New Mediacracy

At long last - it's Part 2 of the 2013/early 2014 Year-In-Review! Recorded way, WAY back in February, we are again joined by a powerful group of New Media professionals, titans, and darlings, to discuss The Year (or so) That Was. Come along for the PART 2 of the ride with Bree Essrig (PopTrigger, YouTube sensation, who unfortunately had to run before we took the group photo), Kai Hasson (Portal-A, White Collar Brawler), Woody Tondorf ( Machinima , Dark Knight Legacy), Brett Register (DC All-Access, Lost & Found Season 2), and the triumphant return of New Mediacracy co-founders Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf (YouTube Nation, which recently surpassed 1 Million subscribers!!!). Join NM regulars Bernie Su and Chris McCaleb for PART 2 of this free-form, insightful discussion about the exponential rise of Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs), New Media consolidation, online stars migrating to television and print media, controversial fan films, the tragic death of Net Neutrality, drinking blood, branding yourself, and SO MUCH MORE!!! Direct MP3 link

Just in time for Summer 2014 - it's the 2013 Year-In-Review! Recorded way, WAY back in February, we have assembled a powerful group of New Media professionals, titans, and darlings, to discuss The Year (or so) That Was. Come along for PART 1 of the ride with Bree Essrig (PopTrigger, YouTube sensation, who unfortunately had to run before we took the group photo), Kai Hasson (Portal-A, White Collar Brawler), Woody Tondorf ( Machinima , Dark Knight Legacy), Brett Register (DC All-Access, Lost & Found Season 2), and the triumphant return of New Mediacracy co-founders Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf (YouTube Nation, which recently surpassed 1 Million subscribers!!!). Join NM regulars Bernie Su and Chris McCaleb for PART 1 of this free-form, insightful discussion about the exponential rise of Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs), New Media consolidation, online stars migrating to television and print media, controversial fan films, the tragic death of Net Neutrality, drinking blood, branding yourself, and SO MUCH MORE!!! Direct MP3 link

When you love what you do - and the people you do it with - working rarely feels like "work" at all. This axiom is true for the members of Natural Disastronauts, some of the hardest working people in new media. On this episode, we sit down with 3/4 of the internet juggernaut - multi-hyphenates Katy Stoll (Cracked, Prom Queen), Daniel Vincent Gordh (Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Hipsterhood, Cracked Advice Board) and Will Gordh (Cracked Advice Board, lots of other stuff!) - upon the release of their latest original series, "Hollywood Acting Studio" (created by 4th Disastronaut Kevin Best, and produced by Starz Digital). Join NM regulars Bernie Su and Chris McCaleb for this candid discussion about actually making a living in new media, the pros and cons of working with your best friends (and family!), the perilous and addictive immediacy of audience interaction via social media, the recent YouTube migration to "Saturday Night Live," the now-Emmy-winning "Lizzie Bennet Diaries," Bernie's new series "Emma Approved," and much more! Direct MP3 link

For seven years, a young filmmaker tried unsuccessfully to get his script, an unconventional noir-ish detective story set in high school, made into a feature film. Everybody passed. Frustrated but not defeated, he decided to take matters into his own hands and raise the money himself. The resulting film was BRICK, and it launched the inspiring career of the film's writer-director, Rian Johnson. Join host Chris McCaleb for a special, shorter-than-usual episode, as we discuss Rian's directing work (including LOOPER and "Breaking Bad"), his interest in New Media, shooting film vs. digital, and MORE! Direct MP3 link

We're back with a lengthy year-end wrap-up! This time around, new media veteran Kathleen Grace (The Burg, The All-For-Nots, and now Manager of Production and Programming at YouTube Space LA) joins GigaOm writer and Attack of the Show staff writer Liz Shannon Miller, IAWTV Award winner and writer/director Brett Register, and Lizzie Bennet Diaries co-creator and showrunner Bernie Su. Joining them are the founders of New Mediacracy, Zadi Diaz (Head of Content Development at Disney Interactive Entertainment) and Steve Woolf (President of Blip Studios, SVP of Content at Blip), once again anchored by writer/director Chris McCaleb. In this freewheeling discussion, we explore the ongoing problem of discovery, YouTube's funded channel initiative, the newly-founded Blip Studios, the opening of YouTube Space LA, Hannah Hart's incredible tour fundraising campaign, the high profile departure of Ray William Johnson from Maker Studios, the mysterious industry blog "Working With Webseries Producers," our hopes for the year 2013, and so much more! Direct MP3 link

