Is this the future of Web video? "The Burg," a satire about
the hipster scene in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has managed to develop a small-but-hardcore group of fans--most likely hipsters from Williamsburg-after just 11 episodes. Everything from the music to the
location to the clothes is authentically Williamsburg (and essentially an ad for local businesses). Its staff works for free, but it has actors from such professional productions like "All My
Children."
Naturally broadcast networks, talent agencies and advertisers are interested. "These scripted, episodic shows are great," says Eric Bader, senior vice president of digital
connections at media buyer MediaVest USA. "They create a defined idea in the minds of the viewer, and brands can get a halo effect."
Filmmakers love the YouTubes of the Web because they let them circumvent the system and provide an in-road to reaching their niche audience. After failing to get a distribution deal for "Four-Eyed Monsters," two filmmakers began a video podcast that was, in effect, a serialized documentary. This, in turn, generated a following, and enabled them to later show their movie in six cities.