The digital storytelling landscape has undergone a transformative journey over the past couple of decades, and at the heart of this evolution in New York is NYC Web Fest. Founded in 2014 by Lauren Atkins, the festival has grown from a one-day event into a global celebration of creativity and innovation, attracting submissions from around the world.
With its home in New York City—a hub of artistic expression and cultural exchange—NYC Web Fest has become a unique platform for emerging and established voices, bridging the gap between creators and audiences. This year’s festival returned to The Producers Club in Manhattan, offering a mix of screenings, panels, and networking opportunities that celebrated the future of digital storytelling.
In an exclusive interview, Lauren Atkins reflects on the festival’s journey, the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing media landscape, and the milestones that have shaped NYC Web Fest into what it is today. She also shares her thoughts on the standout projects from the 2024 festival, the launch of the Footprint Network streaming channel, and her vision for the festival’s future. Dive into our Q&A to learn more about the dynamic world of NYC Web Fest and the inspiration driving its success.
Inside NYC Web Fest: Exclusive Interview with Lauren Atkins
About NYC Web Fest and Its Evolution
What inspired you to create NYC Web Fest back in 2014, and how has it evolved over the past 11 years?
In 2013, while doing market research for the web series My Friends Think I’m Funny, which I produced, I realized there weren’t many platforms on the East Coast showcasing digital storytelling. After attending LA Web Fest—the first web series festival of its kind—I saw the need for something similar in New York, a global city brimming with creative energy. Since then, NYC Web Fest has grown from a one-day event into a globally recognized festival, welcoming creators and projects from around the world.
When you first launched the festival, did you imagine it would grow into a global event with participants from all over the world?
Actually, yes. I believed NYC Web Fest had the potential to become a global event because New York itself is a hub for international talent and culture. What surprised me was how quickly it happened. By our second year, we were hosting world premieres with high-profile talents like Louis Black and Colin Quinn, even nominating comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld. The global momentum was undeniable. Having said all that, we were the first festival of its kind in New York City, a place that was already saturated with film festivals.
NYC Web Fest has gained recognition as a unique platform celebrating digital creators. In your view, what sets it apart from other festivals in the industry?
The care we put into programming and our attention to detail set NYC Web Fest apart. We personally watch every submission multiple times to ensure the lineup is cohesive and impactful. Additionally, our jury panel changes annually, bringing diverse perspectives from creators and industry insiders around the world. This dynamic approach keeps the festival fresh and reflective of the evolving digital landscape.
Since starting as a one-day event, NYC Web Fest has grown into a celebrated platform for emerging and established voices. What have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards in this journey?
One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the ever-changing trends in storytelling while staying true to our mission. Social media and evolving audience preferences have significantly shaped digital storytelling. A reward, however, has been witnessing the growth in the quality and scope of submissions. Over the years, we’ve seen creators experiment with everything from micro-episodes for TikTok to longer, more cinematic projects.
NYC Web Fest went virtual during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. How did that experience reshape your approach to the festival?
The virtual format during the pandemic showed us that anything is possible. It opened the door to more innovative ways of connecting with our audience and creators year-round. That experience inspired the launch of our Footprint Network channel, which allows us to continue showcasing great content beyond the festival weekend.
Reflecting on the past 11 festivals, is there a particular web series, short film, or pilot episode (not from the 2024 festival) that has especially resonated with you and continues to linger in your memory?
Every year, there are so many standout projects, so it’s hard to pick just one. What I love most is seeing creators return with new seasons or fresh ideas. It’s incredibly rewarding to follow their journeys and see how their storytelling evolves.
2024’s Festival Highlights: Selections, Nominees, and Awards
With the 31 official selections from this year, how would you describe the range of stories and genres represented?
This year’s selections reflect a remarkable diversity in genres and storytelling styles. From sci-fi thrillers to heartfelt family dramas, the lineup captures a wide range of themes. Interestingly, we noticed recurring motifs, like buddy dynamics and stories about marriage and family. Our “dynamic duo” award category was especially stacked with amazing talent this year.
Can you share any insights into the award nominees for 2024? What do you think makes this year’s nominees unique or stand out?
The variety in storytelling approaches stands out this year. Some projects utilize micro-episodes tailored for platforms like TikTok, while others embrace traditional long-form storytelling. Despite these differences, each project is cohesive, innovative, and deeply engaging.