In April 2011, Hank Green (VlogBrothers, VidCon, Project for Awesome) approached Bernie Su (Compulsions, co-host of this very podcast) to discuss the possibility of bringing "Pride and Prejudice" to life for the YouTube generation. Less than a year later, they launched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and within days the show had already attracted a dedicated fan base and the attention of international media. On this episode of New Mediacracy, we sit down with stars Ashley Clements and Mary Kate Wiles (also of Squaresville), producer Jenni Powell (Video Game Reunion, VidCon), and co-creator/writer/director Bernie Su. Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as we discuss the meteoric rise of this independent series, the highs and lows of interacting with fans (in and out of character), adapting a beloved novel for the digital age, interactive storytelling, their epic VidCon experiences, Tumblr feelz and so much more! Direct MP3 link

Heroes. Gossip Girl. The Vampire Diaries. House. Nikita. Fringe. All of these television shows have had successful companion web series, and the common thread between them is Retrofit Films, the upstart production company founded by filmmakers Chris Hanada and Tanner Kling. Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as we discuss making web series based on properties with rabid fan bases (and high expectations), navigating the world of branded content with some of the largest brands in the business, the irritating new media buzzwords that have worn out their welcome, the challenges of making cross-platform content to exist on both the web and television simultaneously, and their latest projects with Disney/Marvel, "The Fury Files" and "Marvel Mashups." We recorded this podcast in May 2012, and in the many months it has taken us to post the episode, Retrofit has hired former guest Ryan Copple as their VP of Digital Development. Congratulations all around! Direct MP3 link

Making an independent web series is always challenging, whether you're working with three million dollars, or three hundred dollars. On this episode of New Mediacracy, we sit down with veteran director Scott Brown (Larry King Now, Blue Movies, Asylum), multi-hyphenate Kristen Nedopak (Geek Girls Create) and producer/consultant Brian Rodda, to discuss their work in new media, as well as their two new series, Stockholm and Skyrim Parodies. Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as we talk about making porn funny, crafting your own wardrobe (and the surprising cost of fake fur), creating high-quality work on a tight budget, working with the actual Larry King, shooting in a basement, finding inspiration in video games, and spending special time with Denise Richards. Direct MP3 link

Still basking in the glow of VidCon 2012, here's a trip in the wayback machine to VidCon 2011, and a panel entitled "The Battle for Narrative & Relevance: Long-form serial storytelling and the search for an audience on YouTube" Join the group of adventurous convention-goers who managed to find our panel, moderated by frequent NM guest Liz Shannon Miller (Attack of the Show, GigaOM Video), featuring David Nett (Gold: The Series), former NM guest Ryan Copple (Riese: The Series, Halo: Forward Unto Dawn ), Kaleena Kiff (Riese: The Series), Celebrate the Web 6 winner Terence Krey (Oh, Inverted World) and NM regular Chris McCaleb. Direct MP3 link

What is it like to actually live the life of a professional YouTuber, an often all-consuming, 24/7 job that regularly blurs the line between entertainment and private reality? On this episode of New Mediacracy, we sit down with three prolific YouTube personalities - Olga Kay, Exotic Jess and Joe Nation - who have been living in the YouTube trenches (and for a while, under the same roof) for years, and survived to tell the tale. Join NM regulars Chris McCaleb and Bernie Su ("The Lizzie Bennet Diaries") as they discuss building and maintaining an audience, the importance of quantity vs quality, working in the circus, raising a teenage daughter, and the scary, crazy, exciting and wonderful life of a professional YouTuber.

In 2006, a group of young San Francisco filmmakers banded together to make the independent web series Break A Leg. Six years and countless struggles later, they're more successful than ever. On this episode of New Mediacracy, we sit down with most of the members of creative powerhouse Happy Little Guillotine - Yuri Baranovsky, Justin Morrison and Dashiell Reinhardt - the award-winning team behind Leap Year, 7-Eleven Road Trip Rally, Slurpee Unity Tour, and much more. Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as they discuss working with brands and celebrities, maximizing your resources, how to avoid getting arrested while making a web series, the old-timey importance of being featured on the YouTube homepage, and how their little series might have toppled a government (seriously).

