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nywebseries · 12 years ago

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PROFILE: 12-Steps to Recovery

What is your name and what is it you do on the show? My name is Tony Clomax and I am the writer, director, producer and editor of the show.

I produce the show with Emelyn Stuart of Stuart Films. Some people fill hats because they have no other choice. I can honestly say, I enjoy each of my roles on the show. However, I do plan on bringing in an editor who is currently editing shows on cable television. They know exactly what the networks want. I’m also bringing in a Casting Director who has relationships with the type of actors I want access to, but I will still be hands on in the casting process.

How many episodes and average length of each episode? I have 21 episodes of Season 1 and the average length is about 10-11 minutes. There was no particular formula I was going for. How can you do anything wrong in the web space? We are all pioneers, so set your own standard and let others get with the program. The fans have all asked for longer episodes. You may have a better opportunity to go viral with shorter episodes, but my focus is the length of engagement and entertaining.

When was the show conceived? I came up with the idea of 12-Steps in January 2010. I wanted to prove my worth as a filmmaker and I didn’t want to do a short film. The long form of episodic writing was very appealing and I knew that somehow, I could make money from it, but I just didn’t know how at the time.

Obstacles to creation? As for obstacles, it was mainly funding. Instead of trying to raise all the money to shoot a full season, I shot sporadically 4 episodes at a time here and there. I don’t regret that because it really sped up my learning curve. The business side of this is crucial and you can’t just say, “hey guys, lets grab a camera and some of our friends and make magic. A lot of work goes into it. Well that’s if you’re serious about this and I’m damn sure serious. So yes, funding was the main obstacle.

What is your show about? Award-winning romantic comedy about New York City actor & jingle writer Parrish Diaz who gets dumped by his corporate girlfriend and his friends Blue and Dani come to his rescue by setting him up on 12 blind dates. Parrish goes through his healing period with each unique woman, while learning about friendship, forgiveness and true love, with major twists and a crucial decision to make.

Our logline: Healing a broken heart one hilarious step at a time.

Did you receive funding to create your show or was it entirely out of pocket? What creative ways did you use to overcome budget limits? The show was funded with pocket money (Thank you President Obama) and with sponsorship from various great small businesses who all saw an opportunity to highlight their businesses and to be a part of a movement.

Where do you see your series? The future? We’re currently on cable with Punch TV in a 30-minute sitcom format and our next step is a crucial one. We can wait for a channel or platform to fund season 2 or we can take the various offers to do a feature film. The thing with cable can be very tricky, especially with upstart networks and although it’s an accomplishment, we have to be aggressive in creating opportunities. You don’t want to lose momentum, but the best thing about web series is that everyday, someone new discovers the show, so the fan base just continue building. Don’t be surprised to see 12-Steps on the big screen.

I’m currently writing the second season, but it’s really playing out like a feature, so stay tuned.

What has been your biggest challenge in creating the series? Funding.

Have you taken advantage of any media outlets or festivals? Awards? We’ve won awards and gotten nominations at American Black Film Festival, ITVFest, LA Web Fest, Urban Mediamakers Film Festival, Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival and Indie Interlube Awards. We’ve distributed the show on Blip.tv, koldcast.tv, united diaspora, Youtube and Plenty Pennies.

Any lessons learned while filming your series? I learn something new everyday in life, so on set is nothing different. I learned how to shoot efficiently and creatively with a 2-camera set up. To properly use 2-cameras, you have to have a DP, Second Camera Operator and Director on the same page, as well as some great rehearsal with the cast that includes crucial blocking. I use everything I learned in my MFA program, as well as my experience in the industry doing shorts.

What advice would you give to one wanting to start production on a Webseries? Do your homework. Set your goals clearly. Select your cast and crew wisely. Write, Rewrite, Rewrite, Rewrite, Rewrite. Did I say Rewrite? And for the love of God, get the necessary coverage to tell your story.

There’s nothing worse than content that just doesn’t move or pop. Be original. Use this as an opportunity to introduce work that’s not seen on TV.

Don’t skim on the quality of the show. Use the proper lenses, lightening, sound equipment, makeup and anything that can add production value. Just because you’re shooting for the web, doesn’t mean you can’t make it look like it’s worth a damn. My goal is to creative broadcast ready content. That’s how a measure what I’m doing. Also, know your audience. You can’t please everyone. If you go chasing after every audience member, then you’ll lose your base.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/12stepsSeries http://www.twitter.com/tonyclomax

Facebook: www.facebook.com/12stepswebseries www.facebook.com/tonyclomaxfanpage

Website: www.12stepswebseries.com http://about.me/tonyclomax

Youtube: www.youtube.com/12sepswebseries

#12-steps to recovery #tony clomax #new york webseries #newyorkwebseries #nycwebseries #nywebseries #nywsc #nyswsc

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