Web Series Marketing

I come from a marketing background. I spent 12 years in marketing in the corporate world before venturing out and starting our own ad agency.   So when the time came to promote our series, I did what I would do in marketing any new venture.  I thought I would take a moment and share some of our experiences with you.

1.)  Be a pro: You want to make money at this?  Then treat it like a business.  One of the first things we do with new businesses at our day job is establish their look...their branding.  And then we start putting together materials to promote that brand.  These might be business cards, postcards or brochures.  Or in this market, great looking graphics for your YouTube channel, Facebook page or other outlet that promotes your show.  And a website.  You are creating a web series.  People are going to look for you on the web.  We spent nearly as much time developing Shotgun Mythos' website as we did writing the show.  It is constantly updated and is a place everyone from fans to cast to the media can go for more info about our show.

2.)  Know Your Market:  Knowing your market is key to promotion.  You wouldn't try to sell opera CDs at a Rock concert.  We have a sci-fi series.  One of our first points of outreach was the sci-fi convention world.  And we are getting a great response.  We are able to get our show in front of viewers who love the genre we create.  By combining that with step 1, and creating professional materials and cool giveaways, these events will be a great way for us to expand our fanbase

3.)  Invest in Yourself:  Shotgun Mythos is a full time job on top of our regular job.  Clint puts in hours each day working on the production end of things, while I spend hours each day promoting it. If you don't have time, or just aren't comfortable, enlist help.  Get friends, cast or fans to help you, or barring that, hire someone to help you. Just be careful that the person you hire is on the same page.  Make sure they understand your show, and what you hope to accomplish.  I am going to give you a checklist in a moment to help get you started.

4.)  Be persistent but patient:  It is not going to happen overnight, but your time and efforts will pay off.

CHECKLIST

Marketing Materials

• Website:  Does it present the image you want for your show? Is it easy to navigate?
• Press Kit:  This should include a press release about your show, as well as a synopsis and bios of key players. 
• Promotional materials:  These can take many forms...business cards, postcards, flyers,  just make sure you have something with your show's information on it for people to pick up if they are interested. 

Online Marketing

Several great sites exist exclusively to feature content..  Some include both TV and web series, others are specific to web shows.  Some sites for you to check out include:

• OVGuide.com:  This online video site features 13 million unique monthly users.  It is free to submit.  It just takes a little time on your part. All of the instructions on how to submit your show can be found here  http://www.ovguide.com/info/promote_web_series
• WebSeriesChannel.com:  This site brings together great web content into one place.  You can list your show, embed your episodes and find a new audience. Listing is free, and you can promote your show on the site for a small fee.
• Slebisodes.com:  This site is in part a TV Guide for Web Series.  It has a calendar of when new episodes are releasing and features info on those episodes as they come out.  Their sister network NutralTV just launched.  This site operates like a radio station, with a VJ introducing your show and promoting it before playing it.  (There is a small fee for this one.)

Self Promotion

• Contact your local media.  Send out press releases and updates to them as necessary.  We had two newspapers and a TV station come to our premiere and launch party.  The clip from the TV station went out over the newswire, and as a result, info about our show was seen in 24 markets across the country.
• Press Releases:  There are a lot of sites that offer free press release distribution.  My favorite at the moment is prlog.org.  They are easy to use, and provide you with stats to give you an idea of how you are doing.  And you can upgrade your release for a small fee to expand your reach. 
• Social Media:  Never underestimate the power of an active social media campaign.  You can keep up with fans of your show in real time, and give them breaking news, contests, calls to action and in general, keep them engaged in the show.

This is by no means a comprehensive list.  There are endless ways to promote your show...from blogs like this one, to contacting reviewers, to local media and national press.  There are both free and paid options.  But there is one thing you must remember above all.  Refer back to Step 1.  Be a pro.  Treat fans as you would customers, and act as if you were going for a job interview when you talk to reviewers, festival organizers and everyone else.  Remember that there are thousands of other shows out there...they don't need to take an interest in yours.  But a quality show and a professional attitude just might make them take notice.


