In this week's "Indie Soap Beat" feature, we take a look at the latest happenings from around the world of independent soap opera production. We Love Soaps now has a shortcut to all our Indie Soap cover. You can view those posts by clicking the "Indie" option at the top of the page or by visiting IndieSoapBeat.com. You can get to any of the show's websites by clicking their logo.
In breaking casting news, Nadia Bjorlin's character has been changed. She was originally cast to play Jenna but due to Elizabeth Keener's illness, she took over the role of Lara. Keener will appear on the series as a different character in the second season. We Love Soaps was on the set of VENICE on Wednesday and will be bringing you videos interviews soon with Crystal Chappell (Gina), Jessica Leccia (Ani), Gina Tognoni (Sami), Harrison White (Jamie) and others. Look for a report on WE LOVE SOAPS TV on Monday.
We Love Soaps was on the set of GOTHAM recently with Lisa Brown directing. It's hard to believe this amazing actress has not won a Daytime Emmy. I'm hearing the footage is looking good and it's hard to believe that Martha Byrne's vision is going to be anything but successful. This woman has listened to the fans for years and knows what a soap fan wants. Look for the show's official website to debut soon.
Producers Tristan Rogers and Kate Lang appeared on the latest epsidoe of "We Love Soaps Radio" to discuss REALITY BYTES. The folks behind RB are taking a different approach than some of the other web series by lining up sponsors in advance and trying to create a sustainable long-term business model. Things are fluid at the moment but the tentative plan is to air the 8-minute show three days a week. You can listen to interview here. Look for a full transcript with other tidbits from Rogers and Lang later this week.
We Love Soaps recently caught up with WED-LOCKED producers and stars Lawrence Saint-Victor (Robert) and Karla Mosley (Denise). If you missed our video interview, you can watch it in three parts here, here and here.
The second season of EMPIRE is coming in early 2010. Look for some exciting casting news soon from producers Greg Turner and Brian Hewson.
Episode #10 of WORKSHOP, "Shake Your Money Maker," is now online. The comedy was created by Nate Golon and Kimberly Legg and stars former PASSIONS actor Phillip Jeanmarie. In the episode, Jeff is shooting his Sparkle White Gum commercial, Sarah and Vivian are competing for the same role, Matthew's causing a ruckus on set, and Kaitlyn is taking a workshop. The show is having a screening in L.A. to celebrate the first season on November 16.
The IMAGINARY BITCHES Emmy special featuring We Love Soaps continues to be a YouTube hit surpassing 24,000 views and still going strong.
The RELATIONSHIPS website has been updated and the show has just launched a Facebook page. There is a new Vicky's World page as she goes to a fashion show. It is all about her of course!
The latest episode of Lauralee Bell's web comedy, FAMILY DINNER, is now playing at FunnyorDie.com. As with Episode 3, this family dinner features guest star Cloris Leachman, who plays Bell's mother. The episode has over 5,400 views as of today.
Episode #5 of FANTASY OVER REALITY, the web sitcom that revolves around a group of guys and their fantasy football league, is now playing on the show's website. Y&R's Vail Bloom has significant screen time in this one and is quite funny. Bloom, a Patriots fan, plays Sarah Smith in the series.
Is 24,000 hits considered a success for an indie serial? What is the standard of success by which indie soaps is measured in terms of the number of hits? Everything is so new with this whole medium it feels like a learning process for all involved, even we observers.
ReplyDeleteTanzania, I would guess that some of it depends on the "quality" of the hits. If you are getting the right demo or the right audience that specific advertisers are looking for. In other words, the same number for two different shows may mean different results.
ReplyDeleteIMAGINARY BITCHES for the regular season one episodes were getting hundreds of thousands of viewers so they did quite well comparatively.
But I think some of it depends on the business model and what the producers are trying to accomplish with each episode.
For some of the show, the producers really just want to get the product out, collect feedback, and improve the show and go for sponsorship later. RB, for example, is looking to figure out the business model upfront.
It's a very fascinating time in the business and I'm rooting for all these shows to succeed.