So you made an independent series that is 100% true to your voice, your vision, and your passion... now what?  On this episode of New Mediacracy, we sit down with writer/director Matt Enlow (Squaresville, Mountain Man), writer/producer Tai Fauci (Whole Day Down, Palisades Pool Party) and producer/consultant Brian Rodda (Songs From Series). Join NM regular Chris McCaleb and Bernie Su as they discuss the challenges of remaining independent, the importance of a great marketing strategy, finding your voice amongst the noise of modern culture, and the very nature of art.

Part 2 of our 2011 year-end roundup! Most of this episode is about the IAWTV Awards happening this week! With GigaOm writer and Attack of the Show staff writer Liz Miller, writer/producer Bernie Su, IAWTV Award nominee and writer/director Brett Register, and What's Trending CEO (also an IAWTV Award nominee) Damon Berger. Joining them is producer and Disney creative exec Zadi Diaz, and producer and Blip VP of Content Steve Woolf, all anchored by two-time Emmy nominee, writer/director Chris McCaleb. Timeline! 0:00 First IAWTV Awards are happening 1:15 Disclaimers about everyone's current and former relationships to the IAWTV 2:30 Reference to the post-Streamys New Mediacracy episode 3:20 Some talk about the IAWTV LA annual member meeting 5:00 Bernie asks Zadi and Chris why they didn't run for re-election as IAWTV board members 8:00 Bernie talks about why he doesn't run for the board 10:00 Damon talks about his views on the IAWTV 12:30 Zadi talks a bit about the structure of the organization 15:40 Steve talks about how little YouTube representation exists within the IAWTV 16:30 Liz was surprised that the IAWTV Awards didn't have more YouTube creator nominations 17:30 Damon doesn't understand how YouTube isn't nominated for best platform 18:30 Chris was disappointed in the nomination process; discussion ensues 26:45 Bernie points out that anyone unhappy with the process can join the awards committee for next year 28:20 Damon talks about the What's Trending road show at the Venetian 29:30 Bernie talks about the producer and writer's group exhibitions at CES 31:00 Cody (the dog) needs to go to the bathroom 31:30 Liz asks each person to talk about what they want to see happen in web video in 2012 31:50 Bernie wants to see online storytelling go mass market 32:55 Brett wants to see more studios release pre-theatrical VOD releases; a discussion of story structure for the web ensues 36:30 Talking about analogous examples of works in tv, film, and online 40:45 Zadi tells a story about mainstream media's view of what's happening online 44:15 Steve wants to see storytelling tools advance in 2012 46:20 Liz wants to see The Solution to lean-back web content 48:15 Chris wants to see the new BlackBoxTV channel on YouTube become a huge success 53:20 Damon wants to see the web video marketplace gain some coherence and step up the quality levels 59:00 Steve makes the argument that one of the reasons some web shows have taken off is exactly because they're different from TV and movies 1:01:00 Liz talks about two ShayCarl videos she saw at VidCon 2010 and VidCon 2011 1:03:30 Damon feels the emotional connection to story isn't happening enough in web video 1:06:00 On the importance of owning your content 1:09:25 Steve asks Zadi what it's like going from independent production to working at a major media company 1:14:20 Zadi wants to see legislation unfriendly to the web defeated in 2012 1:16:00 Brett wants to know more about the 8-track soapbox is composed 1:16:30 Where to find everyone on the show and what's next Check out Part 1! Direct MP3 link

