You come to betsyharris.com and you see a funny option in the menu. “Asbury Road Productions? What is that?” you may be asking yourself. Asbury Road Productions is (yet) another new project I am developing; an iPhone (or mobile) film studio producing original web series.
I am of the firm belief that it’s not exclusively the quality of the equipment that makes great art. A vision, tenacity, the willingness to study, to learn, and to experiment are equally as important. I want(ed) to write for TV, but am sick of the MANY (many) ideas that I want to bring to life being passed over. Well let’s be honest passed over? Not even considered is more like it.
The idea for the web series came from the place I find most inspiring in the world, the Genesee Country Village & Museum. In an effort to release some pent up creative energy, have a fun project for me and my friends to do together, along with wanting the whole world to know about how awesome GCV&M really is, I decided to write a historic magical realism web series that will be filmed on location. That then led to the idea that I should start a studio, an iPhone (mobile) film studio! This is how I plan on producing my own web series and I want to eventually invite other writers to submit their pilots to be produced by me (which will hopefully eventually become an us).
Why an iPhone film studio?
Simple; an iPhone 14 pro max is what I currently have access to. I’ve seen other content creators use the device with impressive results, so I am confident with a few add-ons (looking at you Moment) I can achieve the results I am looking for. I want to spend thousands of dollars on human talent, not equipment. I also have a real thing for practical effects vs. visual effects. As I’m sure most are well aware, those can also be quite pricy!
So, what’s next?
Next steps are as follows:
- Tighten and finalize the script for the studio’s first production.
- Compile shot list and itemize costume needs, practical effects, and makeup for budget.
- *Maybe* start crowdfunding to finance production if necessary.
- Announce and hold auditions. (P.S. we are in the Rochester, NY area, so if you or anyone you know is interested in being involved, let them know! We will need both production help and on screen talent)
- Begin shooting on site by October 2026.
- Enter post-production by December 2026.
- Release pilot on Vimeo (date TBD).
If you have suggestions or would like to be involved in the process, please comment on this post! I am worse than an amateur and although this is just for funsies, I am determined to make it as professional as possible.
Thanks for reading! And follow Asbury Road Productions on Instagram!