Can Old Be New Again?

I have had this theory for some time. I believe that things that used to work on TV and Film, that don't work anymore could be given new life on the web. For instance, doing a black and white 1950's campy sci-fi like the old Flash Gordon serials. What I mean by this is you can explore classic filmmaking in the now. Use old spaceships on strings, etc....but use our new technology to make it look good.

Of course marketing always plays a big factor in productions, but I think with the right story, old styles could be re-birthed online. What say you?

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Permalink Reply by AfterTheBeast on May 29, 2012 at 10:48pm

Oh yeah!   That is what I'm talking about!   I actually have tentative plans to produced a serial like that...  I think if they are done well there is huge potential!

Permalink Reply by Jason Brasier on May 30, 2012 at 4:51am

I totally agree. I've thought the same exact thing. Plus being nostalgic, doing an old fashioned serial and exploring the way filmmakers used to do them would be tons of fun.

Permalink Reply by W O of Love to Feel on May 30, 2012 at 1:48pm

The things that used to work on TV and Film never stopped working. Its just what appealed to mass audiences changed. The internet allows for hardcore niche programming so there is a market for everything including the things that "used to work" back in the day. You just have to figure out a) how the heck to get to your viewers and b) if you can make a living off of it or if it will be a labor of love.

If a good story has core concepts all humans can relate to, it will do well, no matter if its a Flash Gordon inspired serial or an anime about talking cupcakes. But good stories as well as good storytellers are incredibly rare which is why there is so much junk online.

Permalink Reply by Jason Brasier on May 31, 2012 at 6:13am

I agree. Thats what I was meaning by my thought. I think that old styles like a campy 50's B&W sci-fi serial could work on the net. As always story is the most important starting point. If its not solid, then its a no go. 

Thing is as online filmmakers, we have to deal with the junk. Thats why I won't touch comedy for a while. I'm going up against, "guy falls off later and racks himself," which has billions of views.

Permalink Reply by Bob Rodriguez on May 30, 2012 at 2:37pm
Yo Jason,

I was just talking with someone the other day who just produced a film noir play she wrote and is very interested in doing a film noir series.....so I definitely think there is something to what you're saying -- in fact I would LOVE to do a film noir series, but heck, it's all I can do to get my comedy series "THE FIRM" off the ground

You definitely are onto something say I....
Permalink Reply by Jason Brasier on May 31, 2012 at 6:14am

Thanks! lol, I actually have a film noir series I just wrote the idea out for the the other day. Would be fun to do, but would have to raise funds to do it. 

Permalink Reply by Double Espresso on May 30, 2012 at 10:54pm

Yes!  Jason, a resounding emphatic yes!  You're thinking in the right direction.  Television has outmoded itself and film (as in big budget movies) is too sophisticated for the web.  My web series Double Espresso is releasing six SILENT "espressodes" because you couldn't do it any where else (though a silent film won the Oscar this year).  Old is new again if it works and it entertains.  Too many web series creators emulate recent television, which is too slick and cold for a web series.  I would be the first in line to watch your Flash Gordon remake webisode!

Permalink Reply by Jason Brasier on May 31, 2012 at 6:16am

Lol, right on. I agree. Thats  what I tried to aim with my series, Drifter: Broken Road. Making it a little different and stand out from something you'd see on TV. Its also the same thing with my horror web mini series thats in post right now. 

Man oh man, if I had the money, i'd buy the digital rights to flash gordon in a heart beat. lol

Permalink Reply by Chad Media on June 2, 2012 at 3:40pm

There's always going to be a place for older styles, hell there is no real "modern" styles in fashion anymore. 

In my case I've completed a modern silent film like the old 1910s and 20s flickers. I'm probably going to release 4-5 of them over the course of the year as oneoffs with common characters ala Bugs Bunny cartoons. If you can nail your target audience, it can work!

Permalink Reply by Rich Mbariket on June 11, 2012 at 9:21am

Great post Jason. The web is the best medium to exercise your creative muscle and test, test, test. The cocktail for success in this business (and yes its a business) is creating a product that resonates with an audience and most importantly you're passionate about. You don't have to have a larget budget. If you're hungry enough you'll make it happen by any means possible. 

Permalink Reply by Jason Brasier on June 12, 2012 at 5:00am

Thanks, Rich. I totally agree with you word for word.

Permalink Reply by Rich Mbariket on June 12, 2012 at 10:39am

Pleasure. 

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