A feisty year-end wrap up doubleheader! This is Part 1 of 2 with GigaOm writer and Attack of the Show staff writer Liz Miller, writer/producer Bernie Su, IAWTV Award nominee and writer/director Brett Register, and What's Trending CEO (also an IAWTV Award nominee) Damon Berger. Joining them is producer and Disney creative exec Zadi Diaz, and producer and Blip VP of Content Steve Woolf, all anchored by two-time Emmy nominee, writer/director Chris McCaleb. Timeline! 0:00 Intros! Shout outs to Cindy Register 14:00 Shout out to Steve Garfield, part of the old school New Mediacracy from '06-'07 15:30 First mention of The Process, a web video podcast that never was 17:00 Can you cancel your own show? 21:00 The rise of the 7-figure web series 22:00 The inevitable discussion about the term "web series" 23:45 Opening the door on "independent television" 25:00 LouisCK's self-distributed success 25:35 Chris tries to table the LouisCK discussion 29:30 Chris officially gives up trying to table the LouisCK discussion 30:40 Damon opens the conversation about the difference between people with audiences from mainstream media, and true independent web success stories 33:00 Zadi talks about cycles of relevancy 34:00 Liz wonders whether you now have to have more than a webcam to blow up; a Jenna Marbles discussion ensues 39:00 Talk moves to the demographics of web viewers and identifying a niche for success 42:20 Mass-media qualities in web video, and Bernie brings up the Zooey/JGL viral New Years video 43:50 Steve interrupts to get at the pizza and gets yelled at 47:00 First mention of Tim Street 47:40 Damon justifiably attacks Steve for his pop culture ignorance 49:15 Chris asks if YouTube can manufacture their own stars as part of their channels initiative 52:00 The Annoying Orange phenomenon 53:45 Liz tells a story from the set of iCarly about Fred from YouTube, and the conversation goes to the Fred phenomenon 55:45 Brett speaks for the first time since his intro 56:30 YouTube channel initiative and cosmic panda: will it work? 58:00 Chris tangents to Marc Zuckerberg killing animals 58:25 Chris gets back on track 1:02:50 Bernie feels that the new YouTube makes for a more genuine discovery experience 1:05:20 Chris wonders whether future YouTube stars will rise up the same way this generation has 1:06:00 Zadi is a fan of discovery through cultural value delivery 1:07:30 Will YouTube's investment in content affect their promotional choices? 1:12:00 Bernie talks about the risks about putting all your eggs in one basket 1:13:45 Liz worries about the future of the "nut shot" video 1:15:20 Weekends are now the biggest web video viewing days 1:16:30 Talking over-the-top TV set top boxes 1:18:25 Liz's Dad is a nerd 1:20:00 Damon tells a story about Google's struggles to market GoogleTV and attract studios and network content 1:23:00 Bernie wonders how many YouTube premium channels will get renewed 1:26:00 The inevitable discussion about ratings, or the lack thereof 1:29:00 Bernie tells a personal Nielsen story 1:34:00 Correlating music, movie, and TV industries in the digital age 1:37:00 Web series with billboards and bus ads 1:40:00 Do people who buy internet-connected TV's ever connect? Check out Part 2! Direct MP3 link

In the summer of 2008, a fiercely determined group of LA filmmakers set out to make a feature film with virtually no money. The film was BELLFLOWER, and under the leadership of writer/director/star Evan Glodell, and producer/co-star Vincent Grashaw, they spent the next three years achieving a fierce, singular vision that practically defines the term "independent spirit." Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as they discuss no-budget filmmaking, building your own digital camera system, sleeping on couches to survive, collaborating with 5 Second Films, creating an iconic movie car, and pursuing a dream against all odds. UPDATE! BELLFLOWER has been nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards - The John Cassavetes Award (Best Feature under $500,000) and Best Cinematography. Congratulations to Evan, Vincent, Joel and the entire Coatwolf team! BELLFLOWER is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD. Direct MP3 link

TV Line named it a "Web Series Worth Watching" in 2011. On this episode of New Mediacracy, we sit down with the creative team behind "Husbands" - co-writer/executive producer Jane Espenson (Battlestar Galactica, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), director Jeff Greenstein (Desperate Housewives, Friends), and co-writer/star Cheeks. Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as they discuss scoring huge cameos from Nathan Fillion and Michael Buckley, the differences between writing for TV and Web, the challenges of being subversive, the excitement of remaining passionate, and the dangers of having your wisdom teeth removed. Direct MP3 link

Direct MP3 link Perhaps no other web video series has been as successful or influential as "lonelygirl15". This week, we get a view from the trenches with original cast members Jessica Rose (Bree), Yousef Abu-Taleb (Daniel) and Jackson Davis (Jonas) as we talk about their experiences bringing this landmark series to life. What began as the fictitious videoblog of a young girl named Bree spawned a worldwide phenomenon, garnering hundreds of millions of views, launching its cast and creators into the spotlight, and redefining how a story could be told online. Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as they discuss the days before LG15, the highs and lows of massive success, Bree and Daniel's first kiss, getting shut down by the police, relationship drama, and MORE!

Direct MP3 link It's a very rare thing in life to achieve a childhood dream. In this episode, we have two women who have done just that: Paula Rhodes (A Good Knight's Quest, Hollywood Wasteland) and Stephanie Thorpe (After Judgement, Hurtling Through Space At An Alarming Rate), who discovered a shared love of a certain graphic novel: ElfQuest . Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as we discuss the saga of bringing ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining to life, as well as the pros and cons of IndieGoGo vs. Kickstarter, (almost) dying for your art, the experience of being a woman in new media, and the dangers of jetpack transportation.

