Web series vs ‘traditional content’: 10 questions to ask yourself
So, should you make a web series instead of pitching a TV series to a network? Should your story be told in a medium like film and finding a traditional distribution deal, or is it better to break it up into mini-story arcs and distribute it yourself? Anna Kerrigan, creator of the fantastic web series THE IMPOSSIBILITIES knew it was right for her.
She wrote a very interesting piece on her decision-making process behind creating a web series vs. opting to create an indie film - the latter being more costly and requiring a level of risk/reward that may not be suitable for every project. So, what are the key considerations for creating a web series vs. creating a longer form project, requiring more traditional distribution methods?
Here are 10 questions Anna asks herself before deciding whether to execute material for traditional film and TV, or self-distribute a web-series via the digital industry?
1. Do I have a clear vision that might not be conventional?
The only people you answer to are you and your collaborators. You don’t have to attend countless meetings with executives to sell the idea, justify casting choices, or do rewrites based on network notes. You have the freedom to stick to your pure, unadulterated vision of the project.
2. Do I love my collaborators and want to work together for a long time?
You and your central collaborators will have to field many challenges together and you have to have that fundamental respect in place in order to constantly make great content. If you team is communicative, talented and want to invest in a project for the long haul, a web series is for you.
3. Do I want to showcase something unique?
This one extends to writers, directors, and actors especially. If the traditional film and TV industry isn’t giving you the opportunity to display your talents the way you know you can, then you create that opportunity by making a web series on your own.
4. Do I keep dreaming up countless adventures for my main characters?
If the arc of the story doesn’t come to you as a discrete, self-contained story, and the journey is about following the two lead characters through their various mishaps and triumphs (like THE IMPOSSIBILITIES), then web series it up!
5. Do I want total flexibility?
On small budgets, if an actor or location falls through, you have to think fast and come up with solutions. Doing a web series is far more flexible than indie film for example, as the medium can truly absorb creative limited budget solutions and add to the charm. Changes are also less deadline-dependent.
6. Do I mind taking on multiple roles?
The tradeoff for creative freedom is that you may not have a ton of cash to pay for a large crew. You need to be flexible and willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. Even though you’re not a grip, you might have to pack up those C-stands. Even though you’re not a PA, you might need to go pick up lunch. There are many benefits to a smaller crew. Everyone is busy all the time, so there’s less boredom on set. Mobility is easy. And there’s more of a family feel.
7. For the project, do I want SAG actors but don't have a lot of money?
Paying your talent something, if possible, is always the best way to go. Under SAG new media agreements, there is initially no minimum rate so a web series can be a great way to cast from a deeper pool of actors. If you do sell your series to a platform of some sort, you will need to pay ‘em some sort of deferred fee…fair enough though right? Even if you don’t sell, people still want to work for a credit. On DoneBy, you can credit them and yourself to get you exposure.
8. Do I want my format to be unusual/experimental?
For a web series, the length, scope, and narrative of your episodes is entirely up to you. Each episode can stand alone as a character portrait. Or maybe you want it to be a more sketch-based. There are no rules on the web.
9. Do I only have nights and weekends for production?
Many people making online series are shooting on an episode by episode basis whenever they can. Since you're creating your own deadlines/release schedule, you can make it work around your existing commitments.
10. Am I comfortable finding my own audience?
If you decide to self-release your series, you may want to do it because you want it to be free and/or to maintain creative control. Or you have another reason entirely. The tradeoff though is that you are accountable for growing your own audience. If you’re comfortable with that, start on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and engage your cast and crew by giving them credit on DoneBy getting everyone involved sharing your fantastic work.
The above blog piece was rewritten from the original IndieWire article by Anna Kerrigan.













