Is "Independent TV" An Oxymoron?

[seunosewa]

Hello There,

A few months ago, as a part-time filmmaker, I decided to specialize in episodic sitcom production instead of the comedy movies I had dabbled into.

1) I figured that TV shows are less risky on the long run because you can learn from your mistakes as you produce one episode after the other. It's not an all-or-nothing proposition like a movie.

2) I felt that it would be less challenging than movie-making because people don't expect perfection from the shows they watch. As a first-timer, I thought this would give me room to grow.

3) I also felt TV production was more of a business than movie production because movie buyers are fickle while there is never a shortage of potential advertisers in any economy.

Now I'm thinking I made a mistake because even if I produce my show independently, I cannot distribute it without getting it picked up by a TV station. And in the process of pursuing that, I lose my indie-ness. Or can I?

Did I make a mistake? Is "independent TV" basically an oxymoron? Should I go back to movies?

Regards,
Rather Confused.

 

[Chuklz]

There is an emerging market thats happening. Its one of the reasons Im joining the fray of entertainment production. Webisodes and Mobilsodes are the next generation in content delivery. You can find some examples if you look around. Quarterlife started out as a webisode on myspace and was picked up by a network for real tv.

Is it a mistake? Too early to tell. Have you even learned how to shoot something yet? Noone gives a flying ef about your indi-ness. (Which the proper term is street cred), until you make it, and once you make it- does it matter?

 

[seunosewa]

How do you define making it? If I make a nice little short movie at a loss, in my mind I've not made it. And even people who have 'made it' by producing respectable little movies don't seem to have it so easy. They don't necessarily manage to make anything that is profitable even after their names get out.

What indi-ness means to me is to be able to remain in control, and break even. It just doesn't seem worth it to me if I'm going to have to be swallowed by this system, or if I'm just going to be wasting money. You know what I mean? If I'm going to fail, I want to drop out while I'm not yet completely broke.

I'm rambling, I know. I'm sorry.

I should forget about serials and start with a simple short movie, right? I should just go ahead and make whatever is easiest to make, right? Thanks.

I think I need some form of guidance; I really don't know what to do next. I have a cam, lights, and audio gear. I've gone in so many directions and thrown away so many scripts, and now I wish I could know which direction is the right one. I should just make a short, right? That seems to be what everyone is doing? but then, so many people have created cute little shorts and they still seem to be struggling? Many apologies if I haven't expressed myself well. I just don't trust my judgment any more. Thanks in advance.

 

[macyfilms]

There is such a thing as independent tv: it's called the internet. Outside of that, there's nothing independent. The minute someone starts writing checks to you or for your production, your independence is history. How do I know? I used to make indie movies that didn't make a dime. Then, against all odds, I got my own cable network TV series. I was given a budget of about $800,000 an episode to make a 30 minute show, which is about 22 mins of content. Sounds great doesn't it? Sure, until 15 different people are now dictating the tone and content of my show. And they decide the time slot. And they approve the guest stars. And they control the advertising budget. And they control the DVD release. Sound disappointing? It gets worse-- they are now empowered to fire me from the show i created. And when it's all over, i don't own it-- THEY DO. Guess what I do now. I make content for the internet and make no money at it and I love it. When the strike is over I'll go back to work and sell my soul again on some other show or feature. But for now, I will indulge myself in making videos that are purely MY VISION-- not some ivy league 'tard who controls the checkbook. My advice (finally): Grab your camera and sound gear, and shoot what you believe in, from your heart. If you're dead-set on making a living at it, make your content episodic instead of "one-offs" so there is more sale-ability. Lastly, you sound young, so be patient and realize it takes time to learn your craft and find your voice. Best of Luck !!!

 

[Chuklz]

You should find your passion, then pursue it to a completed product rather than worrying about crap that doesnt matter.

 

[Mattykins]

Macy has a point. Just go and shoot, enjoy it when you are still truly indie. Meaning you are your own man, with your own money, and your own ideas. The second someone else joins on with cash. The entire thing falls out of your control.

If TV is what you want to do. Do it. If it's shorts. Do that. Just keep doing something. And have fun doing it.