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 Backyard FX

         

When this episode came out last week, we posted that it was "fun", "hilarious", and "one of our favorite episodes" of 2010.  The more I think about it and after watching it a second time, it may be my favorite Web Files episode of all time.  That's a pretty hard thing to accomplish given that we have shot 39 episodes of The Web Files and 5 episodes of The Web Files Buzz.  It was a pretty simple set-up with me and Zack Finfrock, the new host of Backyard FX, sitting in a couple of chairs on the side porch of his house.  Okay, not so simple.  While Zack lives out in the country, there are lots of natural and unnatural sound effects to be had in his idyllic environment:  horses, planes, motorcycles, an organ!!, birds, and a lawn mower or two.  All unplanned, but all perfect environmental sounds for an interview featuring Backyard FX.  Another interesting note about the location: the house is actually a geodesic home that was once owned by The Smurfs creator who loved to decorate the house in, yes, you guessed it, blue.

Zack is really laid back, which made for a very natural interview.  His creative talents are numerous and many of you may have seen his work already and not even realized it. Zack was nominated for a Streamy Award, along with Brett Register and Jeff Bell, for Best Visual Effects in a Web Series, for The Crew.  While he didn't win, I am so pleased that he is able to channel that talent as the new face of Backyard FX.  It really is a great blend of his skills as a graphic artist, actor, and now, host in one show.  He's a natural fit and his legion of fans have already followed him to this episode of The Web Files.  Now he doesn't do it all alone, he has a team behind the scenes of Backyard FX that makes up a huge part of the test films you see in the show.  So, their production company, Wayside Creations, truly is a fun band of talented creators.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Puppet Zack who had a nice cameo in the episode.  Zack created the puppet off of one of the episodes that Erik Beck, the original host of Backyard FX, shot.  It is like stepping into a whole Avenue Q performance.  That's how good the puppet looks in person, so I am glad we were able to feature Puppet Zack.  And oh yes, he's a good kisser.  (Stay tuned to the very end of the credits to see what I am talking about.)

Finally, I am really impressed with the slate of shows that Next New Networks and Indy Mogul are putting out on the web.  High quality shows with intelligent content that really hit a core audience.  I hope to one day do a show for them because they seem to be keeping their fingers on the pulse of web television.  So, head on over there and check out their slate of shows.  If you need a place to start, visit VendrTV or Freezer Burns for some foodie fun.

If you missed the episode, watch it here:

Tomorrow brings a new episode and all of the action from the red carpet premiere of Dailymotion's Squatters.

Photos 2 and 6 Courtesy of Jenn Bobiwash.

Episode 39: Backyard FX

This episode is one of my favorites from The Web Files in 2010. It features Zack Finfrock, the new host of Next New Network and Indy Mogul's, Backyard FX.  We had a whole series of unplanned special effects going on during this interview that made it frustrating for the crew, but fun at the same time.  Be sure to stick around past the credits for a fun moment with Puppet Zack.  I'll have more behind the scenes of this episode later in the week.  Thanks for watching!

Behind the Scenes of Epic Fu

I was really looking forward to shooting this episode because Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf were the winners of last year's Streamy Award for "Best Hosted Web Series".  Their journey to the top has been an interesting ride and one that web series creators need to pay attention to.  While they have had amazing success with production deals at Next New Networks and Revision3, they were not immune to the economic downturn.  They currently find themselves on their own as they grow Epic Fu as a brand.  The independence allows them the freedom to try new ideas and allow the interactivity of the show rise to a new level.  While they are continuing their focus on film and music, watch as they grow over the next year or so.  Their longevity in the web space is something that I admire and Epic Fu is one of the shows that has set a high standard in the Hosted Web Series world.  

                                  

We shot in their downtown loft which serves as the new backdrop to the show.  The first thing I noticed was Steve Woolf's artwork.  His incredible pieces line the walls and add the perfect compliment to their decor.  I don't know if he sells his work, but it's worth checking into it if you are looking for unique and significant pieces in your home.  Steve and Zadi were such a treat to interview.  They are smart, kind, and really thoughtful about their place in the web space.  The interactive aspect of their show, Mix, is a place where hardcore fans interact about the show, new music, pop culture, and even debate with Steve and Zadi.  

                              

I love that Steve took all of these behind the scenes photos because you get a great look at our crew.  They sometimes like to hide from the camera, but they are crucial to making The Web Files the show that it is.  You get some glimpses of makeup artist, Melissa Anchondo, our PA/Renaissance Woman, Jenn Bobiwash, and DP/Editor, Perry Payne.  Also joining us for the first time was stylist, Katelin Flanigan, who dressed me from head to toe for the episode. She is a great additional to the team because no one is a bigger fashionista!  So, if you see that I am dressing better in upcoming episodes, thank Katelin.  (And we will get her on set photo soon.  She's a beautiful, statuesque blonde, you will love her!)

                                  

Finally, a kind shout out to Miss Casey McKinnon for putting us in touch with Zadi and Steve.  Without suggestions, connections, and feedback, we would not have access to some of the shows we interview.  So, please keep the dialogue and comments coming.  You can always leave a comment here or visit me on Twitter .  

If you missed the episode, check it out here: Epic Fu

Later today, a new episode of The Web Files with Woody Tondorf, Ben Pace, and Genevieve Jones of Elevator. 

Behind the scenes photos courtesy of Steve Woolf.