Pokin’ Holes, a live Internet show filmed by Boston-based organization DartBoston, usually draws a good crowd, even though each live taping is hosted in a different venue. Fronted by the constantly smiling Cort Johnson, this event has been a regular weekly fixture in the calendar of the Boston startup community for nearly a year, and it caters specifically to young entrepreneurs. But last night, Johnson had a new announcement to make.

Apparently, DartBoston’s Pokin’ Holes will be shifting from it’s weekly format just five short weeks from its one-year anniversary. Next Thursday will be the last weekly Pokin’ Holes event. After that, it’s shifting to a monthly format, and, with luck, moving into a regular event space.

While BostInno’s staff is sad to hear this awesome weekly event is changing formats, Johnson assured last night’s Pokin’ Holes attendees that this is a good move.

Pokin’ Holes is so named because a new company is “poked” each episode, which means the audience and a panel of three judges gets to provide feedback about everything from the business model to the product. Moving to a monthly format with a larger audience to promote these concepts, seems like a no-brainer on one level. The change should allow Pokin’ Holes to become more of a destination event. Monthly get-togethers have the advantage of becoming a part of the community to be filed under “Do not miss!” Moreover, if the location becomes fixed then the process becomes easier as there are no surprises with unflattering angles or hardware complications with the filming and live streaming of the show.

On the other hand, this switch could be a sign that the event’s organizers are growing weary from planning and organizing so many events with no profit margin overtly established. Not to mention the fact that this change will mean 40 fewer local startup companies will be “poked” each year moving forward.

Still, DartBoston’s audience is a well-established and committed group.

Drawn by the promise of free beer and live music, the attendance at Bocoup Loft in South Boston last night was good. Over 100 people arrived to see Black Screen Studios, a full service animation, video and post-production facility, BostInno has told you about before.

Attendees were split into two rooms, with standing room only for the show which proved that DartBoston’s promotional efforts have not gone in vain. The buzz of conversation from the adjacent space, where a live band was setting up, did nothing to detract from the familiar format of interview followed by the comments of an expert panel.

In Episode #46 of Pokin’ Holes, Black Screen Studios’ representative explained that he believes Boston needs the creation of “an entertainment space” (which apparently it doesn’t have). The company also feels that “a truly, unique artistic aesthetic” is what sets them apart from other Boston film companies. Of course, the inducement of tax credits for any production over $50,000 is a minor point, but still something that was given due attention during the show.

During the actual “poking,” the panel on stage had a heavyweight presence. Paul Medico (82 Films), Jeremy Traub (Visual Effects Supervisor) and Tim Rowell (former visual effects expert on films such as The Matrix, now an Appalachian banjo player) were all keen to give their opinions and some advice to Black Screen, which was followed by 20 minutes of lively debate, much of which revolved around a perceived lack of direction for the company, which claims to be able to “do everything.”

As ever with Pokin’ Holes, it was the question of the value the company brings to the table that was important to the audience. Despite numerous requests from the panel, Black Screen’s rep was not forthcoming with what he perceives to be their strongest asset, and despite a commitment to become part of the Boston community, the “Soup and Nuts” approach did not appear to convince.

The best advice of the evening came from panelist Tim Rowell, who said he believes Black Screen has to “be useful.” That is, they must take the time to go to universities and shoot video there or take on commercial jobs that might not be the most pleasing artistically but that will provide revenue and exposure within the marketplace.

Being useful is part of Pokin’ Holes’ charm. As the show winds down, there are various shout-outs to Bocoup Loft for providing the space and Narragansett for providing the beer.

As the party continued in the second room, the live jazz-funk band and a game of foursquare ensured that the mantra of “young people who party hard and work harder” is adhered to rigidly. The beer may have run out but the community stays together to socialize and network. These are elements of the DartBoston community that will no doubt remain despite the change in Pokin’ Holes’ schedule. After next week, this will certainly become a monthly event that we all should attend.