Web Extras

Tons of television programs have web-only video content. You can watch outtakes, behind-the-scenes segments, and other specials online. They also offer sneak peaks at upcoming episodes. So if you’re really hooked on a show, you can check out the online preview or on F/X you can see the first five minutes of an episode.

Other shows, even show content that was too mature or didn’t make the cut online. Since the internet is about freedom of speech, you can get away with more risque jokes and content. All they have to do is have an intersitial page where you declare you’re over 18.

Other shows even premiere content on the web before it broadcasts. Check out this quick little skit from Best Week Ever.

It’s so simple and connects to current events. And it was probably done with sony camcorders and a few post-production editing tricks. They had to add in some logos and embed the television footage in the background. I seriously doubt they edited this skit for very long. And they even stole footage from “Insider”. I think the cheap production values work for tone of the show.

With simple web content, companies can market their shows with little monetary investment. It’s basically interactive media marketing. You can use a camcorder and quickly produce quick segments to garner more interest in your show. It’s definitely a growing phenomenon. And in some cases, companies even hire outside production companies or talent to generate web-only content. Creativity is key with this type of marketing since their are so many choices on the internet. You have to grab people who are already interested in your show or make your web-content so good that they would become a fan of the show.

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