Web Series
Episodic storytelling, which is like watching a TV show week to week, entails that people come back and watch the next episode
In my last post, I mentioned how important story is, and as a follow-up to that piece, I want to address the benefits of collaborating with an experienced voice actor. Given their years of experience and training, voice actors can help your web series stand out from the crowd.
It is best to have your anecdote be the same length in order to make sure it is easy for people to watch them. The great news is that you get a lot of creative freedom, and can make your anecdote as long or short as you want. For example, if most of your episodes are around 10 minutes, but one is 18 minutes, making it hard for people to program.
Leave your audience wanting to read more.
The key to a good episodic plot is the cliff hanger — leaving the audience guessing at what will happen next. You want viewers to come back for more, but not be so hungry that they’re actually texting your office demanding an update. If they eagerly anticipate each installment, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful web series.
If you’re not sure of the type of online video you want to make, research a series that you like. Consider what other web series in the genre are doing. If your show has a different point of view or voice than expected, it could cannibalize the market before it makes its full run. The story that speaks to you and is most important to you is usually going to work best. For example, if you’re interested in botany, create content about botany only. There are plenty of organizations and channels who will be looking for content about botany.
When it comes to raising funds, your approach is everything.
Getting your project funded can be challenging. Here are a few grassroots suggestions:
Create an awesome pitch package using a logline, synopsis, poster or still from set, and
trailer. Sell things you no longer need to get funds- remember that there are no guarantees
of ROI. And if you do decide to do a campaign, be transparent that there is risk involved
and create an informative “website.”
One of the most important steps you can take to boost your business will be to do market research.
You can always do your own market research before you release a finished episode.
Invite people to watch the anecdote and take note of whether or not they laugh or get
bored. After the screening, email them to ask what they liked or didn’t like about the anecdote, but don’t tell them who you are – instead, use Google Forms so they don’t have to send an email and then add their survey data yourself into the doc. This way you’ll be able to glean important details and create a more engaging series.
And if a web series falls flat for any number of reasons, it’s probably because the creators were trying too hard to make a point (instead of allowing it to unfold), weren’t empathetic to the issue, or have a fake connection with the people in the film. You can edit until the final cut and try a new version if you’re getting feedback from potential viewers.
The important thing is that you find the path that’s right for you.