Filmmaking / Directing : Utilizing Youtube and building an online platform for your Voice. by Jordan Burbank

Hey Jordan! So glad you're opening up a discussion on this because I've had the same desire to build an online identity through some kind of platform. What would be the difference in let's say building a filmmaking identity with a following on Youtube vs Vimeo?

This is great! Speake is in the buildin'! Teach, my brother...

Thx for starting this thread, Jordan. My question's similar. How'd you decide to launch your own channel vs. going with another distribution platform. (I'm assuming you'll be posting shorts?) Do you already have a large following you can direct to your channel?

Hey Andres, To be honest, I use both Vimeo and Youtube. I'm mainly focusing on two different things at the moment. Building my brand and building my business. I find Vimeo to be a great platform with a smaller audience, but that audience is interested in film/creative content/shorts/etc. It's used with a lot of professionals to share files and projects with one another. I utilize it mainly for showcasing my sizzle reels for show concepts to send out to different network contacts. With Youtube, this is about building my brand. I personally am looking to expand my career goals as a show host, actor, comic, and filmmaker as well. There is such a vast audience on this platform that you really need to know what you're selling. The more you concentrate on your craft and be meticulous about your content, you have to treat it like a tv show. If you're changing characters or structure, you may sway in subscribers or even getting a steady audience. I've already outlined several concepts to test out and see if they work as original programming. Its a great way to get a feel for what works and what doesn't while building an audience and getting your feet wet. Why do I want to do Youtube as a Filmmaker? It's simple, you can work on shorts, make original sketches, get your name out there more as well. The other added benefit is down the road. YOUTUBE STUDIOS. If you're looking, as a filmmaker, to make a decision on a platform, youtube has the studios. Once you reach a certain level of subscribers, you'll have full access to their production studios in LA, NY and world wide. This allows you to film free of charge at these places with their equipment and studios.

Hi Shari! I've been working at a youtube based company and I previously had a channel that I wasn't using enough to benefit from or be consistent with. Now that I have a more concrete idea of what I want to do, I say that Youtube is one of the best distribution methods out there for someone who is looking to build their content. I have already outlined working with other Youtubers, along with people who have strong online presence so that they can help with getting traffic to my site. The more collaboration you can do, it'll help create your following. I tend to want to work with sketches, short films, and podcasting, but the content varies as well with what I'm developing right now. The important thing is to enjoy the content, but treat it like a business if your plan is to see some success, a growing audience, and hopefully some money from doing all of this. What other methods of distribution were you considering?

Very interesting. I don't make enough projects to hold a steady audience on Youtube which is why I've been leaning towards Vimeo more as I get ready to release my short films. I don't know if its a matter of preference or just an ignorant comment, but I've been told that when releasing short films, Vimeo is a more presentable site as opposed to Youtube. But I think I see your point about branding, but it would have to depend on consistency and being meticulous as you said.

That's actually what I'm just beginning to explore. My first short is in post-production, and the plan is to submit to film festivals and also use it as my "Production/Distribution 101." Trying to learn all I can, cause I'm also developing a web series, so I'm hoping to make all my newbie mistakes on the short, and be better prepared for navigating distribution for the series. Particularly with how many other series and shorts are out there. I'm looking forward to your new channel!

Hi Jordan, great topic and one of great interest to me. Do you have an opinion on Vimeo or YouTube for running a full webseries as opposed to a short? What about drama vs comedy? Also, if content creators have several projects, what are your thoughts on having channels for each show vs one channel for the creators/company and running all content under that? Thanks! As I said, fantastic topic.

Hey Terri, My experience with this is that people are interested in something that obviously keeps their attention. There are a lot of online shows that are geared as dramatics and soap operas, but there are a ton of comedies/sketches as well out there online. I think it really comes down to quality and what you put into it to make it original. Youtube is now used in a way to test out your ideas with people, sort of like the preemptive strike to pitching television shows/pilots around. A web series is a great idea to get started online, but be able to make the videos consistent. To many online audiences, there is no difference to how a show on TV would be on and off again every week to not having a schedule for your online videos. I would say if you're just getting started online with youtube, that you should mainly stick to one channel for your brand and create play lists on your account. This way you'll serve like a network of your content and each playlist can serve as your individual shows. In the long run, many people find it easier to do so that you can manage everything in one place and you're not exhausting your resources to build an audience and have to social out 5 channels on youtube and create multiple social media profiles for each. Centrally locate everything to one identity for branding and you'll save yourself a lot of headaches.

Thanks for doing this for the great artist here on Stage 32. Your unselfishness and willing to share, care and teach what you know says a lot about YOU as a human being, JORDAN. Last I do wanna share that although I have a YouTube page, I have yet to work hard on it, as I spend most of my free time writing screenplays which is my first passion, followed by acting, but I will keep continue to follow this thread and you, for new ideas and concept. Many blessings to you in this holiday season, buddy.

Thanks Jorge. Keep in mind too, that being able to do a sketch or 2 page script is a great way that I use to exercise my writing skills and keep the muscle working more fluidly. Getting to do a simple 2-3 page script to tell an anecdote or story can sometimes help me create a better feature. If you even compile them to have 10 sketches ready to go, you can easily take some time to shoot them and have an arsenal of content for your channel.

Totally agree, Jordan. Thanks for the tips. You are the kind of giving person, that i personally welcome and I'm sure everyone feels the same, to have in this great community of artist. I will ADD YOU to my group of connections here, if you will have me as well, my friend???

Absolutely. Happy to share and always great to network! :)