Internet media is niche media. So you've probably never heard of "Fred," the online actor whose YouTube channel is followed by 1.5 million people. But don't worry: Fred's self-harm-inducing schtick will soon land in a theater near you.

How does an obnoxiously over-the-top kid on digital helium land a feature film deal, as Fred has done, according to a casting call obtained by TubeFilter? By having the most, or now second-most, followers of anyone on Google's video site. And by playing perfectly to Hollywood's fantasy that the branded serials its traditional TV studios specialize in can be profitably replicated online: Fred, you see, earns a reported six figures off this cheaply-produced stuff.

Don't tell studio honchos that, marvels of nature like "Fred" and sharp wits like Ze Frank not withstanding, YouTube will forever be dominated by cat videos, plane crashes and other spontaneously-obtained footage. After all, we wouldn't want the "Fred"s of tomorrow to miss their big Hollywood paydays.

[via All Things D]

Send an email to Ryan Tate, the author of this post, at ryan@gawker.com.