A topic that is often talked about when looking at why there is not more original on-line series from large networks like NBC, Fox, et al is the apparent lack of willingness from network execs. to break from the standard business model dictated by advertising windows and network schedules.
While things look extremely promising over the next 3-6 months to see more original online fare from the large media companies, what that is, the funding model, and the overall content are all pieces of the corporate convergence puzzle that are likely to be hotly debated as things progress.
One thing we know for sure though, based on online metrics, and massive increases in online advertising spend, is that Joe/Jane consumer are ready for digital series that are packaged for all platforms.
But what has kept things from progressing beyond the re-purposing of shows to this point, as mentioned above, is that the standard business model for the roll out of a new show is much different than the distribution of of an original series with online and mobile being the key platforms.
Probably one of the biggest detriments being the online revenue model, that a lot of times is based on CPM, pre-roll, post-roll, etc... and which for most execs. is a staid reminder that they must adopt their thinking, business strategies, and development to creating projects that play well on all platforms, while providing dynamic options for the online and mobile models.
It truly is an exciting period to be involved with digital media because it has pretty much gotten to a point that consumers are viewing many hours of content each week, coupled with the huge popularity of social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, etc... provide lots of exciting opportunities to reach large numbers of new consumers for their properties. I think the old guard will get that.
new episode sometimes up to introductionis ripe and ready for for a fin the push towards convergence of new media is the relationship between the digital media and conventional TV divisions at large media companies.
Some might say that because there has nit been a break out with conventional
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Does Hulu have it what takes to innovate, and last?
Today Hulu will go live in a Beta release with the aim of showcasing what the two big media companies behind it - Fox & NBCUNI - believe will help to make their respective companies, and content, players in on-line video. While some critics have already labeled it as a failure waiting to happen, and some on-line bloggers even going so far as to call it "clown co." the overall feeling as that it will not be the catalyst that many are hoping for.
Hulu will provide hit shows like Heroes, 24, and The Simpson's, as well as past shows from their large catalog's.
Of course they have many competitors in this area, but they are trying some innovative things to try and differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack.
New media content, and more specifically the interactive experience of on-line content, is what makes viewing videos and being part of burgeoning communities on-line so exciting, so with that I think Hulu is trying some cool stuff.
They will be making things much easier and more interactive with the use of more syndication tools, as well as making it possible for people to select "clips" of various scenes and videos that they can email to friends. This is something that could help Hulu as it looks to stand out as the site progresses.
With so many choices becoming more readily available for consumers looking to enjoy their favourite TV shows in an online environment, the timing of how it is done will be crucial for the long-term viability of the venture.
I think that Hulu is looking a little bit outside of conventional TV shows online with the idea of posting movies for free on-line, but one area that we have not heard a lot on is there plans for original made-for-the-internet videos that can be modelled for all platforms, but its first window is the online platform.
Revenue for the site will come from advertising, with all profits split between the content producer and the platform.
Hulu's business model looks good with solid distribution in place for all platforms, and profits looking positive if the market continues to grow and expand, with the only possible obstacle being future weak streams and the quality of the content.
I feel that Hulu has something with the overall solid packaging of the site, but could use more vision in terms of creating original series for digital and new-emerging platforms, as well as a stronger push towards making more innovative interactive tools.
Hulu will provide hit shows like Heroes, 24, and The Simpson's, as well as past shows from their large catalog's.
Of course they have many competitors in this area, but they are trying some innovative things to try and differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack.
New media content, and more specifically the interactive experience of on-line content, is what makes viewing videos and being part of burgeoning communities on-line so exciting, so with that I think Hulu is trying some cool stuff.
They will be making things much easier and more interactive with the use of more syndication tools, as well as making it possible for people to select "clips" of various scenes and videos that they can email to friends. This is something that could help Hulu as it looks to stand out as the site progresses.
With so many choices becoming more readily available for consumers looking to enjoy their favourite TV shows in an online environment, the timing of how it is done will be crucial for the long-term viability of the venture.
I think that Hulu is looking a little bit outside of conventional TV shows online with the idea of posting movies for free on-line, but one area that we have not heard a lot on is there plans for original made-for-the-internet videos that can be modelled for all platforms, but its first window is the online platform.
Revenue for the site will come from advertising, with all profits split between the content producer and the platform.
