Concepts and Data Analysis

Industry Profile of the
Independent Web Series Creators

of Ontario
Final Report
May 30, 2014
Presented to:
Presented by:
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 3
1. Introduction 7
1.1 Objectives for this report 7
1.2 Approach and methodology 7
1.3 What is a web series? 8
2. Ontario’s Independent Web Series Industry 12
2.1 Industry overview 12
2.2 Industry activity 14
2.3 Industry revenue 15
2.4 Volume of production 19
2.5 Platforms for distribution and engagement 24
3. Working in Web Series in Ontario 29
3.1 Employment 29
3.2 Recognition and awards 30
4. The Future of Web Series 34
4.1 Barriers to growth 34
4.2 Industry organization 35
5. Conclusion 37
Table of Figures
Figure 1 Why web series are not television ................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 2 Type of web series creator by individual vs. Private Corporation ............................................................... 12
Figure 3 Ontario web series creators by area of residence ....................................................................................... 13
Figure 4 Years of experience in web shows/series .................................................................................................... 13
Figure 5 Other types of screen-based content being made by web series creators ................................................ 14
Figure 6 Types of web video created in the past 12 months .................................................................................... 15
Figure 7 Genres of web-series productions ............................................................................................................... 15
Figure 8 Independent web series creator revenue.................................................................................................... 16
Figure 9 Sources of financing for web video/series creation .................................................................................... 16
Figure 10 Monetization models for web series ......................................................................................................... 19
Figure 11 Breakdown of the % of web series productions by size of production budgets (including in-kind and
voluntary contributions) ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 1 of 38

Figure 12 Total web series production minutes by category .................................................................................... 20
Figure 13 Average length of content by type of web series (minutes) ..................................................................... 21
Figure 14 Growth in web video content produced 2012 vs. 2013 ............................................................................ 22
Figure 15 Web series distribution platforms ............................................................................................................. 24
Figure 16 Primary distribution platform for web series ............................................................................................ 25
Figure 17 Secondary distribution platform for web series ........................................................................................ 25
Figure 18 How web series creators use YouTube ...................................................................................................... 26
Figure 19 Tools for interacting with audiences ......................................................................................................... 27
Figure 20 Average web series project team by type of employment ....................................................................... 29
Figure 21 Ease of finding appropriate talent for web series ..................................................................................... 30
Figure 22 Festivals submitted and attended, 2013 ................................................................................................... 31
Figure 23 Awards nominated and won, 2013............................................................................................................ 32
Figure 24 Barriers to growth, web series ................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 25 Association memberships.......................................................................................................................... 36
Disclaimer: Funding for this study was provided by the Ontario Media Development Corporation. Any
opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ontario Media Development Corporation or the
Government of Ontario. The Government of Ontario and its agencies are in no way bound by the
recommendations contained in this document.

Executive Summary
Introduction
The web series industry is an award-winning, internationally recognized and entrepreneurial sub-
sector of the Canadian film, television and digital media production sector. The growing cohesion of
the sub-sector into a recognized industry was reinforced in 2013 with the establishment of a
representative organization in the Independent Web Series Creators of Canada (IWCC-CIWC).
The IWCC-CIWC recognized that in order to better support and advocate for its members’ needs, it
would require current and credible information about the size, shape and activities of active
independent web series creators.
This report is restricted to the Province of Ontario, although the IWCC-CIWC is a national organization.
Therefore, a final objective is to serve as a basis for expanding this Ontario-based profile into a
Canada-wide industry profile.
At the most basic level, a web series can be defined as episodic entertainment delivered via online
distribution platforms. “Independent” in this case refers to creators who are not affiliated with, for
example, a commissioning company, agency or broadcaster.
Background
The need to better understand Ontario’s independent web series industry comes at a time of great
change in how audiences around the world are consuming screen-based content. Today, web series
and online content distribution is attracting the attention and investment of both traditional
broadcasters and producers, specialty channels and digital entities. In many respects, web series
creators are the entrepreneurs of the audiovisual industry, driving research and development (R&D) in
production and distribution. They are drawn to the format in part because it offers creative control,
the capacity for experimentation and niche audience engagement as well as a connection with a
vibrant and collaborative creative community. In fact, one theme which will surface throughout this
report is web series’ unique opportunity and capability to succeed with niche and targeted audience
content.
Ontario’s Independent Web Series Industry
This section draws largely on survey results in order to present the Ontario-based independent web
series industry by type, revenue and activity. The survey was directed at independent web series
creators and succeeded in attaining 83 completed responses out of a universe of approximately 109
active independent, Ontario-based web series creators, leading to a strong 76% response rate. As
such, the survey responses present a reliable picture of the Ontario-based web series industry.
Profile
 In 2013 the web series community in Ontario was largely Toronto-centric with 77% of the
industry based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Other pockets of creators resided in
Wellington County (5%), Halton Region (4%), Peel Region (4%) and Hamilton (4%).
 The majority of survey respondents (70%) have two or fewer years of experience in web
series creation. Seventeen percent reported having five or more years of experience in web
series development.

 Three quarters (74%) of web series creators reported having a background in traditional film
and television production and continue to work in other platforms such as short films,
feature length films and corporate videos. In fact, just 24% of web series creators reported
working exclusively in web series in 2013.
Genre
 Comedy was the most popular genre for web series, with 74% of respondents producing
comedic web series content. Drama was the next most popular genre - 52% of creators
producing dramatic content.
 The popularity of LGBT (16%), Children’s (15%) and Sci-fi/Fantasy (11%) genre content
creation attests to the strength (and need) for web series creators to seek out targeted
audiences and communities of interest.
Revenue, Financing and Monetization
 Nordicity estimates Ontario-based, independent web series creators generated $3.14
million in web series revenue in 2013.1 This amount, however, only accounts for 23.8% of the
$13.2 million total revenue generated by web series industry participants from all sources in
2013 (in other words 76.2% of the revenue web series industry participants generated in
2013 was not derived from web series).
 Notably, approximately 41% of respondents indicated that they earned no revenue from
their web series activity in 2013.
 The most common source of financing in the Ontario-based web series industry was
“Personal Savings” with 68% of respondents reported having relied on their own savings to
fund a production in 2013. Just 18% were able to draw on revenue from previous web series.
 To monetize their content, 70% of web series creators drew on advertising and revenue
share agreements - the most common monetization model. Sponsorships followed, with
43% of web series creators reporting that they worked with sponsors in 2013. In web series,
ancillary or indirect revenue streams such as sponsorships, events and merchandise appear
to be highly important to web series creators.
 Based on the survey responses, the total volume of web series production budgets in Ontario
in 2013, including in-kind and voluntary contributions, was $7.45 million.
 While the simple average production budget for a web series in Ontario in 2013 was
$68,400, only 17% of projects exceeded that budget range, and 79% were below it – mostly
in the $0-10k range.
 More than half (55%) of survey respondents reported that they have increased their volume
of production by more than 25% since 2012, suggesting the supply of web series content is
likely to grow.
1
This figure includes any revenue received from any grants and/or tax credits.

Distribution Platforms and Audience Engagement
 Web series, shows and vlogs can be distributed or “posted” to one or many online video
platforms. In 2013 YouTube was the leading platform - 94% of web series creators reported
that they distribute content there. A creator’s own website was an important platform with
39% of creators distributing content on their own site. Overall, there was less engagement
with the predominantly paid-for platforms.
 Audience engagement is a constant focus for emerging and established web series creators.
Web series creators reported they used Facebook (96%) and Twitter (84%) most commonly
for interacting with audiences. “Word of Mouth” was also important for 81% of web series
creators as well as “Live Events.” Some 41% of web series creators reported that they meet
audiences at events such as Comic-Con and other face-to-face occasions.
Advanced audience engagement

