Announcing the NewTeeVee Top 10 Breakout Video Stars of 2008
Felicia Day
If scripted web series had a poster girl in 2008, it was definitely Felicia Day. First, the actress/writer/producer created her own show, The Guild, from bottom up, and by developing funny and original characters while also tapping into the popular niche community of World of Warcraft afficionados, the show developed such a wildly loyal fanbase that the production costs of its last seven episodes were paid entirely by viewer donations.
Then, Joss Whedon (who had previously cast her in the seventh season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) saw what she was up to and thought it looked like fun — thus leading him to sink a large chunk of his own cash into producing Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-Long Blog, starring Day as love interest to both Nathan Fillion and Neil Patrick Harris. (Whedon asked Day to participate via a cryptic email reading simply “Can you sing? -J.”)
All this success means that Day is now a hot commodity, making guest spots on the TV series House and Roommates, and selling Cheetoes and bright red washer/dryers in various ad spots. And season 2 of The Guild, now under production, is currently in negotiations to secure financing — without Day and co-producer Kim Evey having to sell the rights to the show, which Day was determined not to do. Those seeking to use web video to further their careers could do much worse than to emulate her example — but the most important thing they should take note of is her friendly and open interaction with fans. Day knows exactly what she owes the nerds. Mainly because she is one herself.
(Liz Shannon Miller)
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Yay!
Thanks guys!
I can’t believe this is the video you posted! Yikes!
I think I may have to give the award back based on this!
HAHAHHAHAHHAHA
See you soon!
Buck
Buck on November 11th, 2008 at 4:48 am - Permalink
Hey Liz, great choices! Of these breakout video stars, any insights into their business success (e.g. advertising, e-commerce)? Thanks.
Jeff on November 11th, 2008 at 6:30 am - Permalink
Very cool selection – and a few I have yet to see. Quickly going to rectify that!
Have a great day!
Ian Maffett on November 11th, 2008 at 7:40 am - Permalink
Hey Jeff, I think/hope we’ll be hearing a lot more about their business success at the conference on Thursday.
Liz Gannes on November 11th, 2008 at 8:48 am - Permalink
[...] Lee Rose, Jessica Rose, LG15, lonelygirl15, NewTeeVee, sorority forever, The Guild, Wine Library TV NewTeeVee has announced their top 10 breakout web stars for 2008. The list includes Jessica Rose of “Sorority [...]
NewTeeVee’s breakout web stars « Tizzyblog’s Weblog on November 11th, 2008 at 9:00 am - Permalink
felicia day is amazing but i have to ask– what does buck DOOOOOOOO???!?!?!?!
confused charlie on November 11th, 2008 at 9:09 am - Permalink
[...] Jake and I were named one of NewTeeVee.com’s Top 10 Video Breakout Stars of 2008! [...]
BeingFamous.com | Amir’s Online Home » We’re #1-ish! We’re #1-ish! on November 11th, 2008 at 9:34 am - Permalink
Felicia Day = Awesome. I can’t wait for the second season of The Guild.
I’m going to check out a few of those that I haven’t heard about before.
Congrats to all!
Eric Curtis on November 11th, 2008 at 9:40 am - Permalink
@Jeff: Actually, Felicia Day and I are gonna talk about our hair, mostly. Styling products, blow driers vs. straighteners, that sort of thing.
Liz Shannon Miller on November 11th, 2008 at 12:04 pm - Permalink
I love that Conan towers over Gary. If Conan gets too annoyed, he can just squish Gary under his heel like an angry giant.
Matt Enlow on November 11th, 2008 at 12:10 pm - Permalink
[...] for online video (because of the economy.)And in-between these weighty deliberations we will meet the Top 10 Breakout Video Stars, most of whom will make live [...]
Meet 10 Breakout VideoStars of 2008 at NewTeeVee Live - GigaOM on November 11th, 2008 at 8:06 pm - Permalink
Good list, but the real question is…who is most likely to be 2009’s breakout video star?
Josh on November 11th, 2008 at 11:26 pm - Permalink
great list. It seems like the stuff that is taking off is highly focused and concept driven. can’t wait to see who makes the list next year!
Rosa Sow on November 12th, 2008 at 12:20 pm - Permalink
“Those seeking to use web video to further their careers could do much worse than to emulate her example — but the most important thing they should take note of is her friendly and open interaction with fans.”
Took the words right outta my mouth…
JenniPowell on November 12th, 2008 at 3:27 pm - Permalink
I watched one of the funniest shows today and this guy will be on the list next year for sure.
Statix.tv
GamerGuru
Cheers,
Steve
Steve on November 12th, 2008 at 9:19 pm - Permalink
thats haken awsome!!!!!
anna on November 13th, 2008 at 7:56 am - Permalink
[...] Here’s The Burg’s from last year, and there’s also ones from Break a Leg and our breakout video stars Jake and Amir and Fred. Or try [...]
A Video Handbook for the Holidays « NewTeeVee on December 25th, 2008 at 12:02 am - Permalink
[...] for online video (because of the economy.)And in-between these weighty deliberations we will meet the Top 10 Breakout Video Stars, most of whom will make live [...]
Meet 10 Breakout VideoStars of 2008 at NewTeeVee Live | Comcast Deals on January 13th, 2009 at 2:10 pm - Permalink
[...] Hooking Up With William Morris? [NewTeeVee] YouTube has already spawned its fair share of web video stars, but the video-sharing giant is now reportedly going after real celebrities. According [...]
FanTrust » Blog Archive » YouTube Hooking Up With William Morris? [NewTeeVee] on January 30th, 2009 at 9:47 am - Permalink
He’s funny. I wsh I had his e-mail.
Steve Martinez on March 15th, 2009 at 7:09 am - Permalink
[...] even the promise of free wine, Wine Library TV’s Gary Vaynerchuk (an NTV Breakout Video Star and old favorite) packed an auditorium here at South by Southwest Sunday evening with the [...]
The Wit and Wisdom of Gary Vaynerchuk « NewTeeVee on March 16th, 2009 at 4:34 pm - Permalink
[...] Watching Vaynerchuk is like a master class in brand building (a very hyperactive master class). The guy sticks to his message, engages with his community and constantly works to promote himself across every new platform available. He even squeezed in a video show during a recent flight on Southwest Airlines. No wonder we named him one of our 2008 Breakout Video Stars. [...]
Vaynerchuk Thunders Into Book Deal on April 2nd, 2009 at 1:24 pm - Permalink
Watching Vaynerchuk is like a master class in brand building (a very hyperactive master class). The guy sticks to his message, engages with his community and constantly works to promote himself across every new platform available. He even squeezed in a video show during a recent flight on Southwest Airlines. No wonder we named him one of our 2008 Breakout Video Stars.
noname on May 2nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm - Permalink
Nice post, I always make a point of checking your blog, keep up the good work. Barbabra
Barbara Flemming on May 14th, 2009 at 6:44 pm - Permalink