A few months ago... I said vertical series are the future. And they are going to adapt to have more stories and genres that just dramas. I do hope that some of the allegations around how they might be using this to train AI systems to spit out their own isn't true (hence non-union) but finally seeing two platforms come to the table with UBCP ACTRA for following guidelines gives me hope. The unions really missed the ball on this not being able to adapt quickly enough. And the CEO of Reelshorts has talked about his goal being a distribution platform for those who eventually create their own!
I know of at least 2 other companies that are combining micro-series with a UGC model where users can submit their own micro-series to the platform. So yes. This is definitely coming.
Yeah, this week has been big for micro-series in the zeitgeist / collective unconscious. Simon Owens is talking about them, The Ankler is talking about them, no fewer than 4 people I spoke with in the last week or two mentioned them independently of me.
It’s reaching a critical mass, which is why I felt the need to get this one out ASAP! And yes. Will def go into greater detail on the production / post and distribution of our first micro-series (and development of our next ones).
I’m doing this right now Jon. So reading this was like reading part of my groups mission statement. As for horror and other genres they are coming. I just floated one out this weekend. Just a 30 second small thing. Will be posting about it on here as well. The timing of all this is incredible. I feel like everyone is seeing a path that’s possible..I’m excited to explore this lane. I also “starred” in one of these a few months ago, so that was interesting. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. Cheers!.
I would say this falls into the “mini-doc” category, and I’ve seen a few of these you shared previously. Super well-produced and great stories being told be interesting individuals.
Thanks for sharing Eric, and I’d love to read more about your motivation and goals in making these exposés. Also, anything else you plan to do with them. They’re super fascinating.
Alright, "mini-doc" then, I trust your expertise. Thanks for your supporting words: they help a lot! We worry too much about our identities (i.e. being “the same”, identical to our group), when it's our differences that enrich us. This becomes obvious once you come into contact with people whom you haven't met before. While filming, I realize how eager people are to share and how generous and profound they are. Almost all my raw footage is a gem: there's little waste. In a polarizing world, it's essential to rebuild bridges. Now, my first goal is to get the films meet an audience (I'm not sure betting on Substack was a good idea in this regard). The second is to find a way to finance them. They're totally self-funded, even though I'm not making any income at the moment.
Last week, I spent an hour on the phone with some former College Humor folks, asking all of the same questions — and wondering if comedy was a viable road. I think your list of genres makes a lot of sense, and there’s room for comedy laced in all of those… Thanks for laying this out and starting the discussion.
A few months ago... I said vertical series are the future. And they are going to adapt to have more stories and genres that just dramas. I do hope that some of the allegations around how they might be using this to train AI systems to spit out their own isn't true (hence non-union) but finally seeing two platforms come to the table with UBCP ACTRA for following guidelines gives me hope. The unions really missed the ball on this not being able to adapt quickly enough. And the CEO of Reelshorts has talked about his goal being a distribution platform for those who eventually create their own!
I know of at least 2 other companies that are combining micro-series with a UGC model where users can submit their own micro-series to the platform. So yes. This is definitely coming.
A: Wild timing. I was just talking my wife’s ears off about micro-dramas, sorry - micro-series, this morning.
B: If you make merch for your company or series, there needs to be a Delusions of Grandeur hat. I’ll buy ten.
C: Stoked to hear about your upcoming series. Can’t wait to watch it!
Yeah, this week has been big for micro-series in the zeitgeist / collective unconscious. Simon Owens is talking about them, The Ankler is talking about them, no fewer than 4 people I spoke with in the last week or two mentioned them independently of me.
It’s reaching a critical mass, which is why I felt the need to get this one out ASAP! And yes. Will def go into greater detail on the production / post and distribution of our first micro-series (and development of our next ones).
fantastic essay, overview and thoughts
thank you
Thanks for the kind words, Andy! It was fun to write and I hope it's actionable as well...
I’m doing this right now Jon. So reading this was like reading part of my groups mission statement. As for horror and other genres they are coming. I just floated one out this weekend. Just a 30 second small thing. Will be posting about it on here as well. The timing of all this is incredible. I feel like everyone is seeing a path that’s possible..I’m excited to explore this lane. I also “starred” in one of these a few months ago, so that was interesting. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. Cheers!.
Very excited to see what you’ve been working on as well!
Hi Jon, what would you call this series (3-minute, mutilingual, horizontal documentary episodes on Substack)? www.strangers.now
I would say this falls into the “mini-doc” category, and I’ve seen a few of these you shared previously. Super well-produced and great stories being told be interesting individuals.
Thanks for sharing Eric, and I’d love to read more about your motivation and goals in making these exposés. Also, anything else you plan to do with them. They’re super fascinating.
Alright, "mini-doc" then, I trust your expertise. Thanks for your supporting words: they help a lot! We worry too much about our identities (i.e. being “the same”, identical to our group), when it's our differences that enrich us. This becomes obvious once you come into contact with people whom you haven't met before. While filming, I realize how eager people are to share and how generous and profound they are. Almost all my raw footage is a gem: there's little waste. In a polarizing world, it's essential to rebuild bridges. Now, my first goal is to get the films meet an audience (I'm not sure betting on Substack was a good idea in this regard). The second is to find a way to finance them. They're totally self-funded, even though I'm not making any income at the moment.
Yeah, I anticipate Substack will keep pushing video content but will remain a place where people go to find long-form text.
Last week, I spent an hour on the phone with some former College Humor folks, asking all of the same questions — and wondering if comedy was a viable road. I think your list of genres makes a lot of sense, and there’s room for comedy laced in all of those… Thanks for laying this out and starting the discussion.
Very interested to hear what you learned, I loved College Humor back in the day and Dropout.TV is one of my favorite things to watch…