“We have niche audiences and know how to speak to them in their own language.
Broadcasters want broad appeal but I can tell you how many people watched today, when
they dropped out, their age and gender. That’s what the internet allows you to do – an
immediate connection to audience.”
Web series creator
Barriers to Growth
Survey respondents were asked to rate the extent to which a range of factors hindered the growth of
their web series business on a scale from “0” - Not a barrier at all, to “4” -A critical barrier.
 The near critical-level barriers were both related to financing (availability of private and/or
public financing). Earlier survey results reported that the vast majority of web series creators
did not draw on public sources of financing and that much content is ineligible for the single
fund that is most relevant to web series creators – the IPF.
 The next highest barriers, including “Ability to make advantageous deals with platforms and
distributors” and “Access to foreign markets” were in some ways related to the newness of
the web series industry and its entrepreneurial, rather than corporate culture.
 The industry’s need for additional support infrastructure is evident in the high ratings for:
“Management, business, marketing and/or sales expertise”, “Access to experienced mentors”
and “Level of industry cohesion or collaboration.”
In some respects the same pressures which Canadian film and television producers faced over the
past few decades are now being faced by the most successful web series creators. How the CRTC
regulates (or does not regulate) Canadian content requirements for platforms such as Netflix and
other over-the-top offerings could have an enormous impact on the future of web series content. In
fact, changes may be underway imminently. As a result of its “Let’s Talk: A Conversation with

Canadians” consultation and review of television in Canada, the CRTC has stated that they will be
suggesting “major changes to the television system.” 2
Conclusion
In today’s converging landscape, independent Canadian web series creators are operating at the
frontier of new screen-based storytelling. Risk-takers and innovators, they have adopted a keen
audience focus that sets them apart from their counterparts in traditional film and television. With a
focus on niche, rather than mass audiences, web series creators are experimenting with a range of
business models, though ultimately the majority are bootstrapping with their personal savings.
High quality, award-winning content being created amid low revenue. Growth in production
volume predicted.
Looking ahead, web series creators predict strong growth in content creation and production
volumes. Some web series creators are successfully establishing national and international
distribution partnerships in order to support both revenue and audience growth.
International success, from the grassroots
With little infrastructure, a low base of creators and little industry support, Ontario-based web series
creators have earned international awards, festival accolades and are beginning to explore content
translation deals for greater exposure in international markets.
Emerging rather than established business models, but plenty of R&D
New business models for web series are emerging and evolving rapidly. Some services, such as
Subbable and Patreon are as yet relatively untested, but web series creators are nonetheless
experimenting at the forefront of online content monetization, which could have major implications
for the rest of the audiovisual sector.
Cutting edge practices in terms of audience focus and understanding the niche
Established niches or communities of interest are required for successful web series. Given the move
in advertising to hyper-targeted advertisements, knowing how to interact effectively with one’s niche
viewership will be a critical still for the entire audio visual sector.
Need for greater industry infrastructure and education
On and off-set web series creators are multitaskers, handling all aspects of business and content.
There was a resounding call among respondents for further industry education and support tools and
skills development in order to nurture a relatively young industry towards sustainable growth.
2
CRTC, “Let's Talk TV: A Conversation with Canadians.” Retrieved from http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/talktv-
parlonstele.htm

1. Introduction
In this section, Nordicity presents the objectives for this industry profile of independent web series
creators in Ontario as well as the approach and steps taken to achieve these objectives. The section
closes by characterizing web series in more detail including a note to how web series differ from
traditional television series, as well as a set-up for the first of five case studies included in this report.
1.1 Objectives for this report

The web series industry is an award-winning, internationally recognized and entrepreneurial sub-
sector of the Canadian film, television and digital media production sector. The growing cohesion of
the sub-sector into a recognized industry was reinforced in 2013 with the establishment of a
representative organization in the Independent Web Series Creators of Canada (IWCC-CIWC).
Through its outreach activities and programming, the IWCC-CIWC recognized that in order to better
support and advocate for its members’ needs, it would require current and credible information
about the size, shape and activities of active independent web series creators. From financing and
distribution to monetization and creative control, the IWCC-CIWC members also wanted to better
understand the challenges and opportunities facing independent web series creators operating in
Ontario. As independent content creators, separate from broadcasters and traditional television
producers, for example, they also sought to articulate their distinct contribution to the creative
sectors in Ontario.
Both in and outside of the web series creator community, there is a lack of understanding about how
web series productions are actually made, financed, distributed, and monetized. They do differ from
traditional TV and film production in terms of value chain elements as well as creative control.
Accordingly, one objective of this report is to shed light on how the web series industry in Ontario is
distinct from the traditional sector.
This report is restricted to the Province of Ontario, although the IWCC-CIWC is a national organization.
Therefore, a final objective is to serve as a basis for expanding this Ontario-based profile into a
Canada-wide industry profile.
1.2 Approach and methodology

Nordicity developed a phased research approach in consultation with IWCC-CIWC in order to deliver
the above-stated objectives.
Primary Data Gathering: Nordicity developed and deployed an online survey to gather the profile
information identified in the data planning phase.
In consultation with IWCC-CIWC, Nordicity conducted interviews with five independent web series
creators in order to develop case studies or vignettes, which are presented in this report. These
interviews and other informal consultations serve to augment the survey results with anecdotal
evidence of how web series are created, monetized and distributed.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Nordicity analyzed the survey data and extrapolated results from
survey responses to the industry universe. These survey results are presented throughout the report.

Nordicity also prepared the case studies which are presented in gray boxes throughout the report.
Each case study provides some background information on the creator and series and describes the
creator’s business model approach. Case studies also help to highlight learnings which may be
relevant to the wider industry – whether for new entrants or established producers.
1.3 What is a web series?

At the most basic level, a web series can be defined as episodic entertainment delivered via online
distribution platforms. The current environment is much more complex, however, as television
broadcasters and channels such as HBO begin to behave more like web series producers and, in some
cases, web series behave more like traditional television content. Consider this post from Variety.com:
What Netflix, Amazon and Hulu accomplished isn't really fundamentally different than TV in
terms of production economics or even creative sensibility […]. That trend obscures a lower-
budget but more creatively diverse tier of free online content available from a wider range of
sources either on YouTube or other Internet portals. They run the gamut from amateur
creators you may have never heard of (yet) to more professionally slick properties from
outfits that may become the big media companies of tomorrow. 3
This report characterizes the web series industry as one which includes creators of web series, web
shows and video blogs (or vlogs). Currently web series differ from traditional television production
and distribution in many essential aspects, as shown in the box below, but even these basic
characteristics are evolving.
Figure 1 Why web series are not television
Web Series Television
Budget Smaller Higher
Business Model Emerging Established
Episode Length Shorter Longer
Audience Niche Broad
Regulation/CRTC Protection None Yes
Public Funding Very Limited Robust
Geographical Barriers None (or extremely low) National (for broadcasters)
Production Team Typically smaller (in comparison Typically larger (in comparison to
to TV), flexible/multi-tasking web series) and specialized
Content Niche Broad
Barriers to Entry: Production Low High
Barriers to Entry: Distribution Low High
3
“Top 10 Web Series of 2013,” Retrieved from http://variety.com/gallery/top-10-web-series-of-2013/.

The need to better understand Ontario’s independent web series industry comes at a time of great
change in how audiences around the world are consuming screen-based content. Today, web series
and online content distribution is attracting the attention and investment of both traditional
broadcasters and producers, specialty channels and digital entities. In many respects, web series
creators are the entrepreneurs of the audiovisual industry, driving research and development (R&D) in
production and distribution. They are drawn to the format in part because it offers creative control,
the capacity for experimentation and niche audience engagement as well as a connection with a
vibrant and collaborative creative community.
Investment, monetization and revenue, however, remain the major hurdles for web series creators. In
order to demonstrate value to partners and advertisers, web series creators must engage large
audiences, often with very few resources and limited investment availability.
The raw viewer market is definitely growing as more Canadians (and viewers in other countries)
consume more content online. According to comScore’s 2014 Canada Digital Future in Focus,
Canadians:
 Continue to be among the most highly engaged internet users worldwide, spending on
average 34.6 hours per month online.
 Are more likely to watch online video (and for more time) than their American counterparts.
Canadians watch on average 1,769 minutes of online video per month vs. 1,237 minutes for
their American counterparts.
 Are watching significantly more web-based video, including live/on-demand TV, than a year
ago - Watched Web-Based Videos and Watched TV (Live/On-Demand) are both up 34% from
2012. 4
In this context of screen convergence where 74% of all Canadians watch online video and mobile
viewership is on the rise, independent web series creators would appear to be positioned for growth. 5
However, fundamental challenges remain from a financing and monetization perspective. As yet,
sustainable revenue from web series is more often the exception than the rule. These challenges will
be explored in further detail throughout this report.
As independent and corporate web series creators grapple to find stable business models, the media
news is packed with stories of new content deals and partnerships between traditional entities and
new digital players and “Multi-Channel Networks” (MCNs). 6 Consider this statement from Raja
Khanna, CEO, television & digital, Blue Ant Media, describing the company’s recent investment in an
LA-based, music-focused MCN called Omnia: “A lot of our roots as a company have been with digital
media, we don’t want to be tied to one type of viewing experience and we go where the talent
4
Comscore, “2014 Canada Digital Future in Focus”, March 2014.
5
Comscore, “2014 Canada Digital Future in Focus”, March 2014.
6
“Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs) are entities that affiliate with multiple YouTube channels, often to offer
assistance in areas such as product, programming, funding, cross-promotion, partner management, digital rights
management, monetization/sales, and/or audience development. These companies are not affiliated with or
endorsed by YouTube or Google.” Retrieved from “Multi-Channel Networks 101” at
http://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/mcns.html

