There’s no question that the internet, VOD, TiVo and their brethren are changing how we consume our “TV” entertainment. While some in the industry struggle vainly to bolster the existing ways of doing business, there are some signs of experimentation.
One such example of minor experimenting is ABC’s upcoming show “Harper’s Island.” In addition to being made in conjunction with Eqal, the team behind LonelyGirl15, meaning significant additional online content, there is another twist ABC hopes will draw in viewers.
Here’s how TVSquad puts it:
I’ve been a little antsy about getting involved in yet another continuing drama (and one that could be canceled at anytime), but this was filmed and is being marketed as a limited-run series. Somewhere between a mini-series and a regular season, and that makes me feel a little better about taking the time to watch it.
The old business model for TV said that real money doesn’t arrive until you complete 100+ episodes and can go into syndication. While this might still be true for the moment, I think that model is being significantly disrupted. It seems that fewer and fewer series have the legs or the faith of an audience to last those four seasons and unless the episodes can stand alone (CSI, et. al.) then syndication can prove difficult.
By making a one-season-and-done series there is not only more possibility of an audience sticking around until the definitive end (assuming the show is any good) but there are lots of ways to gain new viewers online over time.
I’ll certainly be watching the numbers on “Harper’s Ferry” but I’m still not sure I can commit to watching the actual show…
There is a send-off piece over on NTV about the end of LonelyGirl15, a true pioneer of the webseries and one of the few honest success stories out there.
The question is, will we ever see anything like it again?
“There was an innocence and an excitement to the shows of this era that can never be replicated. It’s like the first season of The Real World: It was genuinely interesting because no one knew what was going to happen. The participants of every subsequent season (and every reality show that followed) knew they could get famous from it, so it became fake. Everyone knows that there is money, or a Hollywood deal, to be made on the web now, so there’s no sense of danger. The thrill is gone, replaced by a careful eye on playcounts, CPMs and creating a brand.”
I’m not quite as pessimistic as NTV. I think there will always be kids out there excited by the chance to just get their vision out there, to be thrilled by the sheer fact that they are being seen and heard. Will some of them be dreaming of Hollywood contracts? Sure. But plenty of others will just be dreaming up the next insane scene they can shoot and post with their buddies.
Tags: Arts, Kids and Teens, lg15, lonelygirl15, Programs, Real World, Reality television, Reality-Based, Television, The Real World: New York
Uncategorized | admin | 
August 4, 2008 2:30 pm | 
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The surprisingly successful UK webseries KateModern has a cool idea for their finale. They are releasing one new episode every hour, on the hour, for twelve consequtive hours.
From Mashable:
“The program’s following has been an extensive one. Its production company, EQAL, claims for KateModern an average weekly viewership of about 1m, surpassing the popularity of virtually all other original Web-based programs, including LonelyGirl15, a show also produced by EQAL.”
It’s nice to see a show actually making a bit of an impact, even if it is in the UK. I also like seeing new approaches to releases schedules and how to build excitement online.
Related articles
Bebo, the UK web company recently bought by AOL, is launching its latest original web series, GAP YEAR.
According to NewTeeVee:
“six young people…will be sent on six-month trips around the world…They get a per diem allowance based on what guides like Lonely Planet recommended for the country they’re in. Each person travels individually, accompanied by a cameraperson/director, and will send in one 3- to 5-minute video per week.”
Not sure what will make this a deeply compelling series but I was amazed to see how many sponsors are involved:
“Endemol and Bebo have set up some activities and challenges along with its sponsors: Sony PSP, Trident, Canon (which is providing cameras), The Royal Air Force (RAF), Acuvue, Doritos, STA Travel, and Tourism Auckland and Tourism Australia (who are helping with activities).”
I’ll be extremely curious to see how the brands are intergrated into the content and if any of their target demo decides to watch.
Bebo has had success with the lonelygirl15 follow up “Kate Modern” and the currently running “Sophia’s Diary.”
Check out some Gap Year here.
The latest news on the significant webseries front is that some folks are spinning off from the UK Bebo webseries Kate Modern to launch a new Brit-set webseries for MySpace.
“Big Balls Films and Pete Gibbons will make a pilot of the UK-set I Love Chieftown drama this month, with a full 60-”webisode” series launching in mid-September.
The drama will be based in east London and follow lead character Jamie, an aspiring filmmaker, as she follows an up-and-coming band and its journey to make it big.” (via)
Well, it sure does sound a bit like The All-For-Nots, Vuguru’s followup to Prom Queen from the makers of The Burg. It is also another example of trying to find an excuse for the camera – something I think we are ready to move beyond in terms of webseries. Everyone doesn’t have to either speak into a webcam or cameraphone.
Still, it sounds like a pretty big production with a 60-episode order. I’ll certainly be checking it out.
Tags: all-for-nots, bebo, burg, chieftown, kate modern, katemodern, lg15, lonelygirl15, myspace, myspacetv, prom queen, vuguru
Uncategorized | admin | April 15, 2008 2:14 pm | Comments (0)
KateModern, a spinoff of LonelyGirl15, has just lined up Toyota for some sponsorship/product placement.
“Bebo’s leading online drama KateModern which averages 1.5 million views per week, will be filming 7 episodes in 3 cities featuring a special brand integration with Aygo Platinum by Toyota.
Next week, fans of the show will be able to come and witness KateModern being filmed as a piece of live street theatre in locations across the UK. These special episodes will be aided by Toyota, who are providing the wheels to take the cast and crew to Manchester on the 19th February, Edinburgh on the 20th, and Leeds on the 21st. The Aygo will also be featured in next week’s story which will air on Bebo from Monday February 25th for seven days.*”
You can read the whole press release here.
This isn’t huge news but it will be interesting to see how this integration is carried out – whether or not it will strike a viable balance between promotion and entertainment.
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