Show creator Ruth Livier, on the cutting edge of New Media
Livier Productions Inc. announced today that since the launch of season two, “Ylse” has rocketed from a few thousand online views to half a million. With season three already in pre-production and season four on the horizon, the path is clear to hit a projected 2.5 million views by the end of December 2010.
“Ylse,” created and produced by Ruth Livier, award-winning actor and writer, was recently featured on the cover of the WGA’s Written By as the first person to join the writers’ union for her work in New Media, setting an unheard-of precedent for a Latina working in Hollywood.
WGA was impressed with the fact that “Ylse” has been a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) union production from the start. A WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) representative called it “a rarity among web series.” Livier also hired veteran actress and director Elizabeth Peña to direct an episode under the DGA (Directors Guild of America) umbrella.
As a result of Livier’s innovative success through her carefully crafted online distribution and marketing strategy, last month she was invited to speak at the FCC Congressional Hearings in Washington D.C. Livier offered her expertise in the “Speech, Democratic Engagement, and the Open Internet” Congressional workshop.
“It was an honor to be invited to participate as a panelist on the first FCC workshop on net neutrality. Preserving a neutral non-discriminatory Internet is a freedom of speech issue,” said Livier. “I would encourage everyone who cares about preserving our First Amendment rights go to www.openinternet.gov. Comment and get involved with the process,” Livier added.
“Ylse is a smart, funny show, and a powerful example of what independent series creators can accomplish in a new era of entertainment. Blip.tv is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Ruth Livier to bring Ylse to a wide audience,” said Eric Mortensen, Director of Content Development, Blip.tv.
The timing of “Ylse” lends to its success: Nielsen’s estimates that online video usage in the United States has grown by more than 24 percent in the past year. New Media provides immediate feedback from and dialog with a worldwide audience. And since the show is now available with Spanish or English subtitles, fans from around the globe interact, chat, voice their opinions, and comment on hot topics featured on the weekly series.
Livier’s success with Ylse is no accident. “The show was conceived by an innovator who recognized online opportunities and jumped in by creating emotionally charged content. She is on the cutting edge of what this new media environment brings to the market,” said Marlene Forte, “Ylse” star and director.
“Ylse” is attracting top-notch Hollywood talent and is effectively finding a worldwide audience that reaches far beyond a target niche market.
“Ylse” webisodes are featured on: Blip.TV, Latinheat.com, Cinedulce.com, Generation-n.com, RowdyOrbit.com and Ylse.net.