is…YouTube now has their own star system and to be a modern media company we need to be fully
emerged in YouTube and other digital platforms for content.”
While Canadian online engagement increases, Ontario-based web series creators are also successfully
reaching local and global audiences. Some creators have begun to translate their series into other
languages to drive international viewership. In this context, Jill Golick, the writer/creator behind the
successful Ruby Skye P.I. web series explained:
“What is happening in web series is incredible. I have never seen anything like the way the
community has built itself up – a true explosion of creativity. It is so amazing the way Canadian
web series are reaching the world and, for the moment, we seem to be a world leader. All the
time I have been working in Canadian media, we have always felt completely hampered by not
having a big enough audience to support our shows. Suddenly we have the way to reach the
world audience. Web series could be the solution for the Canadian audiovisual industry. Truly
our moment to seize.”
Simultaneously, some web series creators fear that the pressure for global viewing figures will
dampen the motivation and potential to tell Canadian stories. So while web series are decidedly not
television, some of the dynamics and pressures which are evident in television are beginning to
resonate in web series today.
The first of five case studies to be presented in this report follows. This case study introduces Jill Golick and
her successful web series, Ruby Skye P.I. Four years after launching Ruby Skye P.I. Golick has partnered
successfully with television broadcasters and international distributors and is looking to expand “Ruby’s
world” into videogames and other platforms, which is one way for web series creators to monetize their
content. The report will highlight other attempts at monetization and business model development later,
through survey results and via similar case examples.

Jill Golick, Story 2.0H - Ruby Skye P.I.
rubyskyepi.com
Genre: Children’s Business Model Considerations
Target Audience: Ages 8 to 14 Having experimented with a number of business model variations during
her career, and recognizing the challenges related to monetizing screen
Background: A TV writer for over content online, Jill Golick was determined to be open to innovative
25 years, Jill’s background also business concepts which would allow her character to thrive.
includes owning a software From the outset, Jill conceived of RSPI as a franchise opportunity. She set
company in the eighties. out to build a world and a character that were meaningful to audiences
and could be sustained. This outlook has had an impact on her content
A graduate of the CFC TV
but also on her reach, revenue opportunities and growth.
Program, Jill experimented with
online storytelling as early as Independent Production Fund funding was part of the RSPI business
2007 with the online show Hailey model from the beginning but Jill explains that it is a lot of money to earn
Hacks. In 2010, Jill launched Ruby back and “not going to come two cents at a time.” Her experience with
Skye P.I. (RSPI). RSPI’s precursor, Hailey Hacks, showed her that no single channel (e.g.,
giving away teaser content and selling the longer form episodes, affiliate
Distribution: Season 1 launched marketing relationships, merchandising and pre-roll advertising)
on Vimeo and YouTube over the generated substantial revenue on its own.
course of a few months, has since However, with her “Ruby’s World” outlook and seamless writing approach
been shown on Koldcast, Vimeo, (in which each season’s short episodic chapters can be recut into full 1
blip.tv, DigitalChickTV, Clicker, hour episodes), Jill has been able to embrace more traditional distribution
Ameba, Dailymotion and Mingle relationships in Canada and globally, selling three one-hour shorts as
Media TV. television content or short-form content for websites.
Exclusive partnership with CBC.ca Future plans include leveraging RSPI’s audience and critical acclaim and
(Kids) for Season 3 streaming; taking Season 1 and 2 to paid platforms such as iTunes, Amazon Prime and
CBC acquired TV rights to the Hulu. Jill is also trying to build RSPI onto its next platform such as a video
episodes and will air them 3 game and/or a book series. Her team is also exploring development of a
months after web launch. portfolio of children’s shows to build on the success of RSPI.
Managing the business of the creative is a huge hurdle for web series
Distribution of Seasons 1 & 2
creators. RSPI’s Season 1 and 2 successes, however, in combination with
recut as feature length films to
the ongoing growth of the web series industry, enabled Jill to partner with
Latin America (with Spanish
Janice Dawe as Executive Producer and lead for business and distribution.
language dub), soon to expand to
Dawe brings expertise in terms of budgeting and financing the series and
other markets.
leads the global distribution push for RSPI.
Viewership: Global, over 2.5 Web Series Industry Considerations:
million video views at the end of
Audience Focus: Web series necessitate a close relationship with niche
Season 2.
audiences. In this context of change and evolving audience expectations,
Selected Awards/Nominations: TV will be forced to learn from the “R&D” web series creators are
From “Best Original Interactive undertaking - examining what content works and taking risks on new
Production Produced for Digital approaches to storytelling with relatively low costs.
Media” at the 2014 Canadian Partners: Web series creators can also learn from traditional TV when it
Screen Awards to a suite of prizes comes to partnerships and reaching global audiences through official
at the LA WebFest, Ruby Skye P.I. distribution arrangements. Web series creators need to be supported to
has won numerous awards for its be able to work more with Netflix, Hulu and other international partners.
family-friendly content.

2. Ontario’s Independent Web Series Industry
This section draws largely on survey results in order to present the Ontario-based independent web
series industry by type, revenue and activity.
The survey was live from March 5 to March 31, 2014 and was:
 Directed at independent, (i.e., not affiliated with a commissioning company or agency)
Ontario-based web series creators in all genres and categories including independent
vloggers and independent suppliers of web video content to other creative businesses (e.g.,
magazines).
 Successful in attaining 83 completed responses out of a universe of approximately 109
active independent, Ontario-based web series creators, which led to a strong direct response
rate of 76%, whereby results are generally accurate to +/- 5% (19 times out of 20). As such,
the survey responses present a reliable picture of the Ontario-based web series industry.
 Promoted extensively by IWCC-CIWC through social media, direct emails to members, at
industry meet-ups and with a short video posted online describing the survey’s objectives
and urging participation from Ontario’s independent web series creators.
With the responses in hand, Nordicity extrapolated from the survey responses to the industry
universe of 109. This task was accomplished by taking the value for a given question (“x”) and dividing
“x” by the number of respondent companies in the sample (the n-value) and multiplying by the
universe size (“u”), or [(x/n)*u]. Nordicity based its analysis on a universe of 109 active web series
creators as drawn from a database compiled by IWCC. Survey respondents were asked to report on
their 2013 activity.
2.1 Industry overview

The majority of respondents (75%) described themselves as the creator/producer or showrunner for a
web series in which they own or control the rights to the content. The remaining quarter (25%)
reported that they were registered private corporations that make web series (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Type of web series creator by individual vs. Private Corporation
I am a registered
private corporation
that makes web
series
25%
I am the creator/producer or
showrunner for a web series
in which I own/have rights to
the content
75%
Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

In 2013 the web series community in Ontario was largely Toronto-centric. The vast majority of the
industry (77%) was based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) though other pockets of creators resided
in Wellington County (5%), Halton Region (4%), Peel Region (4%) and Hamilton (4%).
Figure 3 Ontario web series creators by area of residence
Kingsville Kitchener Oshawa Perth St. Catharines

Belleville 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%
1%
Hamilton
4% Peel Region
4%
Halton Region
4%
Wellington County Greater Toronto
5% Area
77%

As presented in the figure below, the majority of survey respondents (70%) have two or fewer years of
experience in web series creation. Over a third have been at it for less than a year. Seventeen percent
reported having five or more years of experience in web series development, indicating that
“webisodes” have been around for at least five years. This balance of experience in web series should
be considered in light of the fact that YouTube (the primary web series distribution platform today)
was founded in 2005.
Figure 4 Years of experience in web shows/series
5 or more years
16% Less than a year
37%
3 - 4 years
14%
1 - 2 years
33%

