Access is the best thing about online video. Negligible distribution costs and unbelievably low-priced production are changing the media landscape. Scaling the Everests that are major motion picture studios is no longer necessary to produce quality programming seen by millions. It only takes a camera, a computer, a YouTube account, mad skills, and a little je ne sais quoi to gain notoriety. Hollywood stardom isn’t the only ticket to success in the media industry.
And that brings me to the second best thing about online video: the Hollywood stars. Theatrical releases, a television schedule limited to the 24-hours in a day, and whimsical DVD extras are no longer the only venues for their talents. A lot of Hollywood’s hippest use the web as a creative outlet to mess around. Funny or Die’s Judd Apatow says it’s like a treehouse. I’ll just call it awesome.
Will Ferrell has his Landlord, Jerry O’Connell has his Tom Cruise, Derek Waters has his Drunk History, Michael Showwalter has his Showwalter, and (insert your fave celebrity’s online vids here). The latest member to the club is James Franco.
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Soaked in self-deprecating cool, James gets Stella Adler on little brother Davey and shows us how he’s a master of his craft.
