♥Web Series...The New Way Of Storytelling

Network Television has been in our lives for more than 70 years, growing as our lifestyles and tastes evolve. The days of only three major networks are long since gone, and with cable offering hundreds of programming choices, where does that leave artists? Through the years, the canvas of control has rapidly diminished, leaving the almighty dollar as the force behind scripted television. Networks more interested in the bottom line over quality and artistry has stifled the voice of the creative.  Question is how can the arts survive in the current structure of greed vs expression?

Over the past five years, many within the entertainment industry have begun to migrate to the web. The Internet is rich with talent able to put their vision online without pesky network executives demanding they curt tail their creations for content or lack of time. There has been an explosion of talented writers, producers, actors and veterans who have made the jump, realizing the net is untapped and slowly rising as the place to be! What makes creating online serials appealing is complete control and 100% freedom to do whatever you want without restrictions. It has become a mecca for those in the entertainment industry and also serves as a platform for all genres, be it a soap opera, comedy, drama, supernatural, science fiction or reality series. The variety is endless.

The Indie community has really benefited from the escalating popularity and We Love Soaps, as well as sites like Indie Intertube are popping up everywhere. Web programming is in its infancy just as network television was back in the '50s, but look at how far it has come. In my opinion the online arena will double what television did within the next 10 years. With award ceremonies specifically tailored to web content such as The Shorty Awards, International Television Festival, Hollyweb , and other indie film festivals, the best of the best are being recognized.

I think one of the most important aspects that separates web series from network television is the interaction between creators and fans.

Audiences have a voice within the web arena whereas most network executives have failed to see the advantage in that sort of engagement.  The influx of social media has played a huge part in the evolution of the genre, and I believe will remain a major component in the years to come. Twitter is probably the most effective means I've observed by following several A-list online serials.  It makes a difference when creators, as well as actors take the time to develop a relationship with their audience.

Over the past few years, most top entertainers as well as those within the industry have come to learn the exposure really is a must as they strive to build a following on the net. Facebook, while initially a leader connecting audiences, has begun to fall to the wayside as finding ways to instantly continue the exchange consistently has suffered due to their latest, not-so-tech friendly format. Web series creators know the key is visibility, constantly engaging their audiences and many have found Blogtalk Radio to be a great source and sounding board to build viewership.

As a fan of the soap genre and the host of my own blogtalk radio show, I have had the privilege of meeting and talking with many of the top web series creators and writers. I've learned the major obstacle for most is raising money to fund a project. Unlike networks, web series producers don't have the luxury of a budget. While some have very successfully reached their goals, others struggle. There is a misconception that if you're an actor, writer or producer money is not an issue. This is not the case most of the time.

Kickstarter and Indiegogo are the top two fundraising websites, that for a small fee, creators can directly go to fans to campaign for their support. Both can be highly effective, but with so many vying for funding, the competition is fierce.

One of the reasons I have donated to a few of my favorite web serials is for the chance to be a part of it. Fans actually see where their money goes and it makes them more invested, unlike audiences of network programming that will never have that connection. It's unique, and is another clue as to why online scripted serials are becoming so popular.

As access to our favorite shows increase, becoming immediately available online, it won't be long before cable companies are forced to include online serials to keep up with the demand. Instant Internet feeds to web series via cable could be the next wave in the evolution of online serials sooner than we think. Several websites that offer television online, specifically catering to web content, is growing at an unprecedented rate. TV Lounges are the 'in' thing, which only helps to boost the online serial genre.

Ultimately my feeling is the net will be the source that saves the arts, the place where writers, producers, actors, musicians, artists can express themselves. The web series trend is the new way of telling stories and will continue attract the best in the industry as long as freedom reigns. This is just the beginning. Who knows what the future holds for scripted serials, whether on network television or online. I believe web series are here to stay and I am convinced it is an amazing opportunity for all who seek to keep the legacy of 'The Arts' alive!

♥Want to see what web series are about? Check out a few of my top picks, then leave a comment and tell me what you're thoughts are. We'll use your voice in an upcoming RHeart Radio, the Fan's Voice! show.

1. DeVanity: by Michael Caruso; What happens when a rich family adopts 4 orphans and builds a jewelry empire? All hell breaks loose! Sex, lies, backstabbing and blackmailing never looked so good. If you liked Dynasty, you'll love DeVanity! Season 3 begins January 10, 2013, but catch up on S1 and S2 now at: DeVanity Website before the new season begins! *Be sure to join the only Official DeVanity Fan Club! It'll be the place to be Thursday nights!  DeVanity Fan Club

2. Fumbling Thru The Pieces, by Julie A. Smith; This quirky dramedy stars soap veteran Hillary B. Smith as business woman turned psychic, who takes in her little sister after leaving her cheating husband. It's a fun, off-beat series that I can't get enough of! Michelle Lee (Knots Landing), Bobbie Eakes (All My Children) and Dale Rauol (True Blood) were special guests in Season 2 and if you're a soap fan, this is a MUST SEE SERIES! Catch up: Fumbling Website



3. Pretty The Series, by Steve Silverman; "There is a unicorn, his name is gumdrop." This series is Steve's homage to his love of kiddie pageants. It centers around 6 year old Annette "Dakota" Champagne and her obsessed father Michael Champagne's quest to win a pageant whether his daughter is on board or not! The cast is stellar and has quickly gained a loyal following. Heavy hitters and soap legends Genie Francis, Denise Alexander, Martha Byrnes led a star-studded Season 3! Season 4 is coming soon but catch up with previous seasons at  Pretty The Series Website 

4. Ragged Isle, by Barry Dodd; What lies at the forbidden north end of Ragged Isle and why are residents dropping like flies? Season 3 begins in May, 2013, but you can catch up on the first two seasons. If you like The X-Files, this amazing Scifi series is for you! Ragged Isle

5. Revenge of the Sock, by Micah Delhauer; If you've got a morbid sense of humor, you will love this series. The Sock has a plan to take over the world, even if his schemes are far fetched and he has a bad habit of killing those who get in his way! Check out season one: Revenge of the Sock 

7. Husbands, by Jane Espenson and Brad 'Cheeks' Bell; This comedy stars adorable Brad Bell and Sean Hemeon, who drunkenly got married in Las Vegas after they gained the right to, but what happens next? This series is brilliantly written and reminds me of a modern day 'I Love Lucy'.  Husbands

♥New Kids On the Block…

6. Milgram and the Fastwalkers, by Richard Cutting; If you like scifi mysteries involving UFO phenomena, this smart web series will be your cup of tea. Dr. Milgram slowly begins to treat patients that claim they've been abducted by aliens, but is there an underlying sinister reason he's being sucked in to this? Watch how the first season unfolds now:

Milgram and the Fastwalkers

8. My Story, by Heather DiPietro; This fun new web series is all about soap fans! An innovative series that follows a group of college students who are fans of ‘Moments of Our Time’.  In a twist, not only will we see their lives unfold, we also see their soap ‘Moments’ as the series progresses.  The show really captures the essence of soap fans and their sometimes obsessive passion!  I feel that as the inaugural season continues, it can only get better.  I can't tell you exactly what will happen, but let me just say, fiction will imitate reality...can anyone say cancellation?!  Check it out now: My Story