Web Television on the Move!

This has been an amazing few weeks for Web Television with festival news, upcoming events, and strong press.  The tide is finally turning and I think the next year is going to prove to be the breakthrough period in recognizing Web Television as a contender.  Here's a round-up of the latest events:

1.  ITVFest:  I was happy to see that some of my predictions for shows like Time Traveling Finger and 15 Minutes were correct.  Stephen Leonard won the Best Animation Award for Time Traveling Finger and Bobby Salomon won Best Director for 15 Minutes.  After watching 15 Minutes, I said that the series was ready for TV.  I hope the cast and crew see some lift from distributors because the show was well-polished and highly-produced, and the look of the show, shot on the Red camera, set it apart from the others.  A real quirky series, Octane Pistols of Fury, was a big hit this year, going home with the Best Web and Best Comedy Awards for ITVFest.  I wasn't sure what to make of the series, but it was funny with a strong point of view.  I am interested to see where they go next with the show because I am not sure what direction that would be. Perhaps, the joke is on me and that is exactly what the creators want me to think.  Finally, topping off his wins at NY Television Festival last fall and his Streamy win in April, Jeremy Redleaf of Odd Jobs won for Best Writing.  He's an absolute delight who keeps raking in the awards, so check out our Web Files interview with him from last fall.

2. NY Television Festival:  The official entries were announced on Monday and you will see some crossover from ITVFest like Illuminati Brothers, SOLO the Series, and Octane Pistols of Fury.  Some new series from prolific creators Brett Register, Scott Brown, Stephen Leonard, and Al Thompson will also be making an appearance, so it looks like a strong line-up.  The festival runs September 20-25, so keep your eye on the web that week.  Congratulations to all of the official entries!

3.  SXSW Interactive:  I was thrilled that my SXSW Panel Proposal was approved and it is up for vote for the Interactive Sessions.  My panel is titled:  Hosted Web Series:  New Opportunities for Creativity.  The voting is open until Friday, August 27th.  Also, Marc Hustvedt from Tubfilter has a panel up for vote on Interactive Video Storytellers so, get out there and vote!

Enjoying a little Fast Company and a Starbucks Chai latte on my flight.

4.  Fast Company:  I don't if anything was more thrilling than the Fast Company spotlight on "Must -See TV:  The Web's New Fall Lineup".  Highlights include a feature on Felicia Day, Babelgum, Funny or Die, Atom.com, and Next New Networks with their current and future Web TV offerings.  I was even more excited when I realized I had interviewed a lot of creators involved in the Fast Company spread:  Legend of Neil, Kevin Pollak, The Bannen Way, Felicia Day, Al Thompson, Jeremy Redleaf, and Illeana Douglas.  Maybe I am onto something here with The Web Files.........

5.  Digital Chick TV: There is a new site highlighting the contributions of women to Web TV:  Digital Chick TV.  I am excited to see all of the female producers, creators, and actors getting their due.  Women play a significant role in this space, so I am glad their work is being recognized.  Oh, and I am described as "ever-perky"on the site.  I love that description.  I am out to kill all of you with my perk on The Web Files!

6.  Squatters:  There is nothing better than to see a producer recognize the talents of their crew.  Brendan Bradley of Squatters contacted The Web Files looking for additional footage from their red carpet premiere to highlight the work of Director of Photography, James Rhodimer, and composer, Morgan J. Pearse.  The bonus videos have just been release on Dailymotion, so check it out and let's celebrate all of those that work tirelessly behind the camera:

James Rhodimer, DP - Behind The Scenes (Bonus)
Uploaded by squatters. - More video blogs and vloggers.


Morgan J Pearse, Composer - Behind The Scenes (Bonus)
Uploaded by squatters. - Explore international webcam videos.

7.  Anyone But Me:  The fundraising Web-a-Thon for the award winning series, Anyone But Me, continues and I urge you to make a contribution to help fund Season 3.  I don't think any other series has done more for the LGBT community and creators, Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward, are so passionate about their project, so help make Season 3 a reality for the cast and crew.  They deserve it!