Direct MP3 link Are you afraid of the dark? Buckle up for a triple dose of "T," as we return from our hiatus with three talented web creators who have been to the dark side (and lived to tell the tale!): Taryn Southern of Private High Musical and Sorority Forever, Taryn O'Neill of After Judgment and Compulsions, and Tony Valenzuela of Black Box TV and 2009: A True Story. Join NM regular Chris McCaleb as we discuss YouTube, the pleasure and perils of doing it yourself, the culture of distraction, the art of pitching, and ghosts (seriously).

Direct MP3 link It's a special episode with screenwriter and director John August (writer of Go, Big Fish, Charlie's Angels, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, writer/director of The Nines), talking about the entertainment industry, independent films, web series business models, and how he approached writing for his web series pilot, The Remnants. Join John and NM regulars Zadi Diaz, Chris McCaleb, and Steve Woolf for a great discussion that runs a little over an hour. We chat about John's incredible blog, how he got into filmmaking, working with Ze Frank as an actor, the initiatives that got started and fizzled during the writer's strike, and writing stories for a new medium and for new technologies.

Direct MP3 link We sit down with Felicia Day of The Guild, Doctor Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog, and the forthcoming Dragon Age web series, and Ryan Copple, the creator of Riese the Series, to talk about how their projects came together and stories about the choices they have made and their view of the industry. Come hang out with them and NM regulars Zadi Diaz, Chris McCaleb, and Steve Woolf for wine, gummybears, cappuccino lollipops, and laughs. There's talk about some recent soul-searching walkabouts to get perspective on burning out, selling your soul, meeting the devil at the crossroads of Santa Monica and Wilshire, web trolls, genocide in Finding Nemo, the term "story designer," the awfulness of the word "transmedia," and Brazilian waxes. Yup, full show.

Direct MP3 link On this episode we find out the fascinating origins of Illeana Douglas's adventures in creating web shows, working with brands, and navigating unions during the third season of her hit show, Easy To Assemble. We also hear the origins of blip.tv and the amazing path that has enabled them to weather five years in the roller coaster world of online video with Co-founder Dina Kaplan and Co-founder and CEO, Mike Hudack. Join NM regulars Chris McCaleb and Steve Woolf as we talk about balancing production values, sustainability, and artistic innovation inside an industry that is in a constant state of transition.

Direct MP3 link With over 1.7 million YouTube subscribers and 217 million views, Joe Penna (a.k.a. Mystery Guitar Man) is the #7 most subscribed channel of all-time, the #1 channel in Brazil, and is a genuine YouTube success story. With a roster of clients that includes some of the biggest names in online video, Sarah Evershed is helping to forge new business models with her company, The Cloud Media. Join NM regulars Zadi Diaz and Chris McCaleb as we discuss authenticity, The DigiTour, heat stroke, and what it takes to be a YouTube sensation.

We're back! The first show of 2011, and we welcome three multi-talented multi-hyphenates: the host of CBS News On The Scene and the new Partner's Project, Shira Lazar; longtime executive turned independent producer Damon Berger; our returning champion, from The Bannen Way and recently Suite 7, Mark Gantt, and NM regulars Zadi Diaz and Chris McCaleb. Join us from the offices of Big Fantastic as we discuss the early days of new media (when a web series was a "video podcast"), the daily struggle of empire-building YouTube stars, and the behind-the-scenes tale of now-defunct Stage 9 Studios. Direct MP3 link

Direct MP3 link This was one of the best shows we've done. We talk about the incredible diversity in online video, from productions with huge crews and big stars to the single individuals who command audiences of millions. Come hang out with The Legend of Neil creator and The Guild co-star Sandeep Parikh, comedian and actor Paul Scheer from Human Giant, The League and the upcoming new Adult Swim show NTSF: SD: SUV, recent Director of Strategic Partner Development for YouTube, George Strompolos, along with NM regulars Chris McCaleb, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf. It's a crisp (for us) 2 hours, with some great insight and spirited discussion about sustainability, people-powered distribution networks, and of course, the 2010 Streamy Awards, hosted by Paul.

