Web series have always been something of a proving ground for independent writers and filmmakers, now more than ever. New media companies are starting to fund projects that run the gamut of genres from sci-fi, to comedy, horror, you name it! There is still a Wild West feel to the business model, since no one really knows how they are going to make money. Some companies are spending $10k an episode while others are spending $1k...with mixed results. For filmmakers like us, it’s a chance to have someone else put money out there so that we can play...and that’s just what we did, with INFAMOUS.
This all started about three years ago when a friend from college (Craig Bonacorsi) and I (A.J. Wedding) started writing down funny conversations we have had. We have been struggling actors since moving to LA several years ago, so we had a lot to say about that. But as we all know, with the exception of fans of Swingers and Entourage, most people in the world don’t care about the sad plight of the struggling actor. So we decided to put it into a better context. Everyone can relate to someone trying to reach their dream, but the struggle has to be interesting in some way. Given our comedic sensibilities and dark thoughts, we decided our script would surround the dayjob our main characters had chosen to support their acting dreams.... contract killing.
The thought of it was so funny, these guys who have this dangerous, sexy job, but strive for something bigger. They truly hate killing, not because they think it’s wrong, but mainly because it’s not acting. It’s like waiting tables. Not to mention, their job as contract killers involves keeping anonymity...if they ever made it as actors, they would be famous. So they are basically set up to where actually achieving their dreams is the worst possible thing that could happen for them. This is how INFAMOUS began.
While writing the scenes, Craig and I realized that we were running into problems coming up with other characters, and making it larger than the two guys. We brought in a producer named Pharaba Witt to help build the surrounding world, and get us some meetings to try and get this to television. She loved the idea, and helped develop it. We pitched it to several places that showed great interest. What they weren’t interested in...were the two guys that WE wanted to play the lead characters—namely, Craig and I. We looked at this project as our Rocky, and we weren’t going to allow ourselves to be recast.
We decided to make Infamous as a web series, since we could have more control and remain in our roles. We pitched it to several new media companies and finally settled on a deal with 60 Frames Entertainment. Because of contractual obligations, we are not able to discuss the budget. But let us just say that it was a low-budget production and, in order to do what we planned to do, we were going to need a LOT of favors! Everyone who has slaved away at their labor of love understands this concept. With friends and favors, you can make miracles happen.
