I feel like the issue isn't the format of "short-form unscripted" and more that—just like every type of content format on the internet—there are bad versions and good versions. Thankfully, audiences can sniff out the formulaic ones and the watermark in the corner probably tips them off too. Today's algorithms reward serialized videos with some through line of familiarity (for now) so I don't think the space peaked last year necessarily. But agree that I hope we see more weird, inventive, freaky short-form unscripted *and* scripted shows. I'm excited about them!
I think serialized content is good and obviously my headline was a bit sensationalized! I think it’s the lack of innovation in the genre is what is missing. Nico’s show is a huge huge huge leap forward and it’s so original and thoughtful. It’s a great example of moving the genre forward.
Re: legacy media making good shows - I think that they historically take the time to ask WHY before making or doing something. A practice that many these days would scoff at for being an anachronistic waste of time and energy (JFDI!!! *insert nauseating hustle slogan*). But the content is better for it, as you say
i get this but also feel it’s a bit unfair/ shifting the blame. calling others who emulate you / were possibly inspired by you “lazy”, while not exactly claiming the same about your own work (which you state you don’t even really like) seems like a bit of a miss? i understand what you’re trying to say but i don’t think it comes across the exact way it’s intended.
ps i do enjoy subway takes, but pls bring back interviewing everyday ppl instead of just celebs!
1 out of 10 episodes of Subwaytakes are celebs. Maybe even 1 out of 20 if I’m being honest. Go look through the page. I don’t even remember who the last celebrity was…
I pointed out how my work is different than the shows I am critiquing. Also mentioned this is not a take-down, it’s a musing.
Also I love my work…I just didn’t think it was going to work. I did it because I love it. Thanks for your comment!!
I think this is a general problem of the internet. Imitation moves faster and faster. It’s too easy for everyone to do anything. They don’t encounter problems and have to bring some of them self in to solving it. In the age of low effort those who make some effort will win.
Now imagine content creators using AI to draft said scripts and those lengthy captions with listicles and 3 main points for them. No originality, a quick shortcut to the art form and process and this is also adding to oversaturating. Content creators are sounding like each other or really a chatbot.
"It opened new doors." I don't know if that was intentional or not, but still pretty funny. DING ding.
I think that's what sets you apart, that you're genuine. You do stuff because it's fun and interesting and that's the antithesis of slop. Slop is afraid to fail, or at the very least it's afraid of not making money. I mean, you're professional so your production values are good, too, but personality really shines through.
billy on the street ran with his 20 ft mic cable so y’all could hold tiny amazon mics in strangers’ faces.
“NAME A WOMAN”
This part!!!!
Stream my show https://www.instagram.com/borrowaboyfriend/
and s/o to any indie filmmaker tryna make it on social media
100% agree
I feel like the issue isn't the format of "short-form unscripted" and more that—just like every type of content format on the internet—there are bad versions and good versions. Thankfully, audiences can sniff out the formulaic ones and the watermark in the corner probably tips them off too. Today's algorithms reward serialized videos with some through line of familiarity (for now) so I don't think the space peaked last year necessarily. But agree that I hope we see more weird, inventive, freaky short-form unscripted *and* scripted shows. I'm excited about them!
I think serialized content is good and obviously my headline was a bit sensationalized! I think it’s the lack of innovation in the genre is what is missing. Nico’s show is a huge huge huge leap forward and it’s so original and thoughtful. It’s a great example of moving the genre forward.
Yes! Agree! It’s so good.
Re: legacy media making good shows - I think that they historically take the time to ask WHY before making or doing something. A practice that many these days would scoff at for being an anachronistic waste of time and energy (JFDI!!! *insert nauseating hustle slogan*). But the content is better for it, as you say
yes thank you smart sharp king
thank u very much
I LOVE WHEN YOU WRITE
i was inspired by our outing!!!
I remain inspired by our outing.
i get this but also feel it’s a bit unfair/ shifting the blame. calling others who emulate you / were possibly inspired by you “lazy”, while not exactly claiming the same about your own work (which you state you don’t even really like) seems like a bit of a miss? i understand what you’re trying to say but i don’t think it comes across the exact way it’s intended.
ps i do enjoy subway takes, but pls bring back interviewing everyday ppl instead of just celebs!
1 out of 10 episodes of Subwaytakes are celebs. Maybe even 1 out of 20 if I’m being honest. Go look through the page. I don’t even remember who the last celebrity was…
I pointed out how my work is different than the shows I am critiquing. Also mentioned this is not a take-down, it’s a musing.
Also I love my work…I just didn’t think it was going to work. I did it because I love it. Thanks for your comment!!
I think this is a general problem of the internet. Imitation moves faster and faster. It’s too easy for everyone to do anything. They don’t encounter problems and have to bring some of them self in to solving it. In the age of low effort those who make some effort will win.
Now imagine content creators using AI to draft said scripts and those lengthy captions with listicles and 3 main points for them. No originality, a quick shortcut to the art form and process and this is also adding to oversaturating. Content creators are sounding like each other or really a chatbot.
YOU WROTE THIS ON A PHONE???
I notice this is what happens when a format gets famous before people understand why it worked in the first place
"The intention is off, which is why the vibes are off. "
As someone who works in SMM, whenever your goal is "make it go viral" it begins the race to the bottom. Great post!
"It opened new doors." I don't know if that was intentional or not, but still pretty funny. DING ding.
I think that's what sets you apart, that you're genuine. You do stuff because it's fun and interesting and that's the antithesis of slop. Slop is afraid to fail, or at the very least it's afraid of not making money. I mean, you're professional so your production values are good, too, but personality really shines through.
Hahahahaa it was not an intended pun whoopsiss
anyway come do the show on BART, you get some crazy ish out here in the Bay Area
Okay, fine I’ll cancel my LA City Bus Takes idea 😔.
But in all seriousness, great read and interesting thoughts. I, too, love it when you write!
Brooklyn Coffee Shop is so good