While web series creators may be relatively new to the format, the majority of our survey respondents
had previous experience in traditional film and television production. Indeed, the web series
workforce interacts and overlaps with the traditional film and television production industry. Three

quarters (74%) of web series creators reported having a background in traditional film and television
production before entering the web series industry, and continue to work in other platforms. In fact,
as shown in the figure below, just 24% of web series creators reported working exclusively in web
series (“None, we are exclusively web show/series focused”). The largest share of additional screen
content work reported was in short films (52%) followed by feature length films (29%). About one
quarter of respondents report working on corporate videos (25%), other marketing and advertising
content (23%) and traditional TV series (23%) in addition to their web series activity.
For the figure below, and many of the results presented in this report, the responses sum to above
100% because survey respondents could “check all that apply.” In this context, the categories are not
mutually exclusive as respondents can engage with more than one activity.
Figure 5 Other types of screen-based content being made by web series creators
Short films 52%

Feature length films 29%
Corporate videos 25%
None, we are exclusively web show/series focused 24%
Marketing/advertising content 23%
Traditional TV series 23%
Other 20%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014 - responses do not sum to 100%
In the figure above the “Other” category relates to items such as, “actor demo reels”, “videogames”,
“commercials”, “music videos” and “weddings.”
2.2 Industry activity

Within the web series industry there are three sometimes overlapping streams of activity. These
streams are:
1) Web series: narrative video series original to web and standalone - not an extension of an
existing TV or Film property.
2) Web video/web show: a web show is produced via the same model as web series but
typically defined as non-narrative content (and sometimes “web series” is employed as a
short hand for either).
3) vlog: serial video blog – for example “YouTubers” are considered to be “vloggers.”
As depicted in the chart below, the majority (82%) of independent web series creators have created
web series in the past 12 months, while the smallest share (18%) have created vlog content.

Figure 6 Types of web video created in the past 12 months
100%
82%
80%
61%
60%
40%
18%
20%
0%
Web series Individual web videos vlog content
The figure below presents the genres that respondents reported creating content for. Comedy was
the most popular genre, with 74% of respondents producing comedic web series content.
One theme which will surface throughout this report is web series unique opportunity and capability
to succeed with niche and targeted audience content. The popularity of LGBT (16%), Children’s (15%)
and Sci-fi/Fantasy (11%) genre content creation attests to this trend.
Figure 7 Genres of web-series productions
Comedy 74%
Drama 52%
Factual 29%
LGBT 16%
Children's 15%
Sci-fi/Fantasy 11%
Other 5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
2.3 Industry revenue

Based on the 2014 survey data and universe, Nordicity estimates Ontario-based, independent web
series creators generated $3.14 million in web series revenue in 2013. 7 This amount, however, only
accounts for 23.8% of the $13.2 million total revenue generated by web series industry participants
from all sources in 2013.
7
This figure includes any revenue received from any grants and/or tax credits.

Figure 8 Independent web series creator revenue
$14
$12 Web series
3.14
$10 Other
$8
Millions
$6
10.05
$4
$2
$-
2013 Revenue
Notably, approximately 41% of respondents indicated that they earned no revenue from their web
series activity in 2013 and are thus contributing to Ontario’s creative sector, “on their own dime.” In a
no- or low- revenue context, web series creators relied on a wide range of financing sources in order
to produce content as shown in the figure below.
Figure 9 Sources of financing for web video/series creation
Personal savings 68%

Revenue from other lines of business 44%
Crowdfunding campaigns 34%
Private (equity) investment 26%
Bank loans and other debt financing 22%
Independent Production Fund 19%
Revenue from branded content/sponsorship agreements 18%
Revenue from previous web series 18%
Provincial tax credits 12%
OMDC's IDM Fund 12%
Arts council grants 7%
Federal tax credits 6%
Canada Media Fund 6%
Other public grants 3%
Other 18%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
As the figure above illustrates, the most common source of financing in the Ontario-based web series
industry was “Personal Savings.” Some 68% of respondents reported having relied on their own
savings to fund a production in 2013. Just 18% were able to draw on revenue from previous web
series.

Figure 9 shows that public sources were among the least common financing mechanisms for web
series creators in 2013. The largest share (18%) had accessed the IPF. Founded in 1991 as a private
Foundation, the IPF endowment is now valued at $32 million and generates revenue to support the
production of Canadian drama series. The “Web Drama Series Program” was introduced in 2010 and
has since been extended indefinitely. 8 This IPF figure is notable in light of the fact that factual and
documentary programming is ineligible for IPF funding and some 29% of web series creators report
that they are making factual content. This figure would undoubtedly be higher if not for the IPF’s
genre restrictions. One respondent reported that they did access provincial tax credits. Anecdotally,
it’s known that some web series creators make use of the tax credits for some projects, however web
series are generally ineligible.
About one-third (34%) of respondents drew on crowdfunding campaign revenue to finance their web
series (Figure 9). Indeed, web series creators have enjoyed some significant success with
crowdfunding campaigns, in large part owing to their ability to tell stories that both resonate with
niche audiences and are also largely neglected by mass-audience storytellers. A relatively recent form
of financing, crowdfunding is still evolving and maturing. New developments in the crowdfunding
model, such as Subbable and Patreon, are described in the box below.
Subbable and Patreon: Crowdfunding Meets Consistency

Billed as new ways to support and engage with the creators you love, Subbable (subbable.com)
and Patreon (patreon.com) offer creators and fans a more sustainable take on crowdfunding. In
their words, Patreon “lets fans support their favorite creators by becoming patrons. Unlike other
fundraising services, which raise for a single big event, Patreon is for creators who create a stream
of smaller works.” Subbable “is a subscription service that allows audiences to connect with and
fund the creators they love in a sustained, ongoing way.” So rather than one fundraising splash,
each platform enables loyal fans to subscribe to online content on an ongoing basis for a
scheduled fee.
Though not limited to web series, both Patreon and Subbable are closely tied with web series and
the YouTube community. These approaches represent ways in which the web series industry is
innovating and evolving business models in order to monetize their content sustainably and
engage audiences in meaningful ways.
The second case study introduces the team behind Space Janitors - a successful web series that launched a
highly successful crowdfunding campaign between Season 2 and Season 3 in order to engage and reward
its loyal fans.
8
Retrieved from: http://ipf.ca/web-drama-series-program/

Davin Lengyal and Geoff Lapaire, Space Mop – Space Janitors
www.spacejanitors.com
Genre: Comedy Beyond Fundraising: Crowdfunding as Interactive Audience Engagement
Target Audience: Gamer, Space Janitors built a sizable audience over two seasons before turning to
crowdfunding, and financing for Season 3 was largely in place before the team
geek, sci-fi fans (i.e., Star
launched its Kickstarter campaign. The campaign focused instead on unique
Wars fans)
ways to engage and involve fans, like background roles and a digital fanclub
Background: In 2004, membership (spacejanitors.com/janitorslocker).
Davin and Geoff worked on The team brainstormed rewards that would appeal uniquely to their particular
Pure Pwnage, a web series fan base and audience. The engagement results were phenomenal. Incentives
Geoff created with Jarett included exclusive access to premium content through the ‘Janitors Locker’ and
Cale, which quickly gained a chance to be a character on the show, as well as a 7-hour Live Stream Telethon
a cult following online. Pure where some 35,000 participating fans could watch the Star Wars Trilogy with the
Pwnage was adapted into a cast.
TV series and is currently The campaign created an opportunity to engage the audience in an innovative
being made into a feature- way. As an example, fans were invited to submit videos explaining why sci-fi
length project. The series meant so much to them as a genre. These videos were added to a playlist that
marked the beginning of featured similar testimonials from cast, crew, local producers and celebrities.
Davin and Geoff’s careers as
successful web series There are only eight episodes of Space Janitors a year so maintaining a loyal fan
producers. base from season to season can be a challenge. In this context, the
crowdfunding campaign provided an additional opportunity to share content
In 2010 they developed the and engage viewers.
award-winning Space Space Janitors met its $30,000 funding goal within a week and set stretch goals
Janitors, the third season of to make the show even better with more sets, more cameos and more days on
which is in production in set. Final amount raised was $63,000.
spring 2014 and set to air in
Crowdfunding: Need to Know
fall 2014.
Content and interactivity are key for online audiences, and crowdfunding
Distribution: Felicia Day’s campaigns are yet another channel for developing and sharing that content.
Geek & Sundry YouTube That being said, crowdfunding and engagement take effort. Four people were
Channel; spacejanitors.com dedicated to creating content for the Space Janitors crowdfunding campaign.
Viewership: 70-250k Campaigns should not be just about asking fans for help, but rather offer a novel
viewers per episode. Total way for them to experience the show, interact with the creators and engage with
views ~2.5mil the content. People appear more likely to donate because they want to be
involved or they are inspired by the project, as opposed to simply bridging a gap
Notable Moments: Season in financing. Producers should not look at crowdfunding as a pure fundraising
3 crowdfunding campaign activity, but rather an opportunity to talk with and reward fans before the
(Dec 3, 2013 to Jan 12, project is complete.
2014). The team had a
As with all crowdfunding campaigns, early success is important but it also helps
funding goal of $30,000 for
to have a project that’s market ready. Crowdfunding at its best works almost like
Space Janitors but raised
a DVD or merchandise presale as opposed to simply a lifeline. The enthusiasm of
over $63,000 toward
the existing audience base was critical to the campaign’s success. It’s far more
production.
engaging to say, “The show you love is coming back, and it can be even better
with your support” than to start from scratch. People like to back a winner, and
may be more inclined to back a proven entity.