Direct MP3 link It's a massive show as we run down a ton of stuff from the year in online video. From the Streamys to the IAWTV, from YouTube stars to TV stars, from view fraud to Double Rainbow, we round up just a shitload of topics. This episode we're joined by NewTeeVee co-editor Liz Miller, writer/director Brett Register, producer Rick Rey, along with NM regulars Chris McCaleb, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf. We debated breaking this into two separate shows, but screw it, it's a New Mediacracy that's over 3 hours long! Let us know what you thought the most important events in online video were in 2010 in the comments!

It's the first New Mediacracy from the set of an active production, the 24-hour live-streaming reality show called ControlTV. We're literally in a tent talking about what it takes to handle directing and editing an experimental live format where the audience decides what happens. This episode we have guests Eric Mortensen from blip.tv in New York and Big Fantastic's Ryan Wise, along with NM regulars Chris McCaleb, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf drinking from a cube of wine. Also, there's a pretty sweet Chris McCaleb impression of Miss Piggy, Kermit, and Yoda, Eric Mortensen discusses his view of the LA web series world (he lives in NYC), and Ryan Wise is recovering from (another) motorcycle accident. It's a New Mediacracy that's under 2 hours long! Let us know what web series you're watching and enjoying (or not) in the comments! Direct MP3 link

A passionate debate recently took place in the online video world about whether the short, scripted tv show model can gain an audience, versus interactive content and personality-driven entertainment. This is the kind of shit we love for New Mediacracy, so we gathered up Barrett Garese, Brett Register, Craig Frank, Jamie Blair, along with NM regulars Chris McCaleb, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf and downed six, count 'em six bottles of wine. The backstory: Barrett had delivered his WebTVWorkshop tip of the day video back in May, which got picked up last week by others in the web show world. That led to a passionate discussion on Twitter with quite a few participants. There was a follow-up Tumblr post by Barrett that led to numerous replies. David Nett put forth his thoughts on Facebook, which also had a lively comments exchange afterwards, and there was a Tubefilter article by Marc Hustvedt, which generated similarly passionate comments. There were other blog posts by creators on their own sites, as well. I think anyone interested in the future of web shows and online video entertainment would be interested in this discussion, and it goes to the heart of what we've been discussing recently on New Mediacracy. Give it a listen and post your comments below: is IndieTV a steady model that people can wrap their minds around, or should creators focus on pushing the envelope of storytelling? Direct MP3 link

It's been a while since the last New Mediacracy, so we took an opportunity to go back to basics with the core group of NM, Zadi Diaz, Chris McCaleb, and Steve Woolf. In the theme of getting back to basics, most of this episode's discussion centers around the identity of web video, or the lack thereof. And a ton of discussion about working towards the sustainability of scripted web shows. Also, there is the usual excess of drinking and the table we are sitting around hates us. Probably for our freedoms. It creaks and cracks throughout the whole show, sorry about that. But give it a listen, and post your thoughts in the comments. Direct MP3 link

It's a special edition of New Mediacracy from New York City with a group of rock stars who know the worlds of production, distribution, advertising, and especially, brands. The whole thing was put together and moderated by Jeff Koenig, and brings together Eric Mortensen, Director of Content at blip.tv, Jeremy Redleaf, the creator of Streamy Award-winner Odd Jobs, Wilson Cleveland, producer and head of CJP Digital Media, Jack Ferry, co-creator of $99 Music Videos, Melissa Schneider, also co-creator of $99 Music Videos, Tina Cesa Ward, producer and director of Streamy Award-winner Anyone But Me, and Susan Miller, Obie Award-winning playwright and also producer and writer of Anyone But Me. This is a great follow-up to the LA bubble discussion from a previous show, but it also fills in the blanks with a ton of info about creating shows with brands, the state of advertising in online video, and the problems with celebrities attaching themselves to web productions. For me, the biggest take-away was not about a bubble around LA or New York City, but how clear the division is between YouTube-focused creators and everyone else. Give it a listen, and post your thoughts in the comments. Direct MP3 link

Nothing like getting a bunch of passionate believers in the power of story together to talk about how the web is creating a paradigm shift. This episode we've got Chris Preksta of the forthcoming web series Mercury Men, Nicholas Robinson a recent studio executive with Vuguru, Bernie Su of the acclaimed Compulsions series, Mark Gantt of The Bannen Way, Chris McCaleb with over 300 episodes of experience in scripted web drama, and regulars Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf discussing the timeless tenets of story in a fast-paced digital world. There's a lot of talk about what parts of a story have to be identified and nurtured, the problem of sustainability for finite scripted web series, the ways we approach pitching and developing stories with digital studios, and the challenge of evolving writers into story architects that know how to take parts of a core story onto other platforms. This is one for the writers out there! Direct MP3 link

