Written by Liz Gannes
Posted Monday, November 10, 2008 at 9:50 PM PT

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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Topic: Hitlines, Shows & Stars

Comments (16)

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 — 4:48 AM on November 11, 2008 Reply
Hey Liz, great choices! Of these breakout video stars, any insights into their business success (e.g. advertising, e-commerce)? Thanks.

Jeff — 6:30 AM on November 11, 2008 Reply
Very cool selection – and a few I have yet to see. Quickly going to rectify that!
Have a great day!

Ian Maffett — 7:40 AM on November 11, 2008 Reply
Hey Jeff, I think/hope we’ll be hearing a lot more about their business success at the conference on Thursday.

Liz Gannes, NewTeeVee — 8:48 AM on November 11, 2008 Reply
felicia day is amazing but i have to ask– what does buck DOOOOOOOO???!?!?!?!

confused charlie — 9:09 AM on November 11, 2008 Reply
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 — 9:40 AM on November 11, 2008 Reply
@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 — 12:04 PM on November 11, 2008 Reply
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 — 12:10 PM on November 11, 2008 Reply
Good list, but the real question is…who is most likely to be 2009’s breakout video star?

Josh — 11:26 PM on November 11, 2008 Reply
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 — 12:20 PM on November 12, 2008 Reply
“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 — 3:27 PM on November 12, 2008 Reply
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 — 9:19 PM on November 12, 2008 Reply
thats haken awsome!!!!!

anna — 7:56 AM on November 13, 2008 Reply
He’s funny. I wsh I had his e-mail.

Steve Martinez — 7:09 AM on March 15, 2009 Reply
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 — 1:39 PM on May 2, 2009 Reply
Nice post, I always make a point of checking your blog, keep up the good work. Barbabra

Barbara Flemming — 6:44 PM on May 14, 2009 Reply

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