Last week, a reporter from TubeFilter-- the ezine that likens itself as the online cousin to Daily Variety-- decided to do a story on LAWEBFEST Founder and Executive Director Michael Ajakwe Jr. The focus was going to to be on this weekend's innovative first all-web series festival. Days later, however, Tubefilter's stated that a decision was made to bury the LA Web Fest story. No reason was given as to why.That interview-- the one Tubefilter conducted with the African American Emmy-winning writer and producer -- is under the hood. Since they won't run it... we will as an exclusive!
Tubefilter interview date: March 16, 2010
Reporter: Jenni Powell, Tubefilter
Subject: Michael Ajakwe Jr., Executive Director & Founder, LAWEBFEST
Tubefilter-- What inspired you to start this festival?
M.A.-- I have been saying for about two years now that somebody needs to start a film festival showcasing some of the really cool work being done on the web because it seems every day I am discovering a new show on the Internet that I think is really cool. Well, after waiting for "somebody" to step up and do it, I decided to be that "somebody"; or, as I like to kid, "I Am! Somebody!"
Tubefilter-- Can you share with me your background in New Media?
M.A.-- I have been watching online content for about three years. Like many New Media "experts", my background is in other related media like TV and film. I have been a TV writer-producer for 21 years, beginning with entertainment news ("Entertainment Tonight," "E!") and later crossing over to scripted comedies ("Martin," "Sister Sister", "Brothers Garcia," "Eve", "Talk Soup").
About 18 months ago, I created my own web series, "Who..." and spent most of 2009 filming Season 1 (12 episodes). I created, wrote, produced and directed the entire series. I also formed my own webvision channel, AjakweTV.com. I have done workshops in Los Angeles, Virginia and soon Chicago on writing and producing creative content for the web.
Tubefilter-- How is this conference unique from say IAWTV?
M.A.-- IAWTV is more like an unofficial union of web producers who network with each other and honor web series, performers and creators in an annual ceremony, The Streamy Awards; we are strictly a web series festival. LAWEBFEST is here to celebrate the web series by bringing creators together under one roof for three days and showing their work; we are honoring some of this work.
There is also an educational component to the festival. We are holding workshops and panels dealing with most every aspect of producing web content-- creation, writing, acting, marketing, etc. I feel we actually compliment what IAWTV does and I support them in the best way because I am also an IAWTV member (smile).
Tubefilter-- How were the "winners" picked? Such as Best Comedy, etc.?
M.A.-- Like many film and tv festivals, we have members of our staff and our board involved in the judging process. We also have outside judges. Some work in the web industry, some don't. I like mixing up the pot with different points of views. It keeps things fresh and unpredictable and gives more talent a chance to stand out. Our awards have less to do with who is "The Best" and more to do with "Outstanding Achievement" in a particular area of the creative process.
So at our awards banquet, you might see two or even three web series, performers or technicians recognized for their work as opposed to the traditional single "winner" per category concept. The only show in the festival that has no shot at winning any awards is my show "Who..." (for obvious reasons). Hopefully, no one is taking any of these awards too seriously since, at the end of the day, we know virtually ALL awards are subjective.
Tubefilter--Do you plan on making this an annual event?
M.A.-- Based on the response we received in our maiden year (nearly 100 applicants), yes. Unfortunately, we could only choose 50 (48 to be exact). Our goal is to not just show one particular type of web series. We are showcasing some of the other forms that have become popular as well-- VLOGS, Travel & Lifestyle, Talk, to go along with the traditional comedies and drama. But the response was amazing. We have web creators flying in from Canada, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New York. But most of our entries were from right here on the west coast.
These talents are hungry for a place to showcase what they are doing beyond just the 'Net because, let's face it, even though the content is there to view online, a lot of people are still not watching. This gives them a chance to see what they're missing, go home later and tune in to see more and, of course, tell a friend. So, yes, I would say LAWEBFEST is here to stay.
Tubefilter-- What are some challenges you've faced in organizing this event?
M.A.-- The usual when you have something new-- credibility. Some people wonder how "legit" is this festival. Can we really deliver? And who's behind this event? Fortunately, I have 27 years of experience working in 6 different creative disciplines-- PR, journalism, TV, film, theater and now webvision. I have won various awards for my producing work (including an Emmy) so the curious can check out my website (www.michaelajakwe.com) or IMDB Pro or Google me, as I'm sure most have already done. My resume speaks for itself.
A lot of people in the web game maybe have a few years of experience working in the digital space and maybe that's all they've done; or they have a TV background; or a film background; or a business and finance background. Nothing wrong with that. However, I do feel that my broad range of experience is a big plus when it comes to producing a festival.
It doesn't hurt that I have my own webvision channel (Ajakwetv.com) and that I have actually produced a full season of a web series ("Who...") with more shows on the way. Despite my background, putting on this festival is still a ton of work. You can't pull something like this off if you don't know what you're doing or have a strong team behind you.
We aren't funded by any major corporations nor do we have any big sponsors. And yet, here we are. We exist and we are happening the weekend of March 26th. We're not big and flashy and we don't have to be. No one is coming to LAWEBFEST for that. People are coming for entertainment and substance. That is our focus -- to screen fun, diverse shows and hold fun, informative panels and workshops that will be helpful to our audience.
Tubefilter-- What has been the most rewarding part of planning the event?
M.A.-- The joy I hear in the emails and voice mails of those planning to take part in LAWEBEST. They are excited just to be a part of the weekend. Also, panelists and workshop participants are also enthused about the festival because something like this has never been done when it comes to web shows. I mean, there are a few all-web series festival that take place online. But we are the first one to ask folks to leave their homes and come out to a theater to watch original shows they cannot see on TV or at the movies; a new form of programming that is a part of an underground mass movement of creators-- some professional, some not-- who have found a way to by-pass the traditional Hollywood gatekeepers.
It's such a good feeling to know that so many people want to show their stuff. Just like how water will always find a way out, so will creative expression. The web has become that way and I think it's fantastic.
Tubefilter-- Anything else you'd like to plug or share?
M.A.-- Yes. LAWEBFEST is for the professional and nonprofessional; the "web expert" or just the "web curious." We welcome everyone. Webvision is still a very new medium of expression and so why not try new things? We're not married to the old way of doing things because the old way is not always the best way. We might be the first of our kind but we won't be the last.
I expect to see more of these type of festivals springing up all over the country over the next few years, which would be a very good thing because Hollywood (and I work in Hollywood-- that's what pays the bills) believes that it has a monopoly on creative talent-- in front and behind the camera-- but that's not necessarily true. Hollywood misses the boat on talent every day because Hollywood doesn't look for talent everywhere. Our theme this year is "new visions for a new frontier." But the LAWEBFEST motto is evergreen: "You can find greatness anywhere-- in anybody."
See you at LAWEBFEST, March 26-28 in LA. Click here for details.