DSLR filmmaking has taken the web by storm, and now it's being used in mainstream film and television work. But is it a passing fancy that will just as quickly disappear? On this episode we talk about the ups and downs of DSLRs with Lan Bui, Vu Bui, Kent Nichols, Brett Register, Chris McCaleb, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf. This show should leave new filmmakers with plenty to ponder (and Google), and it should help experienced creators interested in working with DSLRs know what to expect. There's a ton of information discussed, so even shooters experienced with DSLRs should be able to benefit from the talk about glass, lights, and audio. Post a comment and let us know if you enjoy this kind of "special edition" New Mediacracy! Direct MP3 link

It's a lively one, and a bigger group than usual joins us on this episode, which we recorded immediately after the first Los Angeles meeting of the IAWTV which took place at the WGA. Tony Valenzuela, Casey McKinnon, Barrett Garese, Brett Register, and Rudy Jahchan join regulars Chris McCaleb, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf to share their thoughts on the meeting and what it means for the future of the first organized member body dedicated to web video. We spend some time talking about the Streamys, but a lot more time talking about the things we took away from the meeting and what the ramifications are for everyone invested in making web video a sustainable, progressive medium. Also, we drink wine and laugh a lot. Most importantly, listen and leave a comment so we can get some outside feedback on the topics we discuss, such as the idea of the new gatekeepers, why we are trying so hard to replicate tv and film models, the vision of the IAWTV, and Chris McCaleb jumping out of planes. Direct MP3 link

It's another great evening with independent content creators in downtown Los Angeles. This episode we hang out with Kim Evey, producer of The Guild, Sean Becker, director of The Guild, and Jenni Powell, production maven and associate editor of Tubefilter, along with regulars Chris McCaleb of Big Fantastic, and Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf of Epic Fu. There's a lot of discussion around the Streamy Awards and everyone's personal experiences around what happened that night, and at the Celebrate the Web event that Kim and Jenni organized later in the week. We touch on the divisions among web video creators and talk about the upcoming new season of The Guild. Come hang out as we chat for over two hours and get more than a little drunky on five (!) bottles of wine. Direct MP3 link

This week we learn the intricate details and challenges that Eqal founders Miles Beckett and Greg Goodfried faced in creating Lonelygirl15, one of the most unique and compelling web video phenomenons to ever happen. Along with core NM crew Chris McCaleb, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf, it's well over 3 hours of stories about that crazy time, what it took to build a truly interactive fictional web series, and the path it led toward creating a venture-funded social entertainment company. Miles and Greg talk about the way the Internet investigated every clue in the Lonelygirl15 videos in an attempt to figure out who the character was, including frame-by-frame analysis, botanical reports on plants that appeared in videos, and triangulation of products in Bree's room that people used to attempt to determine a geographic location. We also talk at length around the evolution of Umbrella, Eqal's web video social platform, and their recent buyout of Spark Capital, one of the venture capital firms that funded their original investment round. In short, this is another can't miss conversation for anyone interested in creating truly progressive entertainment from people who are literally years ahead of the pack. Also, we get into a fourth bottle of wine for the first time ever, and things get hilarious... Direct MP3 link

This week we hear the inspiring story behind one of the most successful web shows of 2010, The Bannen Way, with filmmakers Jesse Warren and Mark Gantt. Zadi Diaz, Rick Rey, and Steve Woolf talk about their origins in new media and Jesse and Mark offer story after story about the door being closed on their project by other people and their refusal to accept it. This one is not to be missed by creatives and filmmakers out there who are frustrated with the system and need to hear people talking about never taking no for an answer. Jesse and Mark tell stories that neither of them ever heard from each other before, and we get into gritty detail about the way The Bannen Way was conceived, created, packaged, and delivered. Direct MP3 link

We're back with Steve Woolf and Zadi Diaz chatting with Brady Brim-DeForest and Jamison Tilsner, the respective CEO and COO of Tubefilter, as well as two of the co-founders of the International Academy of Web Television and the Streamys. With the 2010 Streamy Awards less than 3 weeks away, we get up to speed on how this event evolved, the form and substance of the IAWTV, and talk in-depth about the criticism of the Streamys from other content creators over the past couple of weeks. It's a conversation in downtown Los Angeles with an annoying cat in the background and a bottle of wine. Come hang out! Direct MP3 link

