The biggest obstacle for the web series is obvious…money.  Budget becomes a four letter word of limitation.  Production teams are forced to redirect their creative side from scripts, sets, and location, to the grim task of spinning the corporate short-straw into sponsorship fools’ gold.  As a result, web series creators are faced with the reluctant task of asking the fans to fund the next season of episodes.  A subscription based approach is no easy task in the present economy, and it’s a decision in consideration of the fans not taken lightly.

It comes as no great surprise that the creative minds of the award-winning web series, Anyone But Me, have decided to think outside of the subscription box when soliciting a fan’s financial contribution.  In the historical vein of raising money for worthwhile causes such as public television, Susan Miller and Tina Cesa Ward have produced a three segment web-a-thon to air in half hour segments on July 27, 28, and 29.  The “thon”, as it is known socially, is hosted by the quick wit and well honed solicitation skills of entertainment reporter, Lisa Bernhard.  Fans will be involved by highest bidder in an Anyone But Me public proffering of ABM perks and swag.  Rest assured, there will be other ample opportunities during the three-day-thon to imbue the web series with whatever collateral comes to mind.

As a fan of the show, I have been ruminating over the items up for eBay auction that would convince me to part with my hard earned cash.  A walk-on role is a dream for anyone, but me, for frequent readers of my blog know that I am not one to take direction easily.  A seat at the table of a pre-production read-through would be nice, but I would be tempted to ask too many questions, and Susan Miller would eventually throw me out quicker than labor at a seat at Walmart’s table.  A personal call from the stars?  Not to seem like one of advantage, but that’s part of the job here.  Vivian’s “lezbian” t-shirt?  Nah, I heard that Chely Wright will be selling those on QVC soon.

Other than one particular ABM prop that interests me, but my better three-quarters keeps saying “no” because vintage “home on the range” doesn’t round-up well with our Asian influence decor, I’m having a difficult time deciding my take.  I will say that if there is a fantasy camp item, I’m interested.  Just as baseball enthusiasts pay the big bucks for an opportunity to take to the diamond engaged with the boys of summer, I would find it a priceless endeavor to share a bottle of wine (or two) with the big league dream team of Miller and Ward.  I promise not to spit and scratch…much.  I want to know the commitment required to be a great writer and the necessary vision to be a master of the subtle direction.  I want to know your passion, your pet peeves, and yes, a personal plot device here and there.  And ladies, I’m not beyond a little snarky gossip, either.

So, as one good web-based portmanteau deserves another, I plan to log on to Vivster’s web-a-thon beginning on July 27th.  As I think about it, this pre-produced format for pledges is more like buying stock in a company.  By voluntarily purchasing whatever amount of “shares” I am able, I cumulatively provide the sustainable capital that enables the creative process to continue…for all of us to enjoy.  And my expected dividend?  Simple, the incalculable wealth of uncensored drama and entertainment.  It’s a capital gain.

The ‘Schmootz on Lisa Bernhard

Title picture credit: Roy Gumpel