Creating a web series can be an exciting and creative endeavor, but it’s essential to go about it the right way. In this review of the web series Art vs. Reality, Peter reflects on what he learned from making it and shares some valuable insights for anyone thinking of embarking on a similar project.
The idea for Art vs. Reality came about when Peter was studying at the Glasgow School of Art in 2013. Visited by Ronny Chin and Fraser Dempsey, he asked if they would like to make a web series about the art world. They agreed, and when Peter returned to Adelaide, they got to work on it straight away. However, they soon realized that they had some unrealistic expectations about the production value they could achieve.
Peter shares three key lessons from their experience creating the series. Firstly, don’t choose an outdoor location. Shooting in an alley proved problematic as they had to stop shooting every time someone wanted to use the bins or a truck came down the alley. Secondly, be realistic about your capabilities. They were inexperienced and only a crew of three, but they took on a level of production that was more suited to a crew of ten or twelve people. Finally, have a budget. They had no money, and while it was good fun at first, it started to put a strain on them over time.
Despite the challenges they faced, Peter loved making Art vs. Reality and would like to keep making it in some way. He plans to change the format to make it more experimental and open it up to cover a range of different things. While the show began as a way of having fun, he believes it’s an amazing privilege to be able to work on something creative with friends and wants to keep finding ways to make it enjoyable.
In conclusion, if you’re thinking of making a web series, take Peter’s advice and learn from the mistakes he made. Don’t choose an outdoor location, be realistic about your capabilities, and have a budget. With these tips in mind, you’ll be better equipped to create a successful and enjoyable web series that you’ll be proud of.