another day another release

I’ve had some limited success with my youtube shorts so far, but the results have been encouraging. Most videos published receive about 25 – 50 views, but the last 3 shorts I’ve published have each amassed over 1.5 thousand on on day one.

This my marketing strategy to build an audience prior to the release of 30 minute episode one. I’m enthused that it appears to be working. Of course the only comments I’ve received are negative, but I am indifferent about it. Any person who takes time out of their day to criticize an unknown artist is not someone worth trying to impress.

I’ve decided while creating the shorts to design 2 videos simultaneously- one wide-screen version that’s runs 2-3 minutes and a short vertical video lasting 59 seconds or less.

I feel publishing both videos allows me to see when youtube will start recommending the longer videos, for that is the time episode 1 will be ripe to publish.

It has been fun creating the shorts because I finally have a way to attract an audience through the medium of story. That can be difficult whether you are writing books, screenplays, or directing a film. The cool part about animation is you are not limited by actors or locations. To put it another way, if I try to build an audience for a live action film, I have to put out the same amount of content but am limited with the material I have to work with. I don’t have any desire to build a “how to film” channel, because then my audience will be peers and film enthusiasts. I want to attract consumers of entertainment, so I must put out entertainment in order to reach them.

I am getting more efficient at the entire process and establishing a routine to put together new videos. By limiting myself to creating only assets that will be used in the short I am able to move faster.

Im excited to educate myself further on all things SEO. Though the youtube shorts are growing, my presence is non-existent on platforms such as tik tok, rumble,and instagram. I am certain each platform has a different code for the type of videos they recommend.

I look forward to future developments am grateful to whomever enjoys the journey with me.

when a prank GOES TOO FAR

When A Week of Work gets Flushed Away

I spent the entire week designing a puppet for a specific short idea I had. He was designed in 4 views with 8 different head movements. I had everything set up to go into the programming phase. And then, the file encountered an error, and I was unable to open any of it.

Obviously I felt utterly defeated. It was a waste of time and effort, and no amount of research could fix this (I checked the temp files, trust me).

Things like this happen time to time. I’ve allowed it to spiral my mood to devastating lows in the past. To put it bluntly, why not just give up when your work winds up worthless anyway.

Ive come to conclude that events like this occur for a reason, and it is wise to use them for a moment of introspection. I came to realize with this event that despite the hours I had already poured in, I has only just begun.

programming the puppets would take a full day. Recording their movements would be another half day. Then there is the design of the home that the character interacts with – 2 days. And finally there was a need to record 3 other puppet behaviors.

I feel strongly that I must make an attempt to move more efficiently than my competition. I believe it will define my success – or my failure. If I take too long to release new material I will never get off the starting line.

I spent the day creating a 5 minute short from beginning to end. It’s a little odd but I find it funny for some reason. Anyways I posted it above.

Hope your week has been well and you continue to trudge onward.

When You Tell Cable News 562 You Identify as a Robot

Here’s the widescreen version.

Well I finally did something right

So I spent my day yesterday creating a new short. The only difference being that this time I researched key words and took the time to title my video specifically to increase the exposure. To be honest I was hoping for maybe 10-15 more views than normal. I’ve been averaging about 40-60 views a on my last 4 shorts. Well I just posted this one less than 30 minutes ago and it’s already over 1.2 thousand views and more likes than I’ve ever gotten before. Needless to say I’m excited for a change. I’m still rendering out the widescreen version, which in my opinion is better, and hope to post it here for you soon.

I hope you have a great day and always remember the best is yet to come – especially if you think it’s decades behind you.

When Your Time and Effort Amount to Nothing

I’ve created 4 animated shorts now and have yet to receive the audience I was hoping for. I can’t say I’m surprised but I remain determined. I’ve identified the bottleneck in the creation process – the building and programming of new characters. By resisting the urge to create multiple face & body perspectives I can expedite the process. By reusing characters that are already drawn and programmed I cut this stage of the process out entirely.

I feel 2 short videos each week is a reasonable goal. I can create one short from start to finish within 24 hours, but that’s also using each hour that I’m awake.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the key to moving forward and expanding my audience (I should say finding one lol) is to improve on all things SEO related.

I watched a great video this morning that discovered the 3 emotions that drive clicks –

1. Curiosity
2. Fear
3. Desire

The video, which I’ll link to below, recommends curating your title to suit one of those emotions. My latest animated short was about an interview with a CIA agent that refuses to answer even the simplest of conspiracy questions. I had a difficult time finding a proper title, so I initially went with “CIA agent reveals classified information.”

After educating myself on the emotional drivers of clicks, I knew I had to change that. Now it’s titled “Every “Former CIA” Interview. I feel that makes the content more relatable to a consumers experience. I think it creates more curiosity in the viewer.

I have watched several other videos related to search engine optimization and am building a library of ideas to make my videos reach their target audience. One common theme that relates to writing, drawing, music, and all things artistic is that it is so easy to complete a project that absolutely nobody even sees. Nothing is more discouraging than working your ass off for weeks, months, or even years, all so that your creation can sit on a shelf and gather dust. I feel it is wise to remind ourselves that a creative work that has not been seen is neither a failure nor a success. It is waiting for judgment, which can only occur if you get it out there.

Don’t ever buy the lie that your endless strife is meaningless. When you arrive at your destination you will realize it was your meritless pursuits that fueled your engine.

@tmwfilmproductions

Every “Former CIA” Interview #Animation #southparkedit #Bigfoot #fbiagent #Cartoon #adultswim #smalls #podcastclips

♬ original sound – TMW Productions – TMW Productions

CIA Agent Reveals Classified Secrets

Below is the widescreen version.