So let’s just take this in for a moment…SHALL we. Below we have this statement from Hollywood news: Starz is developing a half-hour scripted series Survivor’s Remorse with NBA all-star LeBronJames, comedy exec producers Tom Werner, Mike O’Malley, Maverick Carter and Paul Wachter. The series explores what happens to Cam Calloway and Reggie Vaughn when they make it out of one of Philly’s toughest neighborhoods. He has an incredible vision for television and I’m really excited to partner with him and the rest of our team.” Now I’m not trying rain on anyone’s cupcake brunch…but come on with the whole “incredible vision” statement related to LeBron James. The man is a physical anomaly and brilliant basketball player but not sure artistic programming visionary is really going to fly. But if you were in the Film or TV business…why would you WANT someone like LeBron James on your team? AUDIENCE BABY. Millions and millions of interested eyeballs all over the world, not just in the U.S. And this brings me to the point of this particular blog. Yes we have crossed into the wonderful world of “hey I have a thought, let’s shoot it and put it on YouTube.” And while no, I’m not pooh-poohing creativity there has become this ridiculous prevailing thought…that just cuz you have a thought…it makes you talented.
All you ever have to do is look UP at anything or any business and see what “matters” to the folks already on top. It doesn’t mean you have to cower to them, be afraid or stand in awe but damn you at least gotta give it a little respect and see what you can learn from it. Well, as I always do, here is a little 411 for ya with regards to YouTube/Google and how “having your own channel with content”needs some perspective. You may or may not know that YouTube now has a 22,000 sq. ft. production facility here in Hollywood. And much like public television they’ll let you use it…for FREE, so long as you’re a part of their “Partner Program.” This is GREAT…I can be partners with YouTube and have them help me promote my content…and I’ll be a STAR. Uh, errr, well…hold that thought for a sec.
You see here is what I mean by paying attention to those on TOP. Here is one KEY piece of text from their “Partner Program” that you have to meet before you get to USE their facility for free. Create at YouTube Space LA.: YouTube Space LA is a production studio for use by YouTube channels that are part of the Partner Program. To be considered to work at YouTube Space LA, your channel must meet the following minimum requirements: substantial monthly views (at least 100,000 views per month). Oh right, THAT little thing…called a 100,000 views…per month, also known as…an AUDIENCE.
I promise I’m not being glib or flip with you I’m just pointing out that entertainment has ALWAYS been about ONE thing…audience. Doesn’t matter what type of content it is, you have to have enough eyeballs to monetarily support the cost of production and then go way above that to make a profit. YouTube isn’t stooooopid. They’ll partner with you and give you the “Sandbox to help make them more money…OFF of you” so long as you’ve already done the hard part which is building up a 100,000 monthly audience. How wonderfully generous of them. Hey, I’m not capping on YouTube, I’m making the basic point about commerce, content creation, artists, opportunity and the digital world that we live in today. Hopefully, what I’ll see more of in the coming months and years, are stupendously talented people…truly taking MORE prep and pre-production time to truly CREATE great content and truly give themselves their own seat in Hollywood.
Always on your side. @TheKevinE