Any tips for starting a web series?
- Thread starter Crazings
- Start date
First, write. Write a lot. Write your whole "season", and alternatives.
You don't want to end up with the whole thing blowing up in your face because of the lack of script.
Budget should be one of the priorities, and that sort of includes location.
Be sure that your actors are available for the web series running time.
Make it stand out. There are a gazillion other web series out there. What does your's have that I should watch it over "The adventures of youtubedude93"?
You don't want to end up with the whole thing blowing up in your face because of the lack of script.
Budget should be one of the priorities, and that sort of includes location.
Be sure that your actors are available for the web series running time.
Make it stand out. There are a gazillion other web series out there. What does your's have that I should watch it over "The adventures of youtubedude93"?
Make it as simple as possible, with as few characters as possible, with as few effects as possible (or at least, with only simple effects). And episodes should ideally be under 5 minutes.
If every episode is a huge logistical or post-production challenge, you won't get past the first one.
If every episode is a huge logistical or post-production challenge, you won't get past the first one.
In most cases - the shorter each webisode is, the better.
Try to cast cute girls. It's sad, but true - the more hot chicks in a video, the more eyes will watch it. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to watching some pretty bad web series because the girls in it were so attractive. And I keep watching it, even when it isn't as good.
Having some kind of hook, like a niche to market to - the way THE GUILD did to World of Warcraft players.
Try to cast cute girls. It's sad, but true - the more hot chicks in a video, the more eyes will watch it. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to watching some pretty bad web series because the girls in it were so attractive. And I keep watching it, even when it isn't as good.
Having some kind of hook, like a niche to market to - the way THE GUILD did to World of Warcraft players.
Per discussions I have participated in over the past two or three years you should be able to watch on a small screen - i.e. a smart phone - and the "sound design" should accommodate tiny speakers and ear buds.
The thinking is that a web series is something you can watch during your commute, or during your lunch break, something to share with friends.
I agree with the eye candy observation - apply it to both sexes; the girls will go for cute guys as well. Also, very obvious quirky characters can be an attraction. Keep it light and fast paced.
I have to say it; sound is even more critical to get right while in production. You won't have the time or resources to do audio fixes so you need to pay close attention to your production sound. Remember the viewing/listening format - small screens & speakers like iPhones, iPads and laptops.
Have the first season of the series completely outlined and two thirds scripted before you begin production. Get three to a half dozen episodes in the can before hitting the web so there's a buffer in the event of an emergency or two.
Streamline the production and the post process, you're putting out a weekly product, you don't have time to screw around. Rely on your talent and crew to expand the concept and allow them a lot of creative input; this is going to be an on-going team effort. You may be writer/director and in charge, but using cast and crew contributions keeps the interest up of all involved. Repeat once again, this is a team effort and requires a slightly different mind-set than dong short or features.
The thinking is that a web series is something you can watch during your commute, or during your lunch break, something to share with friends.
I agree with the eye candy observation - apply it to both sexes; the girls will go for cute guys as well. Also, very obvious quirky characters can be an attraction. Keep it light and fast paced.
I have to say it; sound is even more critical to get right while in production. You won't have the time or resources to do audio fixes so you need to pay close attention to your production sound. Remember the viewing/listening format - small screens & speakers like iPhones, iPads and laptops.
Have the first season of the series completely outlined and two thirds scripted before you begin production. Get three to a half dozen episodes in the can before hitting the web so there's a buffer in the event of an emergency or two.
Streamline the production and the post process, you're putting out a weekly product, you don't have time to screw around. Rely on your talent and crew to expand the concept and allow them a lot of creative input; this is going to be an on-going team effort. You may be writer/director and in charge, but using cast and crew contributions keeps the interest up of all involved. Repeat once again, this is a team effort and requires a slightly different mind-set than dong short or features.
And go watch and study the series that are really successful.
I personally think that everybody should be watching "Legend of Neil," but that's just me.
I personally think that everybody should be watching "Legend of Neil," but that's just me.