New online network.

Over the last few months I have been discussing the idea of creating and running a new network online that would run like a traditional broadcast network, but run web series instead. Slowly, the network would branch out to longer shows at a point when revenue would be sufficient to cover the expense. Great things start small, and web series, while growing in quality, quanity and awareness, are not yet mainstream. I believe they will be. I believe with the advent of Internet connected television sets, we are just about to cross a threshold that will forever change the way television is viewed the world over. Some things, however won't change. There will always be the top dogs and everybOdy else will be chasing behind in the shadows. That's why I will be launching an as of yet unnamed network showing only original and quality content. I'm not going to relay the complete gameplay, but I will say the network and it's shows will survive on their own merits, and they will not be aired across the web on blip, YouTube, or another video sharing website. By creating content that is exclusive to a website, you can build a brand bigger and better that way. Now, currently I have 1 scripted drama, and 1 scripted comedy in development for the network launch and am in talks with a fellow producer to produce a genre show. I am, however looking for a total of 8 more shows to fill the launching years schedule. If anyone is interested, I would love to talk. All content must be 100% original or licensed. All content would remain 100% yours, but would require an exclusive airing contract for a period of months and/or episodes. Pay based on advertising would be discussed on an individual basis. I'm not promising you could quit your job by joining my network, but I have a feeling im onto something here. If you are interested drop a line or email me at kristhebro@gmail.com. Leave your name, show, synopsis and the type of audience you think your show would attract. Quality horror/science fiction is my first priority at the moment as these shows need the most prep work.

Thanks,
Kris Nelson

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Permalink Reply by W O of Love to Feel on May 25, 2012 at 11:21am

Who would be responsible for advertising the existence of the network and shows? Without spilling your gameplan if you can prove that eyes will be present on the site before the shows launch - not after - you'll probably get a lot of interest. Best of luck Kris! Can't wait to see what you come up with. I'm a fan of horror so I'll definitely check it out when you're set to go.

Permalink Reply by Kris Nelson on May 25, 2012 at 12:43pm
In order for the network to succeed, the shows must succeed. It works backwards as well. Each show will only be as strong as the network itself. All show runners will be expected to advertise their show to the best of their ability across 'no cost platforms', such as social media. I will, with the help of my VP, create as much awareness as possible for the network and each individual show through all possible avenues. We want to have an audience before any of the shows air and are currently discussing the concept of doing 30 second commercials for each of the shows disguised as PSA's and attaching them to unscripted shows that will be airing on YouTube prior to network launch.
Permalink Reply by Jason Brasier on May 29, 2012 at 7:30pm

I am interested in hearing more about this in depth once you are able. 

Permalink Reply by Kris Nelson on May 29, 2012 at 7:39pm
I am in the process of putting together a network guide that outlines goals and guidelines for the network. I'm sure it will be a work in progress up until January 21st (my target date for launch). As of right now I am, for certain, looking to add at least four more shows to the roster for the launching season as well as 2 for the summer and 6 for the fall. The shows I currently have slated (already casting, funding, writing) are Teachers, a 5 minute comedy series about teachers in a public high school - a cross between the office and Sunny in Philidelphia in tone and The Gift about a girl tasked with delivering strange boxes to strangers that change their lives in ways she isn't aware. It's a dark drama with a twinge of the supernatural.
Permalink Reply by Jason Brasier on May 30, 2012 at 5:00am

What is your marketing strategy to market the network and get eyeballs to the site?

Permalink Reply by Kris Nelson on May 30, 2012 at 10:30am
As I mentioned before, YouTube will play a role in launching the network, but afterwords will be limited to promotion only. To capture eyeballs, each show needs to have an audience, and that audience needs to be within a demographic that is willing to look to the web as an alternate to broadcast programming. Comedy, young adult and genre shows, I believe are the best fits for online entertainment.

As the network, and it's shows, get closer to launch I will gauge perceived audience interest. Once all expense free avenues of promotion are maxed out I will tap into a fund that will be created through donations and fundraisers to broaden advertising.

We will send out letters to all the major blogs each show have a common audience with and attempt to gain recognization through said websites. I have acquaintances from a few major cities across the globe who will place posters/flyers on public and school boards.

My last point, and possibly biggest, is that word of mouth will be our biggest asset. I'm not going to call the project a failure if we fail to take off for a few months. It's going to take a lot of work, but the deeper I delve, the more faith I have this is going to work.
Permalink Reply by Sean Oliver on May 30, 2012 at 1:31pm

I think this is a great idea up until, "they will not be aired across the web on blip, YouTube, or another video sharing website"

That's a whole lot of known Internet traffic to cut out without any real way of proving your Network will have views. Also, every creator I know is already promoting to the best of their ability and unless you can provide a type of visibility they can't create for themselves why would they sign an exclusive deal?

I would argue that to own the distribution rights means you would need to buy them, not guarantee non guaranteed ad revenue.

