Yes.
Of course it will. If you’re like me, you’re feeling depressed about the economy. It’s natural, it’s a massive clusterf*ck.
But it’s also a teachable moment for new media producers. Now’s the time to really hone in on how you’re producing your shows. Is the production sustainable? If it’s not, how can you change it to make it sustainable? Is it best to shelve this idea and move on to the next?
We at the Ninja are doing all of the above. We are belt-tightening and seeking new partners and investors. Personally, all big purchases are on hold and we are actively exploring new shows, movies and misc. opportunities.
The biggest thing is to survive and produce again. It takes a ton of persistence to break through, and then once you’re through you realize that you just have to keep breaking through again and again.
And that’s brutal in New Media especially, since the paychecks and residuals aren’t there yet to sustain you in the downtimes.
My advice would still be to create shows that are consistent that will have a better chance of finding a broader audience than a one of video, and have a plan to take that show to TV or film if approached and a new project ready to go.
Keep the faith, keep surviving,
9 Comments
October 8, 2008 at 11:34 am
great post kent
I agree. Keeping a show possible through belt tightening also doesn’t have to effect creativity. And developing new ideas for other mediums as well as online is important for any creative producer to continue a successful run.
You guys at ninja kick ass and are true pioneers. Your definitely one of my fav blogs to read.
Best,
Andy
October 8, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I don’t know anything but I was wondering if it is possible if this could be a positive for some people. People who feel the pinch are likely to cut back on some of their more expensive past times, but they’ll still want entertainment. New media is often less expensive so their might be a bigger uptake.
Just a thought.
October 8, 2008 at 5:06 pm
“effect”, or “affect”?
October 9, 2008 at 5:21 am
The motion picture industry was going through major changes when the Great Depression hit. They did fine in the 30′s even while developing new technologies and infrastructure for sound. I think the infant online video industry will be OK. At least that’s what I keep telling myself…
October 9, 2008 at 8:47 am
I agree Kent. I’m doing the same — now is not the time to buy a new computer or anything like that. I’m even thinking about cutting my cable programming service (granted something I should have done a long time ago) to save some money. I also think those who have multiple revenue streams are going to be well positioned and those who are willing to do work for hire work to get through the cold months will do OK too
October 10, 2008 at 8:26 am
I’m hoping it works out.
November 15, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Look, man, artists have starved for millenia. It sorts the men from the boys. William Blake was broke. You, my dear boy, are coming across as something of a businessman.
November 15, 2008 at 11:16 pm
PS, love the generative avatars!
November 20, 2008 at 4:47 am
It’s gonna affect the cost of your samsung RAM.