great interviews, Tim!

  • http://1timstreet.com 1TimStreet

    Hey Nikhil, Thanks for the comment.

    I don’t think DVD behind the scenes extras are going to help DVD sales unless they have some very special emotional value.

    Remember that we live in a bubble. We are connected 24/7. Most people are not. Main stream America still buys DVDs – especially for gifts during the holiday and it’s going to take some time to switch over to paid digital downloads because they don’t make as nice of a gift…yet.

    I think that if you create a DVD that is different than your FREE content you can sell your DVDs and why not make a paid digital download available as well?

    In my case I’m working on a special DVD of premium content of the French Maids. French Maid TV’s Official Guide to Lingerie. I am also creating a French Maid TV FREE episode to market that DVD that will most likely be titled: How To Buy Lingerie sponsored by French Maid TV’s Official Guide to Lingerie. Hopefully French Maid TV fans will be inspired to buy the DVD as a gift once they see the FREE episode.

    I’m working on this little by little so hopefully I will have it all done by 4th quarter.

    I hope this gives you some ideas.

  • http://www.saxonmills.com Sib Law

    If it’s too late, we’re all hosed! But, I think we upstarts will have a better chance of creating more imaginative series at lower costs than our counterparts inside large organizations that are still mainly focused on television. We’re working on an espionage series and have been thinking about the DVD concept for a cut-together director’s cut with extra scenes, etc. We’ll see how it goes.

    BTW, nice work, Bret! Funny stuff.

  • http://www.atmafilms.com Nikhil Prakash

    Very valuable info Tim, thanks for that! You are right, I keep forgetting the tech bubble we live in..maybe DVD’s do have potential..

  • Lola

    I have an urban drama webseries that I in the process of making. These are the actors in character introducing the new series. Coming Soon!

    Here a few clips from my u tube channel thanks.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9VXYIDXEz0
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt8NUqPdOFs

  • http://www.koldcast.tv/video/posh_team_is_go Tom Konkle

    Its never too late…always room for passionate artists.

    Tom Konkle

    Pith-e Productions

    Safety Geeks: SVI
    Invention with Brian Forbes

  • http://spaceshank.com/ Alec McNayr

    A friend said to me the other day, “2009 is a great year to be in online media… IF you don't have to make money from it.”

    It's a great and exciting time to launch a web series, but most first-time producers' opportunity to sell a concept to a big media company is over. For a short time there, indie producers could weasel their way in and nab a six-figure production budget ahead of sponsorship dollars, but no longer. Big media companies hate losing money, and are trying to pre-sell online content before production, but most brands aren't buying (yet).

    Even smaller shops like 60frames, DECA, and Generate aren't pushing shows unless they're backed by ad dollars.

    That said, now IS the time to get your series and name out there, to make sure that you're hitting your stride when online dollars do start to flow a little more freely.

    Or take matters into your own hands and develop your own super-viral content and monetize that as best you can through ads, merch, and donations.