My video background is network television.  When writing and producing television scripts I always had to keep in mind the needs, desires, fears, prejudices, ignorances, talents and preferences of:

• The Producer
• The Network
• The Advertisers
• The cast
• The FCC

Now that I am producing videos for the web I have to keep in mind the same issues of my internet clients. Even though the web gives much greater creative freedom, there is at least one person whose needs I pay attention to.  That is the Client.  Well actually there are two. The Client and the Audience.  While it is tempting to put make what I feel is the greatest video live, I always make sure I make the video private and give the client their necessary approval.  Sometimes I may agree with the client's reaction and sometimes I need to deal creatively with their negative notes.

All in all the internet is, like broadcast television, a colaborative venture.  For example, when I produced the Arbor Village Ensemble video I encouraged the 3 band members to improvise.  During the taping session they had a great time and I was able to capture some great moments that were not planned -- for example the insert of the text message.  After we finished taping the loading of the van I noticed band member Orion texting on his mobile. I asked him to redo the text as a blurb for the client.  He did it and it added a nice touch to the video.

So while the net is not total creative freedom, I find it far more liberating than my days in network televison.  While I had some great times at NBC, CBS and ABC -- I am looking forward the enormous opportunities ahead with web video.