--Darla Gaige, Executive Producer, Shotgun Mythos, and co-owner of Growth Media Services

Elders React To Happy Tree Friends

H+ Episode 47: On The Brink and Episode 48 - Season Finale: Visions of What's Come

Press Heart To Continue: GAMING NEWZ: Destined Temples Run Infinitely

Feast of Fiction - Minecraft Mushroom Stew

Thrift Shop - Lindsey Stirling & Tyler Ward (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Cover)

Get it right, Get it tight!

I love the fact that everyone is on their "get it right, get it tight" workout mode! Stay motivated everyone until you have reached your goals. Hard work WILL pay off!

After the workout or even before, make sure you watch the episodes of a brand new webseries, Not by CHOICE @ www.youtube.com/user/notbychoiceseries. Let us know what you think and stay tuned for episode 3, coming to you soon! New comedy for YOU! We appreciate your continued support!

News and New Episode from Shotgun Mythos

Lots going on in the world of Shotgun Mythos this week...

Our store is live on our website.  We now have T-shirts, posters, totebags, mousepads and more.  If you love the show, pick up something from the store and help support it!

New episode now available

HIPSTERHOOD  announces Season 2!

Check it out guys. Looks like there's going to be a season 2, if the Kickstarter goes well :). Watch and sign up for the newsletter at www.hipsterhoodseries.com

To Punchy a web series - Episode 3

It is my great pleasure to announce that Episode 3 for To Punchy is now available for your viewing pleasure. In this episode we get to see The Foreigner and Quiet meet, Billy and Suit get acquainted and Rusty finds new friends.

Be sure to watch it and let us know what you guys think!

For more info on To Punchy, please visit www.topunchy.com

Dungeon Bastard: oywxVe

What? Hey gamers, help us figure these runes out.

GUIDES Episode Two: Wise Words From Hobo Joe

A one-night stand goes wrong, someone is not who they seem and a reading from the book of Hobo Joe.

Watch GUIDES Episode One and Like us on Facebook.

Trent & Tilly: Episode 4 - "Poke Her Nickel Back"

Trent & Tilly make a serious wager during a poker game which leads to the unearthing of each other's pet peeves, and the reality that cheaters never win.

Get more Trent & Tilly: www.youtube.com/andkeepitdown

Kids React to Dragon Baby

FreddieW: VGHS Season 2 Kickstarter is UP NOW!

 
http//www.kickstarter.com/projects/freddiew/video-game-high-school-season-two

WOW! #PrisonDancer nominated for a #CanadianScreenAwards for Best Digital Series: Fiction cc: @Academy_NET

Thanks to all our cast, crew, partners, supporters, family and friends. This has been a great 1st year for all of us! Being nominated feels great! We'd like to thank the Independent Production Fund most especially! Here's to another great year for 2013 as we move into Season 2. Thanks for all your support.

And to celebrate this sensational news...




Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/prisondancer
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/prisondancer  or
Visit us at http://prisondancer.com/ for updates and more information!
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel: http://youtube.com/prisondancer
  and click on the choice points to learn more about the characters and special footage!

DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK ON BANDCAMP!
http://prisondancer.bandcamp.com/track/sensation

At long last, the first episode for the new fan webseries "Batgirl: Spoiled" has arrived.
The 11-minute-long video gives just a taste of the rest of the "Batgirl: Spoiled" world. After being introduced to Stephanie Brown, we see the Batgirl quickly bite off much more than she can chew when she tries to stop two men from stealing a car. This webseries promises at least one full season, but in this episode alone we meet Oracle, Penguin and Harley Quinn. We can't to see who else from the Batman mythology makes an appearance in this new series.