Okay, I think that is a pretty strong round-up with what is happening in Web TV. The space is exciting and it's moving quickly.  Did I miss a big story?  Let me know in the comments and thanks for stopping by!

Behind the Scenes of Johnny B. Homeless

My first introduction to Al Thompson was at the 2009 ITVFest red carpet gala.  His official entry, Johnny B. Homeless, was a part of the festival and he kindly rapped his theme song on the red carpet for us.  "He's Johnny Homeless!"  In the year since, he signed a deal with Atom.com, won the People's Choice Award at NY Television Festival 2009 (NYTVF), created two new series, and he was again selected for the 2010 NYTVF all while jumping back and forth between the coasts for work.  I don't know anyone in this industry who has a bad word to say about Al.  He's funny, charming, handsome, and one of the most hard-working actor/creators in the industry.  We tried for months to get our schedules together and sit down with Al, but he was hard to catch.  The stars finally aligned and I was glad we were able to tell his story.  Mark my words, he will be a major player in the entertainment industry within the next five years.

One thing about Al that I really appreciate is that his work shows the depth of his range.  Watch the comedy behind Johnny B. Homeless and then turn around and see the sexiness of Lenox Avenue.  That's where his talent really shines.  Another favorite moment of the interview involved Al's love for TV theme songs.  He created a really catchy theme for Johnny B. Homeless that has you walking away singing.  I miss the days of singing to the Facts of Life or The Jeffersons theme song.  In fact, the TV theme song has virtually been eliminated from 95% of the shows out there to give more time for sponsors.  Do you really stick around for the ads?  I didn't think so.

Al talked about the importance of festivals, particularly ITVFest, in his career. Even with his success, he continues to strive for more and he's still hitting that festival circuit.  You will see his next entry in September's NYTVF with Baby Daddy Memoirs and I know he's looking forward to retaining his title.  Watch out, NY, here comes Al Thompson!

Finally, I have met Al's lovely fianceé, so he won't be marrying Sandra Bullock anytime soon.  However, how hilarious was their Photoshopped couple shot?  Hey, a guy deserves a dream! As always, stick around to the very end to see a fun little outtake from the shoot. Here's the episode of The Web Files with Al Thompson:

Weekly Wrap-Up

Oh, what a week it has been!  I'm sitting here in my sweats with my wet hair up in a bun after a big hike with my puppy.  I've been all over the city this week and I'm ready for the weekend to begin.  Here's how it all went down:


Monday-Thursday:
ITVFest:  I spent the week attending the seminars, parties, and panels at the Independent Television Festival this week. I will have a final wrap-up over the next few days, but you can see some of the highlights and the gala here and here.  Congratulations to all of the winners and participants!

Hanging with Bernie Su of Compulsions and Ariel Lazarus of The Crew.

Me and Bobby Salomon, winner of Best Director for his pilot, 15 Minutes.

Nicole Pacent of Anyone But Me, Brian Rodda, and me hanging after a screening.


Photos 1, 2:  Courtesy of Bernie Su.
Photo 3: Courtesy of Brenda White


Wednesday:
The Web Files:  The Web Files was back with a new episode this week featuring the uber-talented Al Thompson.  He will be popping up again with a new series at the NY Television Festival, so be sure to keep your eye on him:



MoreWireLess:  I think there are three more in the series of MoreWireLess sponsored by Broadcom.  This week, it is all about the dongle.  I had no idea what a dongle was until I shot this episode (And look at that hilarious screen capture.  I look drunk!)



Prop 8:  It is no secret where I stand on this issue.  It was a simple one to me:  human rights.  For those that oppose same-sex marriage, I still believe in your rights to raise your family with your beliefs and to
attend the church that shares your same beliefs.  Even if we don't agree on this issue, remember the United States is built upon protecting your fundamental rights. It will be a long fight from both sides, but here is a quote from the presiding Judge Vaughn Walker on the case:  "Moral disapproval, without any other asserted state interest, has never been a rational basis for legislation."  Amen.

Photo by Adam Bouska for the NOH8 Campaign.


