Turning Original Content Into Next Level Programming

For many performers in today’s industry, creating original content is a way to help get your name through the door and showcase your skills. But what happens when an idea or side project shows promise, and how can you make sure it reaches its fullest potential?

To explore this subject, the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement hosted the Leveling Up Your Content Creation (The Dr. Is In!) livestream on May 24. Hosting was SAG-AFTRA Dallas-Fort Worth Local 1st Vice President and NextGen Performers Committee member Nikki Dixon with guests New York Local NGP Committee Chair Sarah Seeds and producer Lindsay-Elizabeth Hand. 

During the livestream, Seeds and Hand talked about their initial process and approach in turning their original web series Riding the D with Dr. Seeds into original program content that originally streamed on Amazon Prime and is currently on Plex. Standout topics included what to keep in mind during early development and how important it is for content creators to shift their ideas to better align with their original vision. Seeds also discussed how she utilized SAG-AFTRA’s resources prior to and throughout production.  

“I wanted to cast the best people for the role, and either I worked with [a SAG-AFTRA member] on-set before and knew their capabilities, or we brought them in and got to know what they were capable of,” said Seeds. “We're here because of SAG-AFTRA, and SAG-AFTRA has been so supportive.”

Click here to watch a previous PTEOE livestream about content creation. Other PTEOE panels, interviews and workshops are available at sagaftra.org/videos. 

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.