
Mobcaster is a platform that allows fans to directly support their favorite creators and get exclusive content in return. This innovative approach is changing the way independent television is funded.
By allowing fans to contribute money directly to the creators, Mobcaster is cutting out the middleman and giving creators more control over their work. This model is more equitable for creators and provides a more engaging experience for fans.
The platform is designed to be easy to use, with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for fans to find and support their favorite creators.
Crowdfunding for TV
Crowdfunding for TV is a game-changer. Mobcaster is an online platform that matches unfunded television writers and directors with passionate financial backers: television consumers.
You can post a 150-second pitch video and set your fundraising goal. Future audience members can pledge funding to shows they'd like to see produced using their personal PayPal accounts.
Aubrey Levy launched Mobcaster in late 2011 to resolve a problem he observed as an actor, television writer, and HBO digital media strategist. He saw that audiences had no say in what TV content they wanted to watch until it ended up on their screen.
Traditional studios spent more than $145 million producing some 75 pilots for the 2011 season, but only 25 saw any airtime, and fewer than 5 made it to a second season. Mobcaster can improve production efficiencies and increase the chances of a show's success.
The platform's first success is a sitcom called The Weatherman, now in preproduction starring Australian actor Robert Grubb. It raised over $70,000 from 103 Mobcaster "execs" to produce 6 episodes.
Show creators get to keep the other half of ad revenues on Mobcaster. This means they can earn money from their shows even if they don't get picked up by a traditional network.
Mobcaster takes a 5 percent cut of donations, and also stakes a claim to 15 percent revenue participation for shows that had at least a first season funded on the platform before being picked up by a studio.
Mobcaster's Launch
Mobcaster launched in November, and it's an online TV channel that uses a crowd-sourcing platform to identify, fund, and produce new TV series.
The Los Angeles-based website was founded by Aubrey Levy, a Hamilton-raised entrepreneur who aimed to democratize TV programming.
So far, Mobcaster has three projects in development, with one of them being a sitcom called The Weatherman, which raised over $70,000 from 103 Mobcaster "execs" to produce 6 episodes.
Crowdfunding Basics
Crowdfunding is a way to raise money for a project or business by collecting small amounts from a large number of people, typically through an online platform.
To start a successful crowdfunding campaign, you need to set a realistic goal and have a solid plan in place. According to Mobcaster's Launch, a typical crowdfunding campaign lasts for 30 days.
Before launching a campaign, it's essential to create a compelling pitch that showcases your project's unique value proposition. Mobcaster's Launch highlights the importance of having a clear and concise pitch that grabs the audience's attention.
A well-designed campaign page is crucial in making a good first impression. Mobcaster's Launch emphasizes the need for high-quality visuals, engaging content, and a clear call-to-action.
Building a strong community around your project is vital for its success. Mobcaster's Launch suggests leveraging social media and other online channels to raise awareness and generate buzz about your project.
Mobcaster's Approach
Mobcaster is an online TV channel that uses a crowd-sourcing platform to identify, fund, and produce new TV series.
The platform charges 5% of all funds raised, and only collects if a showrunner reaches their fund-raising goal.
Mobcaster helps TV creators and producers find an audience, fund their shows, and air their series online to build momentum towards a possible traditional TV air date.
The online TV channel gets investors and audiences involved in content development way before the traditional TV model.
Content creators can monetize their shows on Mobcaster by receiving a split on the advertising wrapped around the series that streams on Mobcaster TV.
Mobcaster's approach is to fill in the last piece of getting indie TV to an emerging digital world from the ground up.
The platform partners with content creators to bring original entertainment to consumers and fuel traditional networks with zero-cost concepts for airing consideration.
Mobcaster has raised $100k for new programming and partnered with TIVO for direct to consumer distribution.
The platform's success is built on the idea that consumers should get a far bigger say in what content they want to view, on what platform, and when they want to do so.
Sources
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/techonomy/2012/04/12/crowdfunding-for-couch-potatoes-mobcaster-wants-to-democratize-tv-programming/
- https://www.tubefilter.com/2012/05/09/mobcaster-crowdfunding-network-for-independent-television/
- https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/09/mobcaster-crowdfunds-the-weatherman/
- https://playbackonline.ca/2012/01/16/canadian-launches-new-mob-driven-online-tv-channel/
- https://alltopstartups.com/2013/01/07/founder-lessons-interview-aubrey-levy-co-founder-of-mobcaster-crowd-funded-online-tv/
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