In getting into the animation thing, I’ve noticed a few larger Internet “networks” that are able to push various cartoons. A lot of these Networks were started by industry insiders and professionals who have been in the business a while and know their way around animation production. Studios like Mondo Mini Shows - College Humor - On The Bubble News – Jib Jab.
And then there’s “Be Your Own Boss”. They’ve barely been up a year and they receive as many hits if not more than some of the more “prominent” Internet cartoon networks. The piece below generated over 300, 000 hits in one month. Except for Jib Jab, I don’t see any of the top players getting those kind of hits on YouTube. But these kids are!
BYOB have two things going for them. One: they’re funny. A little Rob Smigel, a little South Park, and some Boondocks thrown in. Two: they target a specific audience. It made me think of BadAzz MoFo’s recent article on black comic book heroes. For some reason, industry execs don’t feel they can make money off heroes of color or garner any interest. Now I’m thinking that animation insiders and execs feel the same about cartoons. Well, maybe that’s because they’re not thinking of the right audience to target. The artists at BYOB have proven there’s a huge audience for what they’re doing. These kids are writing what they know, and sharing it with peers who are interested in what they’re interested in, Hip Hop.
The name of they’re studio says it all. Be Your Own Boss.
Damn straight.