I like the idea and the enthusiasm, but until you can guarantee an audience I wouldn't ask so much from the creators. I for one absolutely despise the exclusive deals some people make. To me it is not embracing the Internet and the future.

I think if your Network is dedicated to quality content people will go there regardless if the shows are available elsewhere. People just want a single URL they can use to find quality online entertainment, I don't think the exclusivity is a must.

I could see however agreeing to only promote your Network. Meaning you let people stumble onto it on youtube, vimeo, and blip, but you only ever promote or post the Network link. That could be a fair compromise.

Google owns youtube so everything you do through them is going to get preference in searches. Same thing with using Blogger. Google is the Internet and creators should be as plugged in to it as humanly possible.

Permalink Reply by Kris Nelson on May 30, 2012 at 2:09pm
Launch is at least six months away, so anything can change between now and then. I'm not opposed to showing the first episode, or first few episodes on YouTube and other platforms. That being said, I love blip.tv (I'm especially loving The Stay At Home Dad). I think it's a great platform, for me, however There is too much quantity and don't et me wrong, just as much quality. This project, for me, involves trying to recreate a broadcast network, but online and with a framework that allows for the growth of web series.

The exclusive deal, I understand, may not be everyones cup of tea. That's understandable, but what everyone should keep in mind is that after those episodes (say 10) are aired, the owner is free to take them elsewhere if they wish. For most, webseries aren't profitable and this may not be any different. The splits, for profit, would be higher than you would get elsewhere. Depending on server costs, I may even offer 100%.

Every 3 months or so, well evaluate what's working and what needs improved. If the exclusivity is the biggest hold back, then of course we would begin looking at the other distribution options.

If the network is successful, I would want to start purchasing series from creators, but to get to that point all things must start small. There are other incentives that would be discussed on a case by case basis.
Permalink Reply by Nicholas S Biron on June 5, 2012 at 2:37pm

This sounds like a pretty rad idea.  Check out our website www.toughguysproductions.com for examples of our work.  

I am dying to get into the horror/ sci-fi game and have discussed taking Handsome Police in that direction.

Nick Biron

Permalink Reply by Kris Nelson on June 5, 2012 at 2:59pm
I watched Handsome Police and it's something I think would fit in well with the network. How many episodes have you produced? If you are interested in creating content for the network, email me at my temporary email address, kristhebro@gmail.com
Permalink Reply by Kris Nelson on October 15, 2012 at 11:10am

I've been working on the concept and business plan of this network. I am still very interested in starting it up, however the new target is now September 2013. Looking back, I have decided to scrap the whole 'exclusive to the network" concept for now. There will, of course, still be shows that are exclusive to the network. That being said, I think for growth, it's important to incorporate shows that are not a network exclusive in a "syndicated" like way.

Basically, at this point I am looking for shows in development (at any stage) that would like to be featured on the site. Show creators will be completely in control of their advertising and will keep all revenue (if any is to be had). There would still be a contract, but that contract would mostly only be a promise to deliver an agreed upon amount of episodes.

As the network takes off (assuming it does), I would move to exclusive deals in the future. Right now there are a few shows in development for the first year and a half of the network. There will be 3 "seasons" a year. Winter, Summer and Fall. 

The current proposed lineup is as follows. 

Fall 2013


Therapy: A licensed high school counselor loses her job after providing some not so professional advice to a pregnant student. With her life on a downward spiral she turns her home into an office and begins to offer more of her no bullshit advice to those in need. The only problem; it's illegal. (Comedy - 12 episodes - 4 minutes)

Infected - Season 1 - Outbreak - A 5 part "miniseries" detailing the beginning days of the zombie  apocalypse for 5 different people. Serves as a prequel for the summer show "infected" "Some of them walk. Some of them run. They're all hungry"(Horror - 5 Episodes - 7 Minutes)

Winter 2014'

Teachers: Filmed in the style of The Office and Parks and Recreation, Teachers is the story of six dysfunctional educators in an academically under performing district. In the style of It's always Sunny in Philidelphia, nothing is off limits; from affairs with students, to school violence and bullying.  The counselor from Therapy co-stars. (Dark Comedy- 13 episodes - 5 minutes)

Summer 2014


Infected Season 2 - The Hunger (10 episodes - 7 minutes)

Therapy Season 2 (12 episodes - 4 minutes)

Fall 2014


Small Town Blues - The life of 5 high school students in a run down town. The first season is confined to a week in the lives of their Junior year. (Drama - 10 episodes - 10 minutes)

The Panel - Four characters from "Teachers" judge a high school talent competition. A satire of American Idol, X factor, The Voice, and what it takes to win. (Comedy - 10 episodes - 4 minutes)

This schedule, and the fate of these shows are not set in stone. They are all currently in the beginning stages of planning. Small Town Blues, I think of all these shows, is the special one. I am very excited for that one.

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