Poised to Leap: 10 Web Video Creators
Posted by admin on September 15th 2008 in Generate PressTVWeek Spotlights the Leaders in the Race to Go Humongous
It’s a safe bet: The Web-video world eventually will spawn a show that goes big, either becoming the Internet’s first “Friends” or leaping to the television screen and making a splash there. The question is who will be the genius behind the hit.
TelevisionWeek keeps a keen eye on Web programming to find the creators with that certain something that will separate them from the wannabes. While predictions are risky, and the knack for finding hits is rare, we’ve identified talents that we think have a shot.
This inaugural feature profiles 10 potential heavyweights, based on an online poll, reader comments at TVWeek.com and a heavy editorial thumb on the scale.
Sean Masterson
Creator: Generate’s Sean Masterson, the writer, director and star of Web show “Republicrats.” He previously starred in the online series “Home Purchasing Club,” which ran on VH1’s broadband channel. His TV acting credits include “The Drew Carey Show,” “Whose Line Is It Anyway” and “Dream On.”
Show: “Republicrats” is a Web series developed by Generate, the digital production studio and management company led by Jordan Levin, former CEO of The WB. The show, about a fictional presidential candidate, airs twice a week on MSN. Generate also produces “Pink,” about a female assassin; its second season debuts this month.
Advertisers: Mr. Levin said Generate is currently closing a brand integration deal with a consumer packaged goods advertiser for “Republicrats.” Other advertisers include run-of-site advertisers on MSN.
Distribution: MSN carries the show and also syndicates it to MySpace, YouTube and other sites. The show has generated more than 500,000 views in the first three weeks. Also, Tribune-owned KTLA-TV in Los Angeles has been featuring Mr. Masterson on its morning news shows.
What’s to like? Given the level of public interest in the presidential campaign, “Republicrats” is well-positioned to grow in views over the next several weeks.
What’s not to like? The show has a limited shelf life and will end when the election is over. Advertising also remains a hurdle in general for Web video, Mr. Levin said. “There is considerable investment being made by the venture community and amongst both Hollywood players and independent players and traditional media companies, and advertisers need to step up to the plate and seed this arena if they want to see an alternative to traditional media,” Mr. Levin said.
