Web Show: How To Create a Skit Show

Skit shows have been a mainstay of entertainment since the earliest days of vaudeville, and they translated well to film and television. Now, they're also an excellent vehicle for a web show. If you're considering this, there are some key steps that can help you be successful as you create your own web skit show.

Step 1: Decide What Type

First, think about the primary types of skit show formats that people enjoy: comedy, dramatic and "reality". If you'd like to make people laugh and may have tried your hand at comedy skits, think about what inspires you in this genre. Is it "Saturday Night Live" or "Mad TV"? Maybe you're more serious. The dramatic anthologies of the 50s and 60s (recognized as television's "Golden Age") followed along the lines of "Playhouse 90" and "The Twilight Zone." Relatively new to the arena of skit entertainment is the reality show, like "Big Brother" or "The Bachelor."

What's your strength? Are you funny? Do comedy. Dramatic? Try an anthology type, where you can vary your story and background with each webisode. Do you have insight into peoples' lives? A reality show might be right for you. Work with your strength.
 
Step 2: Develop Your Project

Work with your material. One of the most valuable things you can do is script it out. (Note: in a general way, in terms of being prepared to capture the moments, this even applies to reality shows.) What do you want to say? Write it down. Prepare for production, and assemble your crew. Find friends with the talents you need-actors, cameramen, editors. Share your passion. People love to work with someone who is passionate about what they do. It builds their passion. In practical terms, remember to keep it short. Short is not only easier to shoot, it is also easier to release to the Internet.

Step 3: Shoot It

Once you have it planned out, with a script and a shooting schedule, production is your next step. Work with your cast and crew. Shoot it. Make sure you record the best version of your material. If someone makes a mistake with their line, do another take. Make sure you're satisfied. When all is shot, take it to your computer to edit. See how it plays. If it's comedy, remember timing is important. For drama, make sure you take the time to let the moment play. With reality shows, linger on the telling moments you capture. That's what the audience looks for. When it's all edited, finish it by adding appropriate music and credits.

Step 4: Delivery

Where can you share your vision? Two of the most popular venues for sharing your videos online are YouTube and Vimeo. However, you'll need to think about how long your piece will be, as these have time limits (however, most carriers have a Premium membership that allows longer material.)

As you explore these possibilities, you'll discover more of what you're good at. Remember, work with your strengths.