Sitting around a table in downtown LA this week, it's a conversation about web video with guests Rudy Jahchan and Casey McKinnon, and regular participants Chris McCaleb, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf as we talk shop about the web television industry. We booze it up and chat about Streamy voting and nominations, the Good Knight's Quest premiere party in Hollywood, and whether the walls of the LA web video bubble are getting too thick. There's a lot of talk around what worked and didn't work in the Streamy nominee voting process, web series creators who can and can't make web experiences that work, and how much Chris hates the word "content." Direct MP3 link

This week join the conversation with Brett Register, Craig Frank, Rick Rey, Zadi Diaz, and Steve Woolf as we talk at length about what a web series actually is, the upcoming Streamy Awards, the International Academy of Web Television, and the ghost of Pixelodeon. Oh, and we drink a lot of wine (except for Craig Frank). There's a lot of talk about the new generation of Los Angeles entertainment-driven web video makers, the proliferation of scripted series, the lack of quality out there, and the experience of creating non-fiction content versus fictional content. We also touch on some of the hot points around screeners for web series to prompt to Streamy votes, branded entertainment, the small presence of international participants in the International Academy of Web Television, the brief run (and revival?) of WebTVDirt, and east coast versus west coast versus midwest web series creators. NOTE: sorry about all the cell phone interference in this episode. Next time, all phones in airplane mode! UPDATE: Jon from Hawaii won the Buckyballs! Thanks for listening the whole way, Jon! Direct MP3 link

It's a web video conversation over 3 bottles of wine with Steve Woolf, Zadi Diaz, Chris McCaleb, and Kent Nichols from downtown Los Angeles! It's 4 creators with nearly 200 million video views between them talking shop about the things they've seen and heard over their years in the industry. Lots of good stories and laughs to be had, so come hang out and let us know what you want to hear from future podcasts! Just some of the stuff we touch on in this talkcast: What we hate about web shows Approaching a career in web video with the right mindset When to call it quits on a long-running show Interactivity (or not) in web shows Production issues galore Juicy stories from years gone by Tons, tons more! Direct MP3 link

Zadi Diaz, Steve Garfield, and Steve Woolf on our weekly audio talkcast covering the world of new media. This week:Men accused of planting cartoon "bombs" for Adult Swim's "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" using guerilla marketing that went wrongAsk a Ninja's Deal with Federated MediaUPDATE: The numbers are going down -- ?Is Rocketboom also with Federated Media? (FM release)WAIT: Andrew Baron told us that Rocketboom has NOT signed any deal with FM.Hayden Black's HBO Online pilot: "Abigail's X-Rated Teen Vlog"Hayden's first show: Goodnight BurbankShout out to Jackson West of NewTeeVee.com, a good blog for developments in the world of online videoLisa Nova joins MadTVYouTube's revenue sharing announcementBloggers evaluating Windows Vista (We each received an HP Pavillion notebook PC, not an Acer Ferrarri, btw)SageTVThanks to Rick Rey for the SkypeOut suggestion Direct MP3 link

Join Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf for Episode 4 of New Mediacracy Live, recorded live, January 18, 2007 at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST on TalkShoe.We discussed the presidential candidate announcement videos, and a ton of other stuff.As many of you know from our weekly gripes, TalkShoe is a technical disaster. Their client software and website is a user interface disaster, their technical support is slow to respond and less than helpful, and the audio quality has been lousy. We still think TalkShoe has potential, but it needs work. Maybe we'll revisit it in the future.In the meantime, we will be using Skype for future podcasts. We'll post a schedule and a Skype account name that those of you who want to participate in the talkcast can use to join us. Thanks for sticking through our technical problems! Direct MP3 link

Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf talk about: CES Podtech's BlogHaus Divx Stage6 Nerdcore The iPhone AppleTV SteveTV JETSET Future of videoblogging

Zadi Diaz and Steve Woolf talk shop and have some laughs with the online video landscape and drink wine, touching on Node 101, Josh Wolf, and lots more. Direct MP3 link

Steve Woolf and Zadi Diaz talk about new media: The beginnings of videoblogging the first vloggercon jay and ryanne's deal with podtech amanda's abc show and her deal with Dove and Blip, starringamandacongdon john edwards announcement rocketboom's interview of john edwards the microsoft vista laptop giveawayjoel on software - Bribing bloggers My Mom's Blog Direct MP3 link