Made-for-web Television: Sanctuary For All

[cupidsbow]

For a while now, I've been finding broadcast commercial television so annoying that I've stopped watching it "live." I follow the few shows I like by watching the DVDs or downloads with friends. The main problem with that, for me, is that there's no easy way for me to financially support all the talented people who are making the programs. I don't

Comments

[proggrrl]

Wow, thanks for this. What a great idea.

Unfortunately, I am in the opposite situation from you: I spend soooooo much of my hard-earned $$ on cable and netflix fees, that the idea of actually BUYING a show by the ep (especially a show I don't know if I like yet) - that is just anathema to me right now.

But, if a show that is also on TV, that I fanned, went to this format in the midst of its run, I would SO BE THERE...

[cupidsbow]

I can understand how paying more for TV would put you off, but what I like about the made-for-web idea is that I could just buy exactly the series I was interested in, and not the "bundle" of other programming that I never watch. I have big problems with both free-to-air and pay TV: I watch one show in 500 or so (or maybe 1 in 1000, or even less), but I'm paying for so much more, either through watching ads or buying a cable package. What a waste. And by spending my time/money on the extra bits, it makes it seem that I *want* all that other stuff, and I don't

[proggrrl]

Sorry, didn't mean to rant at you like that. :)

LOL, that's OK - LJ seems to encourage rantage.

I completely agree with you, but I've been struggling with this ever since several of my favorite shows have become available on iTunes. If you but an entire season of BSG, let's say, you will spend $44. The same amount (or more) as the DVDs. The quality will be lower. You won't have the extras. And you won't be able to bring it over to a friends house (or loan it out to a new potential CONVERT) with the same ease.

I watch 5-10 shows at any given time on network, basic and premium cable. I sometimes Tivo docs and specials that I hear about. I tivo a ton of movies that I dump to DVD for posterity. So of course the pay-per-show system doesn't work for me.

You on the other hand sound like a primo candidate!

This made-for-web-TV concept is great, and I love the way it encourages interaction with the audience. It's the wave of the future IMHO.

[ex_lark_asc]

Oooh. Interesting. Thanks...

[cupidsbow]

It is, isn't it? I hope it's the start of a big upsurge in genre programming that we can buy direct, because god knows, the established networks aren't managing to do much of any interest with genre ideas.

[ex_lark_asc]

Me, I'm waiting for someone to really catch on to the fanfic thing and start making an online TV show where there's a basic universe set up by the director, but the fanfic authors *actually write* part of the content. So the cast have to sign up for the soft porn and gay snogging from the get-go, and you get an episode every week or three where all the cool stuff *actually happens*. I think it'd sell :)

[angriest]

I think a lot of people are discounting Sanctuary based on its quality - I couldn't say, having not seen it yet. But I think they're missing the bigger picture of what could be down the line.

Ultra-low budget serialised drama. Micro-audiences. Very independent stuff. If I could ever write an idea that wouldn't cost $500K an episode to shoot, I'd be trying stuff too.

[cupidsbow]

Ultra-low budget serialised drama. Micro-audiences. Very independent stuff.

Exactly! It's an idea on the brink of being doable, but I'm not suprised there are teething problems. It will be really interesting to see how it works out.

[angriest]

If I was to be a together-enough person to do something like online serialised drama, I'd be doing something in the style of early 60s BBC SF. Wobbly sets, theatrical acting, black and white and (one would hope) cracking good scripts.