Friday:  My amazing friend, Kristoffer Kelly, has taken it upon himself to start a Facebook campaign called:  "Kristyn Burtt will take Mary Hart's spot on ET".  Yes, Mary Hart is leaving Entertainment Tonight after 30 years and I am flattered anyone thinks I could even remotely fill her shoes.   So, here's the link if you want to join the campaign: Facebook.  Heck, even though it is a long shot at best, maybe I will get the opportunity to show them the sizzle reel to my show, The Web Files.  


Now through August 19th:  Don't forget to enter my fun giveaway--City Slips for the gal on the go!


Have a great weekend, everyone!

Publicity and Web Series

UPDATE: This is an old post and a lot of this info is out of date. Please use the contact page if you have any questions.
Thanks!

A few months back I did a post on the Dos and Don'ts on the Red Carpet and I think it is time to write a companion piece called Publicity and Web Series.  I am going to throw out a few guidelines that are specific to The Web Files, but I know there are new media journalists out there that are seeing some similar issues.  Liz Shannon Miller at NewTeeVee has posted some helpful guidelines for submitting your show to her for review, but what is pure comedy is the email she received this week.  It made me realize that it was time to write the post that has been formulating in my head for awhile.  


We all know that publicity is a key component to driving viewers to your show and keeping the buzz out there in the web series world.  I would imagine most of the Streamy-nominated shows have seen a nice lift in viewership over the last six weeks, you want to keep that momentum going.  How do you do it?  Here are some suggestions:


1. Festivals:  I have really started to pay attention to what is happening on the festival circuit from ITVFest to NY Television Festival to SXSW.   Take a look at the success stories from ITVFest 2009....Al Thompson with an Atom.com deal, MERRIme.com with distribution on The Frisky, Oz Girl's Streamy award (and more news to come), and Urban Wolf's distribution deal with Crackle.  It is thrilling to watch the success happen in less than a year's time.  The festival circuit is a great place to start to create some buzz, so head on over and submit your series.


**Update:  This category continues to grow and I want to make sure to get some of those higher profile festivals out there for you to check out:  iTVFest, NYTV Festival, AFI DigiFest, Comic Con, and Sundance's New Media Lab.  Good luck! **


2.  Networking Events:  There seems to be a new media event, launch party, red carpet, screening, or meet-up each week.  While we see a lot of the same faces over and over, it isn't a bad thing to stop in and hand out a business card or two if you are ready to launch your show.  In fact, we nabbed our first two interviews for The Web Files at Geek Out 2009 by meeting Tay Zonday of Chocolate Rain fame and Brett Register of The Crew.  Without them, we wouldn't have had such a successful start to The Web Files. 


3.  Reviews and Interviews:  Now some of you are lucky enough to have new media publicists who take care of all of your publicity needs.  There are some fantastic representatives out there who are working  hard to promote the heck out of your show.  I can name seven publicists off of the top of my head that we have worked with on a consistent basis.  If you can afford a publicist, go for it.  It is tremendously helpful and it takes a lot of the burden off of your plate. 
    However, I know the reality of budgets in the web space and you are probably doing the publicity at the same time you are producing, writing, and starring in your show.  So, how do you give your series that extra push?  I have already given you Liz Shannon Miller's tips for "How to Pitch Me Your Web Series".  Everyone needs to remember this word, "pitch".  You should pitch your show in an email the same exact way you would pitch your show in a meeting with distribution executives.  In fact, this should be excellent practice for all of the meetings you will be taking after your web series is a huge hit, an award winner, and it opens doors on even bigger platforms.  That is exactly how the pitch should be handled.
    So, while I DO want links to your reviews from Tubefilter and NewTeeVee, here's what I don't particularly enjoy:  
          -"Check out my link.  You should interview me."  
          -"Why haven't you interviewed me yet?" or "When is it my turn?"
          -"The Streamys are over, so let's sit down so you can cover my show."
          -"Come interview us. We have an event tomorrow."
Yes, these are all direct quotes.  So, you can see I am getting some unprofessional emails and it is a little surprising.  I certainly can't email the studio publicists and say, "It's time for The Web Files to interview your talent.  We will be there tomorrow."  I have to pitch my show and let them know why it would be beneficial for their shows to be interviewed by us.  I submit a formal email with links, a press release and talent bios.  I want them to see The Web Files as a professional media outlet, not some hack entertainment web series.  Please treat your show with the same respect whether you are dealing with a small show like ours or a huge network like E!  You spent so much time and effort on the creative side of the business, remember that once it is completed and you are dealing with publicity, monetization, or distribution, it is all business. 
     The other issue is contacting us a day before your event.  If pre-production took a month for you, it will be the same for us.  We have a crew to organize, a show to plan, and we have to make sure I am in town. (Easier said than done during my travel season.)  I love covering events, but some notice is appreciated and it is necessary for us to produce a quality show for you.  I want to make sure I have done my research on the talent and we want to have our core crew on hand. Trust me, they are GOOD, so a little calendar courtesy goes a long way in our world.  