In the low-revenue context, where web series creators reported financing content from personal
savings, it follows that monetization is a constant concern. Creators must try to balance the need to
build an audience and sustain their production in the context of consumers’ expectations for free
content. The figure below presents the monetization models employed (that is to say attempted, not
necessarily driving significant revenue levels) by web series creators in 2013. Some 70% of web series
creators drew on advertising and revenue share agreements - the most common monetization
model. Sponsorships followed, with 43% of web series creators reporting that they worked with
sponsors in 2013. In web series, ancillary or indirect revenue streams such as sponsorships, events and
merchandise appear to be highly important to web series creators.
Figure 10 Monetization models for web series
Advertising/Revenue share 70%

Sponsorships 43%
Merchandise/Ancillary storyworld products 23%
Pay wall and subscription 23%
Event tickets 19%
License fees 13%
Other 30%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
In the figure above, “Other” models included: “Series embedded in apps, with in-app purchases”,
“Contesting”, “Sold video as educational resource” and “none.”
Ultimately, the business model for web series appears to be still emerging. The web series
environment is one where three-quarters (76%) of operating entities worked on non-web series
projects in 2013. With such a low base, revenue derived from web series content is also low,
suggesting much of the industry is not yet at the viable business stage. Web series creators act more
like a research and development arm of the audio-visual sector, experimenting with emerging
approaches to monetization, audience engagement and distribution. However, even with little profit,
there are material sources of independent financing, such as crowdfunding.
2.4 Volume of production

Based on the survey responses, the total volume of web series production budgets in Ontario in 2013,
including in-kind and voluntary contributions, was $7.45 million. In contrast, in 2013, the volume of
Ontario-based television production was $996 million. 9
9
CMPA, AQPM, and Department of Canadian Heritage, Profile 2013: Economic Report on the Screen-based Media
Industry in Canada, p.49.

While the simple average production budget for a web series in Ontario in 2013 was $68,400, it is
perhaps more useful to look at the distribution of production budget sizes – see Figure 11 below.
While the average was in the $50,000 to $100,000 level (at $68,400), only 17% of projects exceeded
that budget range, and 79% were below it – mostly in the $0-10k range. 10
Figure 11 Breakdown of the % of web series productions by size of production budgets (including in-kind
and voluntary contributions)
60% 56%
50%
40%
30% 23%
20%
8% 8%
10% 5%
2% 2%
0%
$0 to $9,999 $10,000 to $50,000 to $150,000 to $200,000 to $250,000 to $500,000 to
$49,999 $99,999 $199,999 $249,999 $499,999 $749,999
Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014 - responses do not sum to 100% due to rounding
In 2013, web series creators produced 120,620 minutes of content across the three web series
categories, presented in Figure 12 below. The largest share of minutes produced were in web series
(65%) while the smallest share (as measured by minutes) was vlog content, with just 1% of all minutes
produced.
Figure 12 Total web series production minutes by category
Vlog content
1%
Individual web
videos
34%
120,620
minutes
Web series
65%
10
“The average budget for IPF-funded projects was $275,394. The IPF does not fund all web series content – and
some creators of smaller projects may not deem it necessary to apply to the IPF. As well, budgets for scripted
drama productions would tend to be higher than for vlogger and factual content.”
Guide to Web Series Best Practices, Retrieved April 2014 from: ipf.ca/IPF/resources/web_series_best_practices.

Based on the total above, the average production cost per minute of video in web series is $63.33. In
contrast, the average production budget per minute of English-language Canadian TV fiction
productions ranged from $6,771 in the lifestyle genre to $29,313 for fiction. 11
The figure below presents the average length (in minutes) per type of web series content. For creators
of web series, an average series length was 47.9 minutes, likely broken out into numerous short
episodes. For creators of individual videos, the average length was about half of a web series, while
vlog content averaged under four minutes per video.
Figure 13 Average length of content by type of web series (minutes)
60
47.9
50
40
30 25.8
20
10 3.8
0
Web series Individual Videos vlog content

Approaches to production in web series can be vastly different from traditional film and television
production. One web series creator described running through “ten times” the content that film and
television producers create in a given day. This creator suggested that traditional producers, “can’t
run at the pace [web series creators] do”, explaining that the rules of production are simply different
in each environment and both producers would be “out of their element” in the other’s camp.
The figure below presents the growth in web video content produced by web series creators
between 2012 and 2013, according to the creators. More than half (55%) of respondents reported that
they have increased their volume of production by more than 25%, suggesting the supply of web
series content is likely to continue to grow.
11
Tabulations based on “English-language Canadian television production, by genre” and 48 minutes of
production per hour. Profile 2013: Economic Report on the Screen-based Media Industry in Canada.

Figure 14 Growth in web video content produced 2012 vs. 2013
60% 55%
50%
40%
30%
23%
20%
10% 7% 5% 5%
3% 2%
0% 0%
0%
Decrease Decrease Decrease Decrease No change Increase of Increase of Increase of Increase of
of more of 20-25% of 10-19% of 1-9% 1-9% 10-19% 20-25% more than
than 25% 25%
The third case study introduces Felice Gorica, TV producer turned web series creator/publisher. Gorica has explored
myriad approaches to monetization. Based on her research and experience she has developed what can be described
as a niche network model for web series monetization and distribution.

Felice Gorica,
newexplorer.tv | lifestylegoddess.tv (prototypes)
Genre: Factual, Business Model Considerations

Documentary
Felice sees the lack of attention or focus on business models as one of the top
Target Audience: Global challenges facing the web series industry. In her view, “the business model
fans of high quality needs to be a science, not an art.” She also recognizes that her transition to
documentary and factual web series meant becoming more than a producer; she was suddenly also a
production from science, researcher, marketer, analytics and advertising expert, business person,
technology and education content creator and publisher.
to history, travel and more. Her experience and continued research and interest in the field led her to stay
in the factual and documentary genre. As Felice explains, “it can be difficult to
Background: Felice’s monetize drama and comedy because on the internet everything is still about
background is in search and search engine optimization.” In the comedy genre one’s partners
documentary production and and aggregators (e.g., Funny or Die) can sometimes reap the largest rewards
lifestyle TV series but she was in the relationship. In factual and documentary, the power lies in identifying
an early adopter of online and understanding your niche audience and developing content for that
video content. niche.
Disillusioned with the A focus on niche audiences and content can help producers to identify
onslaught of reality television diverse revenue streams. Nonetheless, challenges persist from monetization
(and broadcasters’ increasing to technical limitations (e.g., with regards to analytics and distribution), and
appetite for reality content consumer expectations (i.e., viewers’ desire to enjoy constant access to new
over high-quality material online for free).
documentary) Felice built on The Niche Network Model
her desire for creative control
Before she embarks on a web series project, Felice researches three areas:
and sense that content was
1) What content audiences want and are willing to pay for (monetization)
moving increasingly online,
and began to explore 2) Whether gaps in such content exist (opportunity/need) and
changing her business and 3) Whether she is interested in developing such content (creative control).
distribution model. With niche content and an engaged audience it is possible to introduce a
variety of relevant and appealing revenue streams: sponsors, advertisements,
Distribution: Works with merchandise, video subscriptions, events and speaking engagements, special
YouTube and other platforms editions and more.
but believes in driving viewers
Felice’s niche network model proposes several websites on different niche
back to her own channel
topics that are loosely networked together. Each website directs audiences
where she can drive ancillary
back and forth to enjoy content across all sites. This approach recognizes that
revenue streams.
one may receive the largest number of viewers from YouTube but that
Viewership: Targeting ultimately you want to channel audiences back to your own sites where you
worldwide audience, though can promote your sales and revenue drivers.
websites above are still in the Felice’s recommendation is that producers start with a niche show on
prototype stage. YouTube (free and best reach), testing and working to build an audience. With
traction in hand, producers can begin to multiply and/or spinoff from the
niche. Eventually, one can build a standalone website where ads, merchandise
and subscriptions can be sold. From there, creators can add more websites
and develop a network. This approach to content creation is market-driven,
but according to Felice it still allows for creative control and interest, which is
still her top priority.