"Batgirl: Spoiled" is based on the Bryan Q. Miller version of Stephanie Brown and takes place where his comic book arc left off. Sax Carr and Marisha Ray created the series, while Ray also stars at Batgirl. Here's the official synopsis:
"After a close call leading to a falling out with Batman and Oracle, Batgirl goes out on her own to reexamine her place in the Gotham and the world at large. Stephanie spends her days seeking out advice from Gotham's various heroes, and her nights patrolling the streets in a seemingly endless battle against crime. All this while attending college, having a social life, and finding time to sleep."

Here is the link!

Follow me @directedbyme

Meter Maids: Episodes 1-3

Meter Maids is a kinda-sorta NSFW show that follows a group of four traffic officers as they strive to make the streets of Los Angeles safe from parking offenders. The show skewers serious subjects like gun control, affirmative action, sexual harassment, girl-on-girl stuff, and Satanic human sacrifice of cute children.

What’s unique about the show is that every episode features one or more guest stars who have an online fan base. The guest stars for the three episodes below included:

Kristen DeLuca (Playboy Playmate).

Michael Rousselet (5 Second Films).

Mika Tan (Adult film star). 

Natalie Duran (Vlogger NDTitanLady).

Meter Maids Episode 1: Shyamalan 



Meter Maids Episode 2: Braces

Meter Maids Episode 3: Smart Water

The show is the brainchild of Peter Podgursky and Cindy Fang, who write, direct, and produce all of the episodes. Together they created Grumpy Panda Films and have been making cute yet irreverent videos that have been featured on Funny or Die, Slash Film, Racialicious, Obvious Winner, Freddy in Space, Channel APA, and Dread Central.

To see more Grumpy Panda videos go to: http://grumpy-panda.com/

Like Grumpy Panda On Facebook! Twitter: @GrumpyPanda

The newest episode of The Playhouse Soap Opera has arrived!

In this episode, the bandages come off of Keith after his plastic surgery. Dick finds Peggy in her apartment and is shocked at her deteriorating condition. Reggie is hit on the head and suffers a strange reaction. Mona and Doris engage in a cat fight over Quentin or is it about the theater?

Please follow us on twitter
https://twitter.com/playhousesoap

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/theplayhouse.soapopera

Blogger:
http://theplayhousesoapopera.blogspot.com/

Meet the Mayfarers: Ep. 1.12 - "The Temple of Barb"

The family joins together to get Randolf out of Maggie’s life. The best way to do that? Send Phil’s hot young Bimbo girlfriend to sleep with him!

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“Meet the Mayfarers” is a comedy about an estranged, dysfunctional family who is forced to live together for one year in order to get their grandfather’s massive inheritance.

Inside the Legend: Medusa

A classic in her own right, Medusa visits Inside the Legend! Can Chaz resist her stony stare, and will she answer the question, "Does the carpet match the drapes?"

Trent & Tilly: Episode 5 - Bar Bagging #1 "Entourage"

Trent and DeSean get into it about how there were no black actors in the TV show "Entourage."

more at: http://www.youtube.com/andkeepitdown

Trent & Tilly: Episode 3 - Classy Italian

Trent & Tilly want to go out for dinner at a classy restaurant, but they need to fill out their unemployment claim forms first. Where can two "upscale" people eat for $20?

Get more Trent & Tilly: http://www.youtube.com/andkeepitdown

Announcements from Shotgun Mythos

It's been a busy week here, and it is only Tuesday!

Shotgun Mythos has been confirmed for Sci-Fi Valley Con in Altoona, PA,  May 17-19  We will be screening the first 6 webisodes as part of their film festival. You can find more info about this event at http://scifivalleycon.com/

Additionally, Co-creator Clint Gaige and actor Chris Inlow were featured on the Dolls of Despair internet radio show last night...discussing creation of the show, casting, behind the scenes, fight training, and all things Shotgun Mythos.  You can check it out here

The next episode goes live on Thursday, filming webisodes 13-21 resumes on Saturday and the wheels keep turning!