How did you and the jury approach the process of narrowing down the official selections and award nominees? Were there any particular qualities or themes you were excited to see this year?
Every year, the selection process becomes more focused as the quality of submissions improves. In the past, we encountered technical or narrative issues in some entries, but now we receive well-produced, thoughtful projects across the board. This year’s submissions were particularly impressive, especially the foreign-language entries, which showcased incredible storytelling from countries like Switzerland, Belgium, and Brazil.
What do you hope this year’s selections and winners conveyed to audiences about the direction of digital storytelling?
I hope audiences see that digital storytelling is limitless. Whether it’s a five-minute micro-episode or a 30-minute pilot, what matters is the creativity and innovation behind the story.
New Launches and Expansions
With NYC Web Fest recently launching a streaming channel on the Footprint Network, could you share the vision behind this platform and how it aims to expand the festival’s reach while benefiting creators featured in the festival?
The launch of our Footprint Network channel allows NYC Web Fest to extend its reach and keep the conversation going year-round. Our vision is to include archival content, exclusive interviews, and potentially original programming. This platform creates new opportunities for creators to connect with audiences beyond the festival weekend. Now that the festival is over, my team and I are excited to work on the next steps to expand this new venture.
Returning to The Producers Club, NY, and Future Directions
This year, NYC Web Fest returned to The Producers Club in Manhattan. How did it feel to bring the festival back to this iconic venue, and what unique atmosphere did it add to the event?
The Producers Club is such an iconic venue, and it’s great to be back in the heart of Manhattan’s Theatre District. It’s a space where artists naturally converge, adding an electric energy to the event. This year, another film festival took place at the same time in a different theatre there!
The 2024 NYC Web Fest promised an exciting mix of screenings, discussions, and networking opportunities. What were some of the highlights attendees experienced at this year’s festival?
This year, attendees experienced an exciting mix of screenings, panels, and networking opportunities. Highlights included workshops on showrunning, a panel on the future of film festivals, and two world premiere screenings—a short film titled Nothing Bad Ever Happens from Los Angeles and Transmission, a TV Pilot from South Africa. Both projects went on to win Best Short Film and Best Pilot respectively.
NYC Web Fest has always championed diverse voices. How do you ensure this mission stays at the festival’s core, especially as it continues to grow?
Honestly, at this point, our reputation precedes us. Filmmakers know that we showcase and elevate an assortment of voices from around the world. Many creators come back with different projects, and new filmmakers are often referred by a past attendee.
Focus on Lauren Atkins
Your career has spanned hosting an online music show, creating an award-winning web series, and now running NYC Web Fest. How have these experiences shaped your approach to leading the festival, and what advice would you give to aspiring digital creators navigating today’s entertainment landscape?
My background in digital content creation has taught me to take risks and look ahead, which informs how I run the festival. But nothing REALLY prepares you for owning a business, you are learning as you go, and constantly adapting to a changing market. My advice to creators is to stay true to your vision and focus on telling your story in the simplest, most authentic way possible.
Looking Ahead
As NYC Web Fest moves into its second decade, what are your long-term goals for the festival? How do you envision its future in the evolving landscape of digital media?
Looking ahead, I envision NYC Web Fest becoming more global, whether through collaborations with international festivals or travelling to new locations. As someone who has roots in Toronto and Cape Town, I see incredible opportunities to leverage my own connections and experiences to support creators worldwide. My ultimate goal is to keep championing creative voices and celebrating the ever-evolving world of digital storytelling. I would love to work with creators and start producing projects through the festival, especially for our new channel.
Thank you, Lauren Atkins, for taking the time to share your insights about NYC Web Fest. This year’s festival was yet another incredible achievement and a true testament to your unwavering dedication and vision. Year after year, you manage to pull off such an impressive event, meeting every challenge head-on. We’re in awe of how you consistently create a flawless and memorable experience for everyone involved.
As NYC Web Fest continues to grow, Lauren Atkins remains steadfast in her mission to celebrate diverse voices and push the boundaries of digital storytelling. With plans to expand its global reach and explore new opportunities for creators through the Footprint Network channel, the festival is poised to remain a cornerstone of innovation in the industry. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a fan of web series, or simply someone who loves compelling stories, NYC Web Fest is proof that digital creativity knows no limits.