2.5 Platforms for distribution and engagement
Web series, shows and vlogs can be distributed or “posted” to one or many online video platforms. As
depicted in the chart below, in 2013 YouTube was the leading platform for web series creators by a
wide margin. Some 94% of web series creators reported that they distribute content through
YouTube. A creator’s own website was an important platform with 39% of creators distributing
content on their own site. Alternatives to YouTube and Vimeo are important in part because creators
can sell other material on their own sites, such as merchandise and exclusive content. Overall, there
was less engagement with the predominantly paid-for platforms, such as: “subscription portals” (9%),
“iTunes” (9%), “Hulu” (3%), “Amazon” (1%) and “Netflix” (1%).
Figure 15 Web series distribution platforms
YouTube 94%
Vimeo 46%
Hosted on our company's website 40%
Dailymotion 21%
A broadcaster's website/app 16%
Funny or Die 13%
Blip.tv 13%
Subscription portals 9%
iTunes 9%
KoldCast TV 7%
JTS.tv 6%
Ameba 3%
Hulu 3%
Amazon 1%
Netflix 1%
Other 9%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Respondents were asked to characterize how they were using the platforms listed above; in other
words, whether they were the primary distribution platform or an alternate viewing platform. The
figure below shows the breakdown of responses for primary distribution platforms in 2013. Again,
unsurprisingly, YouTube is the dominant distribution platform. About half of respondents used
YouTube as their primary distribution platform in 2013. Responses also support the importance of
distributing on one’s own website, as 13% of creators used their own website as the primary
distribution platform.

Figure 16 Primary distribution platform for web series
Subscription portals
3%
iTunes Other
Dailymotion 3% 11%
3%
blip.tv
3%
Broadcaster's Youtube
website/ app 49%
5% Vimeo
10%
Our website
13%
Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014 - responses may not sum to 100% due to rounding
The figure below shows which platforms web series creators used as their secondary distribution
platform in 2013.
Figure 17 Secondary distribution platform for web series
Subscription Protals
5% Other
12% Vimeo
19%
Broadcaster's
website/ app
5%
blip.tv
7% Youtube
19%
Funny or Die
8%
Our company
Dailymotion website
12% 13%
Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014 - responses may not sum to 100% due to rounding
What is clear in the figure above is that there is no single dominant secondary distribution platform.
Web series creators are posting content to YouTube in the first instance and then to a variety of other

places afterwards, ranging from their own websites and Vimeo to niche content aggregators such as
Funny or Die and various other sites.
The figure below presents a breakdown of how web series creators used their most important
distribution platform, YouTube, in 2013. In addition to its function as a primary and alternate viewing
platform, web series creators used YouTube as a marketing channel to post “teaser” or “promotional
content” (22%) as well as an audience engagement tool by hosting private screenings (12%).
Figure 18 How web series creators use YouTube
Private screenings Other
12% 1%
Alternate viewing
platform Primary
15% distribution
platform for
series
50%
For
teaser/promotional
content
22%

Audience engagement is a constant focus for emerging and established web series creators. To that
end, social media was a significant tool for audience interaction and promotion in 2013, as presented
in the figure below. Web series creators reported they used Facebook (96%) and Twitter (84%) most
commonly for interacting with audiences. Instagram, Vine, Pinterest, Tumblr and Google Plus were
also employed for audience interaction though less heavily than Facebook and Twitter. According to
interviews, the power of social media partly lies its ability to help creators research and find their
niche audiences and engage with them directly.
The somewhat intangible tool “Word of Mouth” was employed by 81% of web series creators. Live
events were also important (41%). Web series creators reported that they meet audiences at events
such as Comic-Con and other face-to-face occasions.

Figure 19 Tools for interacting with audiences
Facebook 96%
Twitter 84%
Word of Mouth 81%
Direct emails 43%
Instagram 42%
Live events 41%
Tumblr 38%
Directed video content 30%
Advertising 29%
Vine 22%
Pinterest 20%
Apps 10%
Reddit 4%
LinkedIn 3%
Google+ 1%
Other 4%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014 - responses may not sum to 100%
One web series creator described the intense focus on audience engagement online, explaining, “We
have niche audiences and know how to speak to them in their own language. Broadcasters want
broad appeal. I can tell you how many people watched today, when they dropped out, their age and
gender. That’s what the internet allows you to do – an immediate connection to audience.” This
“niche” approach and access to detailed analytics is perceived by many web series creators to be a
key success factor in building an audience.
The fourth case study introduces Jason Leaver, the creator of the award-winning and highly acclaimed
series Out with Dad. This case study highlights the impact of focusing on a target audience and some of the
potential avenues for success within a given niche.

Jason Leaver - Out With Dad
www.outwithdad.com
Genre: Drama Accessing a Specific Niche Audience
Target Audience: Early teens to Part of the success of OWD is its ability to connect with smaller, but more
specific and underserved segments of the LGBT community, from younger
early 20s and 50+ LGBT
people looking to come out to their parents to older members of the LGBT
community, Parents of LGBT
community who wish that this type of resource had been available to
children
them earlier in life.
Background: Jason has been OWD has been made very easy to find. For example, metatags relate to
working in video production for what a person looking to come out might search (e.g., “lesbians coming
over two decades and is also an out”, “parenting lesbians”, etc.). Designing the keywords in a genuine, un-
award-winning short film cynical manner (i.e. by not chasing link-bait) has generated excellent SEO
producer. results.
In 2009 Jason was on the subway Perhaps the most important access points for these target audiences were
when he had an idea for a series existing portals for this type of content. The biggest jump in viewership
about a girl coming out to her occurred after OWD was syndicated with distribution partners (e.g.,
dad. After some research, Jason onemorelesbian.com and afterellen.com). Those portals had already
saw there were few resources for aggregated an interested audience – and were hungry for high-quality
teens, and fewer for their parents, and deeply personal content. As the portals were connected to the wider
that depicted coming out in a community, so too did OWD’s audience figures grow. Other web series
positive light. with similar topics (e.g. “Anyone but Me”) also cross-promoted the show,
leading to greater awareness.
Distribution: Partners include: Extending the show to other languages has proven to be one of the best
onemorelesbian.com, ways to connect to new, often international audiences (often in places
afterellen.com, Blip.tv, YouTube where such content is scarcer). For example, a pirated Spanish-language
Channel, francetélévisions, and version of OWD had (before it was removed) more views than the (official)
others. English-language version. Rather than fight the pirates, Jason asked the
‘subtitler’ to translate the scripts officially, which led to a major spike in
Viewership: 60k (recent
traffic. OWD is now available in various languages (e.g., Greek,
episodes) to 8.4M (top views).
Portuguese), and with English subtitles for deaf audiences.
Roughly 450K views per month.
Monetizing a Niche: Need to Know
Selected Awards/Nominations:
To monetize the show, OWD viewers can donate via Paypal. If they do so,
LA Webfest 2011, 2012: Grand Jury
they are able to access a VIP Facebook page, where they can view early,
Prize, Outstanding Drama Series
rough cuts of OWD. As a side-effect, these engaged VIPs also serve as an
Marseilles Webfest 2012: "Coup de informal focus group for new content and have input into the final
Coeur" France4TV Prize product.
Canadian Screen Awards 2013: Given the privacy concerns among members of the LGBT community, a
Best Original Program or Series donor’s list must be treated with caution (i.e., made an explicitly opt-in
produced for Digital Media - feature with the option to remove one’s name at any time).
Fiction Nominee
Given the international appeal of the content (and its distribution), OWD
has received donations from around the world (e.g., France, Italy, etc.).
OWD’s broad appeal has proven successful in covering most of the show’s
third season costs.

