Getting a project off the ground is not easy, but what intrigued us about creator Melissa Center is that after she got her show Missed Connections Live off the ground and proved she could do it on a smaller, manageable scale, she then decided to revamp it and take it to the next level. It’s an interesting model for new creators who are experimenting with the medium, so DCTV asked Melissa to talk about her process in developing the show, from origin to new premiere!
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About a year ago I stumbled across the missed connections section on Craigslist. I read one entry. I read another…and another…and another…I was mesmerized! I couldn’t believe the sheer quantity of these postings, and so many questions started popping up in my mind. What provokes people to write these anonymous postings? Are they real? Who are the people that write these things? Do they think something will come of it? I found these postings strange, sometimes really funny, sometimes really disturbing, sometimes really sad and sometimes really touching. I had to create something.
Initially, I started brainstorming about crafting missed connections into a one-woman show. I had been spending the year studying under acting teacher/director/father of “Off Broadway” Wynn Handman, who encouraged me to explore my forte as a character actress. I thought that somehow forging these missed connections into a vehicle to explore different characters would be the thing to do. However, as I kept trying to create through-lines between these postings, the concept felt forced, cliché, etc. Then the idea struck me: why not transform missed connections into a series for the web? Not only does the content originate from the web, but the web is the new open frontier, a perfect platform for experimentation, and begs for short form content. Perfect. Thus, Missed Connections Live was born: A way to explore this fascinating endless subculture and create work for myself.
My concept for the series was simple: Each episode would be shot in monologue format. I would create a character based on an actual Missed Connection posting, shoot it very simply, and put it online. I created a web page for the series using iweb, borrowed equipment from friends, and set forth.
What started as an experiment quickly began to grow. I was reviewed on NewTeeVee.com, approached and interviewed by a podcast producer, and invited to join the WGAe. Soon I noticed Missed Connections inspired content popping up everywhere! Artists, comedians, filmmakers, cartoonists were also creating projects with Missed Connections at its core. This notion alone reassured me that I was onto something and made me want to work even harder. Therefore, I set out on a mission to make Missed Connections Live the best it could be.
In order to improve my series, I knew I’d need some serious resources. I couldn’t continue to produce consistently and with the quality I wanted using the ‘beg, borrow, and steal’ method. Thankfully, I came across Kickstarter.com, an online platform for raising funds for creative projects. A colleague of mine had success using Kickstarter for his web series, so I thought I would give it a shot. Kickstarter’s concept is ‘all-or-nothing’ crowd-sourcing. Basically, an artist has a project that needs funding. She then sets a fundraising goal, a time limit, posts the project and sets out to reach the goal. Backers make pledges to the project. If the goal is met within the time frame, she funds her project. If not, she receives nothing and the backers are not responsible for their pledges. For Missed Connections Live, I set an ambitious goal and time frame, plotted out how I wanted the series to grow, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.
I am proud to say that I successfully reached my Kickstarter goal! It was nerve-wracking, stressful, and a lot of work, but I accomplished my goal thanks to over 100 backers who believe(d) in Missed Connections Live. Because of my funding I was able to purchase my own camera and sound equipment that I can rely on. This will give me more freedom in terms of timing and also in how I shoot my episodes. I will be playing with the format of my episodes and have more flexibility with camera movement and visual storytelling.
As a thank you to my backers and in celebration of my success, I decided to throw a Premiere party/screening of my newest episode. This will be the first of a handful of events that tie in a Missed Connections Live episode with a local band/musician or entrepreneur. The event will feature Missed Connections Live: Hipster Chick, a performance by Bridges and Powerlines (who provided the soundtrack), and a special presentation/gift to Gilda’s Club NYC. As part of my Kickstarter campaign, I made a promise to my potential backers to donate a portion of my proceeds. After receiving Final Cut Pro as a gift midway through my campaign, I decided to donate the value of the software to a worthy cause. I chose Gilda’s Club because Gilda Radner was a pioneer herself and because I know so many people who will benefit from the services Gilda’s Club provides.
The Premiere takes place this Sunday at Bar 82 on 2nd Ave/St Marks in Manhattan. At 6:15 light bites will be served (catering by Mary Rasmussen; dessert provided by Baked by Melissa). Entertainment will follow. There will be a $10 entrance fee for general public.
MELISSA CENTER
Check out the last episode of Missed Connections Live, and stay tuned for the new launch.
Looking forward to the screening tonight!