Erik Beck
Indy Mogul
Indy Mogul's Backyard FX is looking for a NEW HOST
Open Call for New Host of Indy Mogul’s Backyard FX
Indy Mogul is looking for a multi-talented individual or team to take over as host & producer of the show Backyard FX, which is watched by millions of viewers every month. Our new host will continue the show’s DIY tradition of helping zero budget filmmakers make realistic special effects for cheap and showing them how to become better filmmakers with tutorials and fun short films.
The Indy Mogul Network & the Backyard FX Show:
Indy Mogul is the only online television network dedicated to filmmaking and fans of film. The network averages 3MM video views a month, has 150,000 YouTube subscribers, and a large interactive online community. Backyard FX is a weekly web show and is the network’s oldest and most popular show. As part of the online video company Next New Networks, Indy Mogul has run major campaigns with Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, and other advertisers where Backyard FX is often the anchor of the campaign.
Necessary Skills:
If you possess the following skills and are looking for one of the coolest jobs in the universe then keep reading!
- Has special effects experience or knows how to build cool stuff like movie props & make-up prosthetic and filmmaking gear for cheap!
- Possess a likable on camera personality
- Has some experience producing video content and short films
- Wants to get paid to be creative and help DIY filmmakers
This is an amazing opportunity for a young filmmaker, special effects artist, or creative builder who is ready to become part of a successful and growing show in the new media world of online television.
How to Apply:
We are looking for potential new host/producers to create an “audition episode” that contains as many of the basic BFX elements as possible. While we’re not looking for anything perfect, we’d like to see what you can do on your own. Mainly, we want a video that conveys your talents and your ability to fulfill the needs of the position. Audition episodes should include the following:
- A fun and concise build tutorial that takes the viewer from “shopping list” to final product using video footage of your build, voice over and more.
- An entertaining “mini test film” or short film (1-2 minutes) that demonstrates your special effect project in action.
- Hosted intros and outros to above segments.
To help you complete your audition episode we’ve made some BFX assets available for download here: IndyMogul.com/assets
Compensation: This is a paid opportunity. Compensation will be determined during the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked question regarding the position and audition process.
How do I try out for to be the new host?
Complete an "audition episode" and upload it HERE before February 28th.
Is there an age restriction?
For practical and legal reasons the new host should really be 18 or over, possibly 16 or 17....BUT! Exceptions can always be made for the right person, so if you think you got what it takes you should enter.
Do I have to live in NYC?
Being closer to NYC would be a plus, but in no way a requirement. You can live anywhere in the US.
If I am selected will I get paid?
Yes, we will work out the final details and rate with the new host(s), but rest assured this is a real job with a paycheck.
How many episodes will I be responsible for?
Depending on how many hosts we bring on, you'd be responsible for 1-3 episodes a month.
Can I use the BFX intros and outros for my audition episode?
YES! You can download them here!
http://www.indymogul.com/assets
Can I make the show with my friends?
Absolutely! In fact that would probably be better. Maybe their is a host/writer and a builder/camera person. We don't care. Whatever it takes to make the best show! GO TEAMWORK!
Can their be more then one host so that one person doesn't have to do an episode every week?
We are open to this idea. Just do your best, submit and we'll figure out the rest once we see how many talented people want the job.
When does the new host start?
We will start working behind the scenes with the new host (or hosts) towards the end of March. The first new episode will probably air in May. So there is a good amount of time to work out the kinks and get a few episodes in the can.
Are you just going to give the job to the best video that is submitted?
No, THIS IS NOT A CONTEST. This is an "open audition" that is only part of a wider search. We'll have a short list after the open call, we'll do interviews, and probably meet with the finalist. We are going to put a lot of energy into making sure this person can do the job and has the support to do it.
What about the "TEST FILMS"
Long story short the new host(s) will be responsible for making a test film as well, BUT they will be on a much smaller scale then they are now. The "Test Films" will be much simpler and shorter and go back inside the Monday build episodes. Just like they used to be. BFX is a build show, that should be the focus again.
How long should my audition episode be?
Generally a BFX episode is about 5 minutes, but considering you will be including a simple test film with the build (like the old BFX episodes) anything below 7 minutes should be fine.
What do I do once I'm done with my episode and ready to enter?
First off label your episode "NEW HOST-your name-the effect" then upload it HERE THEN go HERE and let us know you've uploaded by leaving a post. Just to be safe!
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