Laura Conway on Web Series: Production Day

EDITOR’S NOTE: Here it is. The sixth and – oh no! – final chapter in Laura’s series on the making of her very, very, very popular – over 3 million views – interweb series hit The Vamps Next Door.

Relax, Kid, You’re Not Making Star Wars
by Laura Conway

I try to be positive, but having a big imagination works both ways. Try to imagine the worst possible thing that can go wrong during your production. For me, that involves death, so if nobody dies, it was a great shoot. And when it’s over, you can happily say that it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. You’re not making Star Wars here, so focus on the positives of the experience or you’ll miss all the fun. read article

Laura Conway on Web Series: Putting Together Your Crew

EDITOR’S NOTE: Here’s the fifth chapter in Laura Conway’s series on the making of her very, very, very popular – over 3 million views – interweb series hit The Vamps Next Door.

Assemble the Right Crew or Risk Major Mental Collapse (Oy!)
by Laura Conway

After casting is done, I assemble the crew. How big a crew varies depending on the budget. If you want to enjoy making your web series, hire the right crew or risk a major panic attack. I’ve tried it both ways. The way without the mental breakdown is best. read article

Laura Conway on Web Series: Casting The Performers

EDITOR’S NOTE: Here it is. The fourth chapter in Laura’s series on the making of her very, very, very popular – over 3 million views – interweb series hit The Vamps Next Door.

Uh-oh, We’re ThisClose to Showtime!
by Laura Conway

After finding a director, it’s time to cast performers. I’m in the LA area and for posting a casting call I like to use either Breakdown Express or LA Casting. I don’t post the same casting on both. I did that once and it was a nightmare to organize.

I rent a theater with a stage to conduct auditions. This gives my low budget project a sense of professionalism. Phil and I once did a Vamps Next Door audition in a park and we looked like pervy stalkers. More him than me, but still… I hire an actor to be at the auditions to read lines with the performers. Some producers film auditions, but I only do that if a decision maker can’t attend. Otherwise, it’s just extra work. read article

Laura Conway on Web Series: Finding and Working with a Director

EDITOR’S NOTE: Here it is. The third chapter in Laura’s series on the making of her very, very, very popular – over 3 million views – interweb series hit The Vamps Next Door.

Man Up, Kid Cause This is Gonna Hurt…So Good
by Laura Conway

Deciding to make your script into a web series means it’s no longer just about you, it’s about a collaboration with others. If you’re controlling and obsessive over your writing like I am, let me warn you that the first time is going to hurt. (but no pain, no gain)

Before any casting is done, find a director because directors need to be a part of the casting process. Unless you’ve got experience directing, I don’t think you should direct your own episode. It’s harder than it looks. read article