As media and creative industries continue to head in a digital direction, the team believe there are direct links from creating a web series to forging a successful career.

“We already have significant evidence – the way in which young creators make stuff, get it out there, get it recognised and leverage that to their advantage for their future,” said Senior Professor of Communication and Media Studies Susan Turnbull.

The professor is currently writing the research grant application for the Australian Research Council that would enable the three to four-year study which would partner with industry bodies and compare the sector in different countries.

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She said after holding a symposium last November they asked a number of screen producers what information they would find useful from this type of research. The response was an interest in financial models, how it affects creative careers and case studies of success.

Professor Turnbull said in 2012 collectively more than 100 episodes of web series’ were produced in Australia, compared to more than 30,240 in 2015/106. She also said the popularity of viewing entertainment online was increasing.

“[I came across] a report which showed by age where people access their entertainment and it was quite telling in the sense that the younger you are the more likely you are to access your entertainment online, and you’re constantly looking out for new content,” she said.

“While the older you are, you’re more likely to be plugged in to legacy media and free to air television.”

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The value of web series’ has already been noted by the federal government with $1.93 million already awarded to the production of such. While Professor Turnbull said the ABC adding popular series’ for their iView platform – especially in comedy – has made the national broadcaster more appealing to all generations.

“They’re recognising it as a utility as a training mechanism and spotting new creative talent,” she said.

Meantime, to those who think the digital age has devalued a media and communications degree, think again.

Professor Turnbull said UOW students were much better prepared for work because they were taught to adapt and move away from a traditional way of thinking.