3. Working in Web Series in Ontario
This section characterizes the web series industry workforce.
3.1 Employment
Based on the reported number of part-time and full time workers in web series, 210 full-time
equivalent (FTE) employees were generated by web series in Ontario in 2013 (not including contract
employees, interns and volunteers).
The figure below presents the team breakdown, on average, per web series project by full-time, part-
time, contract and interns and volunteer workers (rounded to the nearest person unit). On average, a
web series project in 2013 required seven people: two full time employees, one part time employee,
one contract employee and three interns and/or volunteers. As such, the team included as many
interns and volunteers as it did actual employees.
Figure 20 Average web series project team by type of employment
Full time
employees, 2
Interns and
volunteers, 3
Part-time
employees, 1
Contract
employees, 1
The average wage of someone working – in any role – on a web series is $18.40 per hour. In contrast,
the average hourly wage in the film and television production industry is approximately $29.54. 12 In
this context, one interviewee identified an abundance of talent in Ontario but described the ability of
web series creators to pay a viable wage as a major concern.
The figure below presents responses to the question, “how easy is it to find the right people (i.e., with
the required skills) to work on web series projects?” The majority of respondents (38%) reported that
it was “somewhat easy” to locate the appropriate talent for their web series project.
12
Derived from the average FTE salary in the film and television production industry in Profile 2013: Economic
Report on the Screen-based Media Industry in Canada.

Figure 21 Ease of finding appropriate talent for web series
60%
38%
40%
25%
20% 15%
12%
8%
2%
0%
Very difficult Somewhat It depends Somewhat easy Very easy Not applicable
difficult

Related to the issue of retaining talent is the issue of sustainability. In an environment where teams
are small and financing is scarce, web series creators must work on all of the other parts of the
business from writing and producing, to managing finances, marketing distribution and partnerships.
One web series creator says, “as soon as you do anything on the web, the old silos begin to blur. Every
job is every job. I tell everyone, you’re never going to sleep again!” Without the right skills and
support, it can be a quick road to burnout.
How Sustainable is the “All hands on deck” model?

“You’re always looking for someone who can pull off miracles on a dime. I - as the producer/co-
creator - spent two days carving Styrofoam. We don’t have the luxury of hiring a huge crew. All
web series producers are fully involved in all aspects of production. It creates a sense of ownership
that doesn’t happen in television.
But…we’ve hit our cap as an industry. I don’t think we can grow any further if we keep working
that way. How do you build the infrastructure to grow? Can you find people you trust enough and
take a more hands-off approach?”
Ontario-based web series creator
3.2 Recognition and awards

Ontario-based web series creators are internationally renowned and respected for their production
values, audience engagement levels, audience reach and numbers, and quality of storytelling. One
measure of this exposure is international awards and accolades for web series: at web fests, respected
awards shows, and from critics worldwide. Exposure from awards and festival screenings, as well as
mainstream media, can also go a long way towards “breaking through the noise” online and

attracting new viewers – crucial boosts when one considers that many creators may not earn back
their production budgets in terms of revenue.
One web series creator explained the need for recognition as a way to showcase web series talent and
quality saying, “There's also a stigma that web series are of low quality. A lot has been done to change
that over the last two or so years, but we're still fighting an uphill battle. A little media focus on the
right projects could go a long way to remedying that misconception.”
Toronto's first international web series festival, TO Web Fest, took place in 2014 but independent web
series creators have been showcasing their content at international festivals for some time. Many of
the case study subjects are multi-award-winners and have screened at numerous festivals around the
world. The figure below presents the number of web series submitted to, and accepted by, a range of
top festivals. What is evident is the predominance of international festivals at which Ontario-based
web series creators successfully screened their shows as just two of the festivals were based in
Canada. 13 That being said, the overall participation in festivals was still quite low, owing perhaps to
the youth of the industry and barriers to submission such as cost, selection committees and/or
general lack of awareness.
Figure 22 Web series submitted to and accepted by festival, 2013
LAWebFest
HollyWeb Festival
Vancouver Web Fest Submitted

Raindance Web Fest Accepted
Banff World Media Festival
Marseilles Web Fest
Australia/Melbourne WebFest
ATL WebFest
0 1 2 3 4 5

The figure below shows the number of awards nominations and wins earned by web series creators in
2013. Once again, Ontario-based web series creators were recognized at both Canadian and
international award shows. The overall participation for awards appears to be higher than for festivals,
owing perhaps to fewer administrative burdens for the web series creator themselves to tackle as part
of the submission process.
13
HollyWeb takes place in LA, Raindance takes place in London, UK, ATL is the Atlanta web festival.

Figure 23 Awards nominated and won, 2013
Webby Awards Nominated
Won
WebFests
Streamies
International Academy of Web Television Awards
Indie Series Awards
Emmy
Digi Awards
Canadian Screen Award
Banff Rockie Award
Other
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Participation in web series festivals and awards won can also be valuable metrics for ongoing tracking
of the industry’s performance and exposure, in Canada and internationally.
The final case study presents Dan Speerin of Truth Mashup, a political satire web series which, in the
absence of funding, relies on partnerships, ancillary revenue streams and advertising to produce content.
This case study describes some of the competition for audience’s attention online and the challenge of
breaking through “the noise” of a seemingly endless supply of free online content.

Dan Speerin – Truth Mashup
www.truthmashup.com
Genre: Comedy, Factual, Politics Business Model Considerations
Target Audience: Viewers with The Truth Mashup model is not unlike many small, independent
businesses. The creators are passionate about what they do but also aware
an interest in current affairs,
that they cannot rely on a single and small revenue source (in this case,
satire and political comedy
YouTube). For now, the team has “other gigs” but hope Truth Mashup will
(skews older than a typical web
eventually become their primary professional engagement. In this context,
series audience).
Dan raised five key business model considerations:
Background: Dan has formal 1) The internet encourages a low attention span and audiences expect a
post-secondary training in Film constant upload schedule. Unlike TV, even top fans may not stay loyal
and TV production, plus after a summer break. As a creator, beware of burnout and look for
experience in network television, ways to maximize exposure and audience engagement (e.g., social
but began experimenting with media, speaking events and mainstream news coverage).
YouTube after undergrad.
2) Seek viewers not views. Dan explains that while virality is great, new
The desire for creative control and emerging business models are privileging your repeat and return
and independence drove the audiences. New platforms (like Patreon) are enabling loyal fans to
Truth Mashup team to take their contribute seamlessly to your program on a regular basis.
“Daily Show style” show online in 3) Remember that satire, factual and other non-fiction content is not
2012 when 1) internet tools eligible for IPF funding. Similarly, crowdfunding is great if one has a
caught up to the distribution built an audience for a narrative show but is not as strong for building
aspirations of content creators YouTubers/v-loggers.
and 2) the cost of production
4) Sponsorships and branded content or entertainment can be a viable
equipment dropped, enabling
revenue source but, again, may not be compatible for a satire show.
creators to produce and stream
Dan urges content creators to weigh the potential trade-offs carefully.
top quality content on the web.
5) Dan sees major opportunities to support and champion Canadian
Distribution: YouTube, primarily. content creators online. He advocates learning in part from the ICT and
In 2013 Truth Mashup's YouTube digital media industries and hub models such as the RyersonDMZ.
channel became the first Web Series Industry Considerations:
Canadian partner with the “multi-
channel network” (MCN), The Online, the signal-to-noise ratio is a huge challenge. There is no shortage
Young Turks (TYT). This MCN link of content and breaking through to your target audience is a major hurdle.
allowed Truth Mashup to tap into In this context, web series creators must maintain a near-constant focus on
the huge TYT audience. Dan says, engagement - a hefty challenge for young creators. At the helm of a
"Without them we would have political satire show, Dan has to balance his Google Analytics results with a
drowned." Have also partnered focus on creating thought-provoking and edgy content.
with CBC Radio and Break.com. Attention from mainstream media is one way to break through the noise,
though Dan finds the Canadian media to be largely dismissive of web
Viewership: Past year: 500,000 series (the lack of star system applies online too). Dan sees many ways to
(65,000 monthly views, 250,000 - promote and support Canadian web series e.g., to theatre audiences and
300,000 minutes watched in TV critic round-ups. He also suggests that creators would love to make
monthly). YouTube Channel more Canadian content but once you carve up the small population it is a
Subscribers: 4,000. hard sell to advertisers. This pressure can lead to going "broad" i.e.,
Audience: 41% Canada, 35% US, targeting global viewers with global content.
Remainder UK, Australia and
Europe.

