“Get on a web series” is popular advice to up and coming actors these days. And why not? They’re new, hot and popping up everywhere - and who knows, maybe it could lead to stardom. However, this writer’s experience is, most web series suck. Despite often great marketing, content heavy websites and even star power, the majority of web shows suffer from low production value, weak storylines and sub-par or outright amateurish acting. Since low barrier to entry and huge audience potential makes this a powerful medium we need to get to the bottom of the problem.

With a web series, the same rules apply to making a successful television series, feature film or stage play… you need a good story, perfectly executed. And that, my friends, starts with good, ol’ fashioned writing.

So, can you squeeze a well-developed and compelling storyline into ten minutes (tops) of tight, fun entertainment? Then writing internet programming could be your calling. Doors, a web series from Lloyd Pictures set for a Halloween release, targets the short attention span, yet always content-hungry internet masses.

“A single location with minimal characters allows for tighter shoots and higher production value,” says Raymond Lloyd, writer and director of the series. “But, as with any production, ultimately it’s the story that keeps viewers coming back for more.”

The secret to success then, you ask? Create an intriguing, complex world in a single location with compelling characters. Many writers will confess that it wasn’t until forced into this quandary that they emerged skillful storytellers. Limitations lead to creativity, and after all, that’s what storytelling is all about.

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