Text Content vs Video Content
Just a few years ago all that seemed to be online was text based content mainly from boring static websites. Then blog platforms came along to give everyone access to simple publishing tools so content could be created and shared with anyone willing to read it. In the early 2000’s blogs were seen as amateurish, and viewed as a fad that would never get the attention or respect then enjoyed by the big traditional publishers such as newspapers and magazines. Most of the content was of low quality, hard to read, and untrusted. Over time though the content improved, a good selection became readily available on thousands of niches, and so the line between amateur and professional content continues to further blur today.
I think we are now in the same place in time for online video and film, as text content was in the early part of last decade. Individuals are learning how to use the video publishing tools, getting access to low-cost yet powerful creation tools, and viewers are now looking for content outside of what can be watched on their cable TV’s. In fact if you look at the most viewed channels and video content on YouTube, you will see that viewers prefer the newer and smaller video creators versus content coming from the big production studios.
Big production budgets and expensive equipment used to be the recipe for creating quality entertainment capable of reaching millions of eyeballs. The key now for “new media” video creators and filmmakers is standing out, being different, being at the edges where the large producers won’t go, and most importantly connecting with the viewing community.
I think in five years from now we will look back at 2010 as an important year where video creators started to realize that lack of cash and expensive equipment/software were no longer barriers to entry for creating quality content. I would even argue that this has been the case since 2008 or last year, but it seems like just recently individuals are finally realizing the potential their cameras and editing software truly have. Sure video and film content is more challenging to create than text, but far more valuable from a consumption perspective.
Some creators and their text content graduated from being “user generated content” or UGC, to become semi-professional, and I suspect a trend that will continue to gain in traction as we move forward. I believe that many video creators will keep cranking out UGC, but we are starting to see a few of these individuals elevate their game towards producing semi-professional content which is finding large audiences, and can be monetized via sponsorships or advertising.
I also think that the younger and more open-minded film and production school students won’t all come out of school thinking that if they don’t get a job at a TV or film studio they are doomed in their careers. As online audiences continue to grow, and the dollars make their way from TV to the Web, it will inspire and motivate video creators and filmmakers to pursue opportunities outside of the traditional spaces.
If you want to create quality video or film content but struggle because you need to add additional talent and resources to your team, then you should join our production community to connect and collaborate with other like-minded individuals who have what you’re looking for.
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