Revision3 Beta, the minor league for webisodes

Media is starting to look like some weird fractal zoom pattern where every tiny eyelet contains another, smaller universe of even tinier eyelets.

Evidence Revision3 Beta, the new webisode sandbox that web TV network Revision3 is officially launching Monday, where new amateur-ish shows can ride Revision3's brand power in a race to win bigger audiences. 

Given that online TV is often considered the farm league for offline TV, this means we now have a farm league within a farm league. And since several of the Revision3 beta shows themselves graduated from the YouTube-like Viddler video platform, you could extend the metaphor and say this is a farm league, cubed.

Shows like HackCollege (how to get through college more quickly and "without Adderall"), and "Bottles, Blends and Brews" (lots of drink reviews) are, production-wise, a half-step down from Revision3's already inexpensive web shows, but a half-step up from the legions of YouTube shows that are made for free. See what I'm saying? Until now, who knew that such a half-step even existed?

Anyone can submit their episodic show to Beta -- which says it is not putting a limit on the number of programs it will host. If your show is accepted, Revision3 gives you a production deal. (For an idea of how much/little money this involves, refer to the previous paragraph's half-step conceit). Still, the exposure Revision3 can offer to a show -- for one thing, a reprieve from the anonymity of infinity that is YouTube -- is itself a considerable boon to web producers. 

The site's initial slate, which offers mostly commentary and how-to type shows on music, food, finance, tech, and sexy things, feature hosts that are, again, better than YouTube little leaguers but perhaps not ready for the pros. In terms of who might eventually be drafted to the majors, I'm a fan of Walt, the guy who teaches you the basics of music theory faster than you can say sousaphone.

— David Sarno

Comments

[Walt Ribeiro]

Revision 3 Beta is a great asset to the online video community. David, thanks for the kind words! This was a great post, and I appreciate the support.

I watched the other shows on Rev3 Beta and they are all entertaining and well produced.

[Kelly Sutton]

You hit the nail right on the head, David. It's exciting being a part of something new (albeit small). Hopefully it's up and away from here.

[Rob Sandie]

Great post on how Revision3beta fits in!