-Darla Gaige, Co-Creator Shotgun Mythos

My Student, My Lover - A new web soap coming in 2013!

This year Chad Media is going back to school, (maybe this time we'll graduate,) mayhem ensues!

My Student, My Lover is a new web soap that focuses on the relationship between a lonely, divorced high school teacher and her 18 year old former student. They met by accident through an online dating site and found out that they have feelings for each other. Now they need to make sense of their feelings in the face of a not so open minded community. Can they make it work? Find out by watching My Student, My Lover in 2013!!!

Follow us on Twitter: @MSMLseries

Laps - Video Journal: Nominations, Stars and Clayton

A chronicle from start to finish of Laps: Season 2.

In this episode, we have updates about auditions, screenplay nominations! Chad sits down with the person who inspired a character in the new season. Also, we catch up with the stars of Laps: Art Hall and Rachae Thomas.

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Laps is an original iPhone series about a cigar smoking over-eater desperate for a change in his life.

A REAL Drummer - Ask Tartar Control #8

Robot goes a little nuts when his status in the band is questioned. Can you blame him?

GUIDES Behind the Scenes: What's With the Necklaces?

@GUIDESWebseries creator and actor Jenn Wilson (Cree) gives the backstory on the necklaces the guides use to tap into the universe.



Watch GUIDES Episode One and like us on Facebook.

To Punchy a web series - Episode 2

Episode 2 of To Punchy is available for viewing. With The Foreigner having kidnapped Middle Man, he takes him to a deserted field to get some answers. Meanwhile, Rusty and his men pay tribute to Punchy while Billy The Kid tries to stay under the radar. 

Visit the show at www.topunchy.com 

I Am Tim - Episode 2.1 : NOTHING LIKE DOCTOR WHO

Season two of monster hunter romcom documentary I AM TIM has landed!

Shameless Exploitation...Using What Is Available

It's no secret that when you are working on a no-budget production that everyone is keeping their day-jobs.  The cast and crew are working their regular jobs all week, then giving up their days off to come and work on the show. You'd think that would be dedication enough...but no...we had to take it a step further.  We had to tap into their talents on their day jobs too....

Steven Matos is a military veteran, with years of combat experience.  He brings that no-bullsh*! personality to the role of Detective Harris.  But he also acts as our eyes on set whenever there is a firearm in use.  He makes sure that the holsters are put on properly, that the guns are handled well, and in general, keeps us from looking like idiots who don't know which end of a gun to use.

Robbie Whiplash brings his hard-rock edginess to the sarcastic and rebellious Ari.  But in addition to creating a dramatic character, Robbie has not only provided the score for the show, he has roped in other musicians to ensure that the music of Shotgun Mythos literally rocks.

Brandon Wheeler, as I mentioned in my last post, is an active MMA fighter.  He is also one of the nicest guys I have ever met.  So to show up on set and have the cast laughing about how scary he is took me by surprise.  Brandon had spent much of one of the days of training and rehearsing explaining what to do and what not to do in a fight...which moves would be safe, which could cause a concussion and which could kill someone.

Charlie Bruce and Ray Remillard both come from backgrounds in radio.  And their work on the podcast "Decoding Mythos" showcases that experience, and creates a powerful promotional tool for the show.  Their weekly interviews with the cast and crew are funny, engaging and thoroughly entertaining.

Chris Livingston comes to the set as the arrogant head of Gentry, Bob.  But one of his many other hats is that of contractor.  So he came into the studio one day and built us moveable set walls...giving us the flexibility to rearrange our sets and avoid any drama of not having locations.  We now look like old school Hollywood, with folks moving sets from one location to another.

Each of these folks had every right to look at us like we were nuts and tell us to take a hike when we asked them to contribute from their day job talents.  Fortunately for us, they didn't.  And in the end, their contributions will be an invaluable part of the success of the show. 

--Darla Gaige, Co-Creator & Executive Producer of Shotgun Mythos