4. The Future of Web Series
In the context of screen convergence, Canadians consuming more video content online and
predicted growth in production volume, this sub-section presents some of the challenges facing the
web series industry as it looks to the future.
4.1 Barriers to growth

Survey respondents were asked to rate the extent to which a range of factors hindered the growth of
their web series business. The rating scale was as follows:
 “0”: Not a barrier at all
 “1”: A minor barrier
 “2”: A significant but manageable barrier
 “3”: A major barrier
 “4”: A critical barrier
The chart below presents the average score for each factor. The near critical-level barriers were both
related to financing (availability of private and/or public financing). Earlier survey results reported that
the vast majority of web series creators did not draw on public sources of financing and that much
content is ineligible for the single fund that is most relevant to web series creators – the IPF.
Figure 24 Barriers to growth, web series
Availability of private financing 3.36
Availability of public financing 3.35

Ability to make advantageous deals with platforms or
2.72
distributors
Access to foreign markets 2.45
Management, business, marketing and/or sales expertise 2.42
Access to experienced mentors 2.41
Level of industry cohesion or collaboration 2.22
Cost of doing business in Ontario 1.75
Demand for your products/services 1.64
Quality of available creative and technical talent 0.98
Not a barrier A significant but A critical

at all manageable barrier
barrier

Many barriers shown above such as, “Ability to make advantageous deals with platforms and
distributors” and “Access to foreign markets” are in some ways related to the newness of the web
series industry and its entrepreneurial, rather than corporate culture. The web series community in
Ontario blends experience and youth, risk-taking and passion with a willingness to collaborate and
share knowledge; but there are a lack of mechanisms to do so. The industry’s need for additional
support infrastructure is evident in the ratings for: “Management, business, marketing and/or sales
expertise”, “Access to experienced mentors” and “Level of industry cohesion or collaboration.”
One web series creator also explained that many creators want to create content which appeals
uniquely to Canadians (e.g., about Canadian history, pop culture, news and politics) but are forced
instead to “go broad” with non-Canadian stories in order to attract viewers and advertisers. He
explains, “Once you carve up the small Canadian population to "online users" then again to "Canadian
YouTube users" and then carve again with YouTube's funding model - it's a hard sell.”
In some respects the same pressures which Canadian film and television producers faced over the
past few decades are now being faced by the most successful web series creators. Anecdotally,
according to one interviewee, many “YouTubers” in Canada are apparently contemplating relocating
to LA in order to “make it.” How the CRTC regulates (or does not regulate) Canadian content
requirements for platforms such as Netflix and other over-the-top offerings could have an enormous
impact on the future of web series content. In fact, changes may be underway imminently. As a result
of its “Let’s Talk: A Conversation with Canadians” consultation and review of television in Canada, the
CRTC has stated that they will be suggesting “major changes to the television system.” 14
4.2 Industry organization

With little in the way of marketing budgets but with intense pressure to appeal to audience
engagement, web series creators face a challenging road to success. Interviewees were unanimous in
their observations that the web series community was unique in its open, “close-knit” and
collaborative dedication to furthering the industry as a whole and supporting the talented storytellers
within it. As one interviewee explained, “Everyone answers their phone in this industry. It’s a difficult
production world, but everyone is working together.” That being said, as described previously, web
series creators are forced to take on all aspects of development and distribution including financing
and marketing and must seize any opportunity to promote the show, connect with viewers and raise
awareness about the industry. There was a resounding call for further industry education and support
tools and skills development in order to nurture a relatively young industry towards maturity.
The figure below presents the association memberships held among survey respondents. As seen
previously, the web series community overlaps slightly with the digital media industry (6% of
respondents are also member of InteractiveOntario) and with traditional film and television entities
such as ACTRA (11%), WIFT-T (6%) and CMPA (3%).
14
CRTC, “Let's Talk TV: A Conversation with Canadians.” Retrieved from http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/talktv-
parlonstele.htm

Figure 25 Association memberships
IWCC-CIWC 63%
Artist-run centre (e.g., Charles Street Video) 20%
ACTRA 11%
Interactive Ontario 6%
WIFT 6%
Co-operative 3%
CMPA 3%
Other 31%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The launch of the IWCC, which has captured approximately 63% of the Ontario-based industry as its
members, and events like TO Web Fest are important steps towards greater industry cohesion,
strategy and development.

5. Conclusion
In today’s converging landscape, independent Canadian web series creators are operating at the
frontier of new screen-based storytelling. Risk-takers and innovators, they have adopted a keen
audience focus that sets them apart from their counterparts in traditional film and television. With a
focus on niche, rather than mass audiences, web series creators are experimenting with a range of
business models, though ultimately the majority are bootstrapping with their personal savings.
High quality, award-winning content being created amid low revenue. Growth in production
volume predicted.
For the most part, the web series environment in Ontario is one where high quality, award-winning
content is being created at a low cost, often with creators’ own money and the support of volunteers.
Looking ahead, web series creators predict strong growth in content creation and production
volume. Some web series creators are successfully establishing national and international distribution
partnerships in order to support both revenue and audience growth.
International success, from the grassroots
With little infrastructure, a low base of creators and little industry support, Ontario-based web series
creators have earned international awards, festival accolades and are beginning to explore content
translation deals for greater exposure in international markets. Web series creators are both “digital
natives” – launching their careers in web series, as well as working in traditional film and television.
Many creators draw on their earnings from traditional film and television work and personal savings
in order to develop top quality content.
Emerging rather than established business models, but plenty of R&D
From the franchise thinking described by Jill Golick and Felice Gorica’s “Niche Network” to advances
in crowdfunding-based subscription services, new business models for web series are emerging and
evolving rapidly. Some services, such as Subbable and Patreon are as yet relatively untested, but web
series creators are nonetheless experimenting at the forefront of online content monetization, the
results of which could have major implications for the rest of the audiovisual sector.
Cutting-edge practices in terms of audience focus and understanding the niche
Established niches or communities of interest are required for successful web series. Given the move
in advertising to hyper-targeted advertisements, knowing how to interact effectively with one’s niche
viewership will be a critical still for the entire audio-visual sector.
Need for greater industry infrastructure and education
On and off-set, web series creators are multitaskers, handling all aspects of business and content.
Even for established and experienced creators, the pressure and potential for burnout is high. There
was a resounding call among respondents for further industry education and support tools and skills
development in order to nurture this relatively young industry towards sustainable growth.

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Industry Profile of the

Independent Web Series Creators

May 30, 2014

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 1 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 2 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 3 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 4 of 38

Advanced audience engagement

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 5 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 6 of 38

1.1 Objectives for this report

1.2 Approach and methodology

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 7 of 38

1.3 What is a web series?

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 8 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 9 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 10 of 38

Genre: Children’s Business Model Considerations

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 11 of 38

2.1 Industry overview

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 12 of 38

Kingsville Kitchener Oshawa Perth St. Catharines

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 13 of 38

Short films 52%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2.2 Industry activity

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 14 of 38

2.3 Industry revenue

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 15 of 38

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

Personal savings 68%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 16 of 38

Subbable and Patreon: Crowdfunding Meets Consistency

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 17 of 38

Genre: Comedy Beyond Fundraising: Crowdfunding as Interactive Audience Engagement

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 18 of 38

Advertising/Revenue share 70%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2.4 Volume of production

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 19 of 38

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 20 of 38

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 21 of 38

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 22 of 38

Genre: Factual, Business Model Considerations

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 23 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 24 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 25 of 38

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 26 of 38

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 27 of 38

Genre: Drama Accessing a Specific Niche Audience

Industry Profile of Independent Web Series Creators of Ontario – Final Report 28 of 38

Source: Nordicity survey of independent web series creators, 2014