I recently had the opportunity to interview Mark Gantt who is the executive producer and lead actor of the web series “The Bannen Way”. The Bannen Way killed it at the Streamy Awards and went on to win four awards, and has attracted over 14 million views. Mark is now passing down his knowledge of the web series business as a teacher through his workshop, so if you’re looking to learn from one of the best be sure to check that out.

Enough of kissing Mark’s ass, below is our interview.

1. Did you create your web series workshop to pass on the information and knowledge you gained from creating and producing “The Bannen Way” to other aspiring video creators and filmmakers?

Yes. I have met over thirty people for coffee to discuss my experience with The Bannen Way and have done over twenty panels in the last five months and realized that with the limited time available, there was little ‘nuts and bolts’ being talked about. One attendee of the NATPE panel I was doing called “Anatomy of a Hit Web Series” was very frustrated afterwards and I overheard her saying, “I still don’t know how to make a $#&@ web series!” I heard that, I heard that from several people. In the workshops, or on a panel, or at coffee, I explain that creating a web series isn’t brain surgery but it feels like that if you don’t have all the tools. You don’t need to be able to do everything, you just need to be able to work very hard, research like crazy, and build a team to help you with your vision.

2. Do you expect any of your students to go out and create a hit web series like you did?

Absolutely. I want them to create something that will empower them as artists, and give them a little extra leg up in the industry. It’s really about giving people a jumping off point. Enough information to get in trouble as I always say.

3. What’s the best book you’re read, or video you’ve watched that inspired you to create entertainment at a high level?

LOL. uh… I’m not really a book guy, everything is from experience. I have just worked on a lot of sets, so if people were doing a project I was there listening and learning… for free.

4. What do you think of web series creators and producers turning to crowdsourcing platforms like KickStarter and IndieGoGo to raise funds for their production projects?

I think it’s a HUGE resource. It’s an interesting model for a couple reasons. I think it allows the investors (ie: mom, dad, uncles, dentists, viewers, etc.) to feel that their money is actually going into a production, and helps force the filmmaker to FIGURE OUT how they are going to make it. It’s a great pressure on you to get things made.

5. What advantages do web series creators have over TV producers?

There are about 30 people that have to approve of you doing a TV series, not including agents, managers, and lawyers. To create and distribute a web series… you can be the boss. We worked with Sony (on The Bannen Way) so it wasn’t just us, but it was a lot easier than working with a studio AND a Network.

6. How is collaboration benefiting the new media production landscape?

Filmmaking by definition is a collaborative art. I love that you get a chance to work with a group of people with different talents to complete a common goal. People want to create. A director of photography wants to shoot, actors want to act and with technology improving, you can now actually shoot for very cheap. So instead of talented people without the money to shoot on film, they can now shoot on the Cannon 7D or rent the RED camera and end up with a great looking project in the end.

The explosive trailer for Mark’s hit web series, The Bannen Way.

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We are always looking for good communities, shows, videos, films, and events to get behind. Damian Pelliccione is heavily involved within the new media scene, and video production world. He successfully organizes a monthly mixer event in downtown Los Angeles called New Media Vault, which brings together hundreds of like-minded individuals working in and around new media.

Damian informed me that he was coming to Toronto in August and mentioned he wanted to do a New Media Vault Toronto event, and wanted me to help him co-organize it. I was on board from that moment on and since then all of the details have been worked out for a Monday, August 23rd event in downtown Toronto. If you reside in or will be in Toronto on that date, then you should definately come out because you will meet some extraordinary people who share the same new media passion you do. And if you’re lucky you may win a door prize, discover a new yummy drink, or meet what could turn out to be your future husband or wife. This isn’t a match maker event, but roof top patios in the summer can be pretty magical at times.

If you have a new media event that we should get behind then please let us know about it on Twitter, Facebook, or in the comments below.

Jeremy Campbell News co-organizer, drinks, event, gathering, group, host, Hyatt, mixer, new media, New Media Vault, passion, patio, social, social media, sponsor, Toronto