.tv Advocate Melissa Pierce
Based in New York, Portable.tv is an online channel that explores fashion, film, music and art through online video.
Recently, .tv advocate and filmmaker Melissa Pierce caught up with their creative director, Andrew Apostola.
How did Portable.tv get started?
We had been running the Portable Film Festival for a few years and wanted to provide more to our fans on a daily basis. So we launched the new Portable in February 2010. It was instantly well received by people around the world, particularly by the fashion industry as we were one of the first to really cover fashion video in a serious and consistent way. Today we curate videos across fashion, film, music, art and design. We recently released a great article on the history of fashion film and we have a regular series called “What We’re Watching” that covers what bands, designers and artists are watching online.
What inspired you start curating online video?
Portable is both a broadcaster and a curator—we merge the two together. I have a background in broadcasting and filmmaking and my friend and co-founder Simon Goodrich has a strong interest in technology. It’s incredible difficult to find great video online, so we’re filling that gap and I guess our fans love us for it.
Why online video and not another form of media?
Online video is where all the innovation lies when it comes to broadcasting. In 2003 we launched the Student Youth Network, a radio station out of Australia. The next logic step was to start broadcasting on the internet and we chose video because it’s the most visual and visceral form of media available today. It’s not to say that we’re not interested in other forms of media: you need to start somewhere and it’s best to start where you passion lies before moving elsewhere.
The site is has a minimal and very clean look to it, almost like an art gallery, how many of Portable.tv’s staff are designers/artists?
Our audience consists of a lot of designers and artists, however our staff just have a strong appreciation for good design. We actually help a lot of other companies get online through Portable Studios our production company.
How long has portable.tv been on the net?
We went live in February 2011 and we’ve watched our audience grow quite rapidly from then. Most of our audience comes out of the United States, followed by Australia, the UK and France. We noticed that the French really liked us few months ago so we decided to give them some love back with an article on the Best French Indie Filmmakers of 2011 . We also have a guide to Melbourne filmmakers which is where the whole concept of Portable emanates from. Today we have offices in New York, Melbourne and Sydney.
Does Portable.tv have any big plans for 2012?
Portable is constantly evolving. Expect to see a bold and beautiful re-design in the new year. Also expect to see more pretty pictures, beautifully shot videos and contributors from around the world. Oh and a series of events in New York and Australia.
Thanks Melissa! Portable.tv is a beautiful site and we’re looking forward to watching them in 2012. Do you have a favorite .tv site we should profile? Send us a tweet, comment here, on our Facebook page or on our YouTube channel.
Stay Tuned!
* Disclosure: Melissa is a compensated member of the .tv Advocate Program, http://CMP.LY/3/1x3XoV