The Webseries Medium

The advancement of the World Wide Web as an information and entertainment source, as well as non-stop technological advances, have had a tremendous impact on all forms of traditional media. From newspapers and radio, to the music and publishing industries, upheaval of established business practices has been the norm throughout the Twenty First Century. Television is no different, with the Internet rising as a mode of video distribution and the webseries becoming a potential kindred-spirit of visual narrative entertainment. This new medium is still in its infant stages, however, with unanswered questions surrounding such issues as revenue generation, the best distribution methods and how to raise the profile of its creations. Despite such obstacles, many webseries creators and business entrepreneurs have found success in the fledgling industry, and alterna-tv.com has developed an ever-growing collection of articles showcasing what promises to be an exciting period in the webseries medium’s development.

 

Thoughts on the Webseries Medium

The Promise and Potential of the Webseries Medium Observations on the potential of the webseries medium and how a number of quality productions showcase the promise of the medium’s future.

The Wisdom of Felicia Day: In Her Own Words A collection of insights into the webseries medium taken from numerous interviews given by Felicia Day, the creator of The Guild and Dragon Age: Redemption.

The Early Days of the Webseries Medium Creator Justin Kownacki shares his thoughts on launching a webseries in 2003, as well as a spin-off series in 2011, and the differences between ‘then’ and ‘now.’ 

Abrams and Whedon Discuss the Webseries Medium Recap of the J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon panel discussion at the 2010 San Diego Comic Con, and their thoughts regarding online video creation.

The Wisdom of Scott McCloud and the Webseries Writer Scott McCloud’s book Reinventing Comics offers advice for practitioners of the webseries just as much as it does for the comic book industry.

Chris Brogan and the Future of Internet TV The co-founder of PodCamp offers his opinions on the evolution of television over the next few years, both for the networks and independents as well as fans.

Webcomic Insights for Webseries Creators Independent webcomic creator Carolyn Belefski discusses her experiences in the medium, which relate to webseries practitioners as well those in the comics field.

An Interview with Felicia Day and Justin Kownacki The creators of The Guild and Something to Be Desired discuss the 2007 WGA strike and its potential impact on the future of the webseries medium.

 

Challenges of the Webseries Medium

The Pitfalls of Independent Webseries Production Examination of the difficulties facing independent webseries creators in the wake of Jonathan Nail’s decision to shut down production of his webseries SOLO.

Business Plans Slowly Emerge for the Webseries Despite popular belief that there is no money to be made in online video, a number of successful webseries have found ways to generate a profit nonetheless.

Justin Kownacki and Webseries Production Creator Justin Kownacki shares his thoughts on the various challenges facing the webseries medium, as well as offers advice to potential independent producers. 

Subscription Funding for TV and the Webseries Exploration of the subscription model as a form of funding for television shows like the cult-classic Firefly as well as for webseries productions.

How to Create a Sustainable Webseries Justin Kownacki, the creative force behind Something to Be Desired, discusses various methods on creating a sustainable webseries as part of PodCamp Pittsburgh 2.

How to Tell Your Story Digitally Chris Whitlatch, manager of marketing and communications for the Pittsburgh Foundation, discusses the art of modern day storytelling as part of PodCamp Pittsburgh 5.

The Webseries and the Lost Art of TV Theme Songs While current television shows no longer have catchy theme songs like the classics of the past, a number of quality webseries have filled the void.

 

Players Within the Webseries Medium

Blip.tv Expands Upon Its Winning Formula Examination of the online video network blip.tv and its basic philosophy, partnership with independent creators and expansion as a destination for webseries fans.

KoldCast Succeeds Where Others Have Failed Examination of the online video network KoldCast TV, the benefits it offers independent creators and the role it plays within the growing webseries medium.

The Quest to Be the Next New Network Exploration of Next New Networks and its acquisition by YouTube, as well other companies that are likewise positioning themselves to be online video networks.

Television Writers Take Their Talents to the Web Article exploring the influx of television writers, including Joss Whedon and Josh Schwartz, that have turned to the webseries for creative freedom.

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