4.  Press Releases:   A simple and free way to get the word about your show out there on the net.  PRLog just requires a short registration and it is a fantastic way to get the word out about your news of season premieres, finales, distribution, and events.  We have utilized this service quite a bit and we always see a lift off of the press release.


5.  Timing:  Yes, timing is important in terms of publicity.  Take it from the master, Felicia Day.  When she is writing The Guild, she puts herself in a media blackout creating more of a demand for her when she returns.  I am sure she wants to avoid the distraction, but it is a brilliant idea.  When your show is launching, ending, there is distribution news, casting news, or a red carpet event, that is when you want to hit the PR wire.  That is exactly when we want to interview you too. We want launch our episode with you because it is a win-win in terms of buzz and viewership.  In fact, the next six interviews we are shooting involve: a Streamy winner, a launch, distribution news, casting news, DVD release, and a new media event.  As they say, timing is everything.


6.  Patience:  I think Liz said it best, "Please be patient with me. I eventually watch everything I’m sent, but I only write one review a day and you web series creators have been freakin’ BUSY."  I know at The Web Files, we are doing our best to keep up with your emails.  We do have an official list and we banter back and forth as to why we should do a particular series now or later.  It is an ongoing discussion and it changes each month.  The best example of that is our interview with the series, Chick.  It had been on our list for a long time, but the timing felt right in early 2010.  I even wrote about the timing in my Behind the Scenes post for Chick.  The show did extremely well for us in terms of views and we received more emails about this show than any other episode so far in 2010.  Chick has a lot of heart and I think that resonated with many viewers, so I was thrilled we gave a smaller show a boost and we felt like we did it at the right time.  


Where can you hone your PR skills? Well, I know there are several new media workshops going on in the month of May with NewMedialocity and WebTV Workshop, or you can go back to the basics with UCLA's Extension program and sign up for PR 101. I am hoping the Web TV seminars address the publicity issue in depth because it will be beneficial to many content creators.


I hope this was helpful to you from a media perspective.  I would love to hear your comments on this topic because I know many of you will have even better suggestions from a creator's point of view.  So, let's get some dialogue started! 


To submit to The Web Files:  TalkToTheWebFiles at Gmail dot com
We look forward to learning more about your web series!


**Update** I received an email from a content creator accusing me of being part of the LA web series "bubble" and some unknown clique out here.  I have to take issue with this.  We do not have a travel budget for The Web Files right now.  If you know of someone that would like to sponsor us, we would gladly take you up on that offer and cover web series all over the country. 
   Please do not accuse me of not supporting web series.  I have worked hard along with everyone else at The Web Files for FREE since May of 2009. We want to tell your stories and we are doing the best we can on our limited resources.  We are happy to cover any web series that is visiting LA and we try to take advantage of that situation whenever we can make that interview happen.  So, please keep me in the loop of your travels, especially if you are coming in for Digital Hollywood or itvfest.  Off my soapbox.  :) kb

PS.  I must be doing something right if I got my first piece of hate mail.  Yay!