The last time we checked in with Marx Pyle, he was helping make movies like “Silence of the Belle” and Michael Rosenbaum’s “Back in the Day” in Newburgh, Indiana. But the independent filmmaker has plenty of his own work to show off as well.
Pyle is a graduate of Vancouver Film School and has degrees in psychology and computer science. But his passion is making movies for the Internet. And after years of experimentation, he’s gained enough knowledge about how to do it right. His new book, “Television on the Wild, Wild Web” is a how-to book for both beginners and veterans on how to make the very best out of their productions.
“After I’d done some more traditional film work, I made my own Web series,” says Pyle. “I worked on other Web series and I kept interviewing people, so I decided to write a book about it.”
Due in part to the popularity of the book, Pyle has been invited to speak at events like Boston Comic Con, Miami Web Fest, and do presentations for schools like the University of New Orleans.
Pyle has been involved with more than five Web series, more than 10 short films, about 12 feature films, and lots of commercials. He is a member of the International Academy of Web Television, was a judge for the 2014 IAWTV Awards, and a judge for the 2013 Geekie Awards.
“When I started doing Web series, I found out there was a lot I did not know,” he says. “There are challenges that are unique to Web series. I felt there was a need for a book like this. There is a growing number of people interested in doing Web television every year.”
Through all of that, he’s stayed in the Tri-State, rather than moving to a larger city. He says the quality of production equipment and the ability to use the Internet to find a wide audience has allowed him to live where he’s most comfortable.
“I think what kept me here is my family and friends and the stability here,” he says. “Also, I found that I could travel to a lot of different places and that didn’t hinder me too much. And what attracts me to Web television is that distribution is worldwide; it is okay not to be in New York or Los Angeles and still have equal footing with other creators.”
Right now, Pyle is working on a second book as well as the development of a couple of Web series. He’d also like to tackle a traditional feature film in the future. He says most Web series are short-form, with scripted episodes lasting only five to 15 minutes.
“Distribution is really easy, just getting it out there,” says Pyle. “But making money is very difficult. There are various options, and it is getting easier than it used to be. Crowdfunding is huge, especially for the people making it their day-to-day job.”
For more information about Marx Pyle or his book “Television on the Wild, Wild Web,” visit marxpyle.com.
