Category Archives: Web Series

True Friends Let You Use their Netflix Account

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With the internet’s explosive use of media outlets like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, watching shows on the web has become more and more popular seemingly leaving television in the dust. It seems like TV is quickly becoming a thing of the past creating space for the come up of more web series. Along with the rapid progression of web series, it is becoming easier for users to get hooked due to the easy access the internet provides.  I am usually the type of person who has 2 to 3 shows I watch on television, during the summer you can often find me glued to the couch watching them during their air premier time because I usually have more time on my hands.htyt      When I go back to school I often miss a season due to the lack of availability I have with television. This past semester I found out one of my friends has a Hulu Plus account he never uses.  Being the good friend I am, I offered to watch the missing seasons of my favorite show, not even needing to turn on my TV in my dorm room.  I also have a friend who graciously pays for her Netflix account while letting me and a few others mooch off of her.  Thanks to my great friends, I really have no need to sit and watch television, because I can watch my favorite shows on my computer screen for free.  It is interesting to see the shift from television to web in my life because of its convenience and low cost.

When thinking about web series I did not really know much about them, let alone watch any.  Class time was probably one of the first times I sat down and saw a web series displayed, and I have to admit they were pretty entertaining. I found myself laughing at the jokes, and the production and format of the web series were so approachable, and the dialogue not overdone. The people on screen could have been my friends. I started to get a sense as to why they are becoming so popular; another thing brought up in class and readings was the emergence of black themed webisodes. This was allowing a meeting space for the black community to engage in topics and jokes, while also giving black actors to chance to display their talent and add diversity to this online world.  I appreciated this because I was able to see people more close to what I deal with in life, and it is always refreshing to feel like you can connect to what you’re watching, which is what I think we aim for when we watch programs.  I will definitely be looking out for webisodes and thanks to my friends, the access I have to online programming is expanding.

 

grg

 

Web series

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Web series is a different avenue in which consumers can just produce their own shows. There are several advantages to a Web series such as being short and sweet, bringing concepts to the table that other shows don’t and leeway. In the several Web series that we touched upon in class all have similar aspects. The couple and the guild are both fairly short and seemed to have a flexible script. Youtube can provide those with enough views to be paid for them being such a hit but they also make their own shows. I think it is evident when Youtube makes a web series because of the advertisements and their choice un topics. It is hard to distinguish between a web series and shows that were made from Netflix or Amazon. Web series allow a freedom of expression and can sometimes take off such as shows like Awkward Black Girl and the Couple. Some people even start out as a character on a web series and get chosen to appear in a tv show. There’s certain characteristics that web series have that differs from a regular show such as direct address. Some arbitrary shows do this like the show House of Cards has this characteristic where they speak to the audience and that they are aware that they are a show. In a usual show where the music is important for dramatic affect, web series do not really depend on music, they depend on the context. It is obvious most web series are low budget but that adds to the relatable aspect of web series. Since they look like they’re in regular houses and a very colloquial script it is more relatable and seemed more realistic than most shows on TV. The life style of TV is diminishing and a new era of television is taking over such as Netflix and web series where the consumer gets to choose what they want to watch and we have a voice. The new platforms are breaking down the old conventions of TV and reinventing the image of tv. TV-is-Dead

Public-Purpose Media

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Public-purpose media is the idea that one creates something for the audience and contributes to society. In regards to the web series, creators hope viewers can find themselves in their series and discuss certain circumstances like issues with sexuality and race. Many creators who follow the idea of public-purpose media purposefully discuss complex social issues that major networks don’t address so the viewer can have something to relate to. An example of a company that is inspired by the idea of public-purpose media is the Public Internet Channel (www.pic.tv). In their “About” section, they describe their content as “videos and tools to help you live a better life”.  Public-purpose media is a shift in the way we view television, and we can only hope that this trend will continue to grow.

Christine Acham, “Blacks in the Future: Braving the Frontier of the Web Series” in Watching While Black: Centering the Television of Black Audiences

 Image: http://www.lawritersgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/web-series.jpg

Black Webtopia

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The “Black Webtopia” is an idea that is supported by the many web series that discuss social issues within the Black community that aren’t addressed in mainstream media. The web is home to these “consistent Black narratives” (73), and while this is great, those involved with making contributions to this “Black Webtopia” face downsides as well. Web series often have trouble getting a substantial audience and proper funding which  results in many series having to cancel their production. However, many creators keep contributing to the “webtopia” and it will continue to grow as the web series format gains popularity and creators are inspired by the freedom to create their own series for a specific audience.

 

Christine Acham, “Blacks in the Future: Braving the Frontier of the Web Series” in Watching While Black: Centering the Television of Black Audiences

 digital_utopia

 

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YouTube Partner Program

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Per the YouTube website, the YouTube Partner Program is described as a program that allows creators to monetize content on YouTube through a variety of ways including advertisements, paid subscriptions, and merchandise. In addition to joining the Partner Program, Creators can take advantage of the variety of resources, features, and programs that YouTube provides to help you build your channel(s) and your audience.

Basically, to make money off of YouTube, you have to be a part of this partner program.

Not just anyone can join, however. Criteria to be admitted to the partnership program is as follows:

“Your YouTube channel may be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program if it meets the following criteria:

  • The program has launched in your country.
  • Your account is in good standing and hasn’t previously been disabled for monetization.
  • You upload original, quality content that is advertiser-friendly.
  • Your video content complies with our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines.
  • You have reviewed our copyright education materials.”

There are also some stipulations regarding what kind of content one can post when using the program, as to avoid copyright issues. Examples are listed below:

  • Music (including cover songs, lyrics, and background music)
  • Graphics and pictures (including photographs and artwork)
  • Movie or TV visuals
  • Video game or software visuals
  • Live performances (including concerts, sporting events, and shows)

Additionally, through the article we read for class today entitled “How Much Money Do YouTube Stars Make?” we learned how much one can realistically make off a “YouTube career.” YouTube gives its content partners, that is those that participate in the program, 55% of the ad revenue that they bring in (while YouTube gets 45% of the profits.) The types of ads that are used to sponsor their videos are a factor in how much money they earn. Pre-roll ads (ads that lead into the beginning of the video) bring in an average of $5 for every 1,000 views. Banner ads bring in an estimate $.80 cents per 1,000 views. 1,000 views is a lot, so clearly to make money off this partnership, the user’s content must have to attract a huge number of viewers.

#YouTube #Media #NewMedia #Advertising

Websites used for information:
http://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72851?hl=en