Hulu's business model looks good with solid distribution in place for all platforms, and profits looking positive if the market continues to grow and expand, with the only possible obstacle being future weak streams and the quality of the content.
I feel that Hulu has something with the overall solid packaging of the site, but could use more vision in terms of creating original series for digital and new-emerging platforms, as well as a stronger push towards making more innovative interactive tools.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Diversity with a little bit of Luck.
While new media producers and content creators are always working towards the creation of dynamic new content that has an ability to play over all platforms, while trying to find ways to finance, they sometimes fail to recognize they are not alone.
With more market penetration for not just original made for digital media series, but longer form projects like half-hour series, and finally feature films, the push towards content being more diverse, and therefore more financially desirable in terms of pre-sale potential from a distribution standpoint is paramount.
What can be seen from the European market is a big push from broadcasters and distributors looking towards new media companies to bring more original ideas that play well over all platforms, but as well as requiring more feature films to have digital distribution models that are feasible and realistic in terms of their market share.
This is something that will continue to develop and mature as the financing for feature films start to include more digital distribution in their business models, which will hopefully bring more equity into the market for TV and feature films that embrace multi-platform delivery.
Diversity is the key when looking at developing both feature films and original TV content.
With more market penetration for not just original made for digital media series, but longer form projects like half-hour series, and finally feature films, the push towards content being more diverse, and therefore more financially desirable in terms of pre-sale potential from a distribution standpoint is paramount.
What can be seen from the European market is a big push from broadcasters and distributors looking towards new media companies to bring more original ideas that play well over all platforms, but as well as requiring more feature films to have digital distribution models that are feasible and realistic in terms of their market share.
This is something that will continue to develop and mature as the financing for feature films start to include more digital distribution in their business models, which will hopefully bring more equity into the market for TV and feature films that embrace multi-platform delivery.
Diversity is the key when looking at developing both feature films and original TV content.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The next Prom Queen? - Branded Series looks to find its MoJo
MySpace took one of many first big steps today towards becoming a player in the creation and distribution of original content with the media release stating that they will be bringing a new original and branded series to market called "Roommates".
This decision plays well for other media portals, and advertising companies, to work towards devising and implementing business models and strategies that embrace original branded content.
While not every content creator has the opportunity to have their content be financed/branded with help from brands with deep pockets, it does bode well in terms of further gauging the audiences appetite for well-known and recognizable brands throughout short-videos (in this case three mins.)
But will this series be as successful as Prom Queen was in terms of repeat viewings, audience interaction, and viral distribution,well, only time will tell, but the timing on this seems to be pretty good.
Let's just hope that both more large media companies, brands, and advertising agencies get behind more initiatives where it will be easier for independent content creators with brilliant stories that converge over all platforms to have financing more readily available, with the opportunity to maybe one day maybe make a living.
While this is a good step in the right direction many people will be watching to see how well Newscorp. and their MySpace outlet does on this new series, which in many regards could be viewed as a measuring stick for the future success of original content on-line.
This decision plays well for other media portals, and advertising companies, to work towards devising and implementing business models and strategies that embrace original branded content.
While not every content creator has the opportunity to have their content be financed/branded with help from brands with deep pockets, it does bode well in terms of further gauging the audiences appetite for well-known and recognizable brands throughout short-videos (in this case three mins.)
But will this series be as successful as Prom Queen was in terms of repeat viewings, audience interaction, and viral distribution,well, only time will tell, but the timing on this seems to be pretty good.
Let's just hope that both more large media companies, brands, and advertising agencies get behind more initiatives where it will be easier for independent content creators with brilliant stories that converge over all platforms to have financing more readily available, with the opportunity to maybe one day maybe make a living.
While this is a good step in the right direction many people will be watching to see how well Newscorp. and their MySpace outlet does on this new series, which in many regards could be viewed as a measuring stick for the future success of original content on-line.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Monetizing Facebook and its relationship to content
Facebook has changed social networking in ways that we are not even aware of yet, from connecting with friends, to finding out about cool new media, and finally the push towards ultra cool and functional widgets.
But, as Facebook slowly grows towards possibly surpassing MySpace in users (Facebook now has over 40 mil. to MySpace's 75 mil. +.), is this just the beginning of things to come?
As much as most people, I am a bigger fan of the social networking capabilities of Facebook, than say MySpace, with the favourite thing for me being the incorporation and promotion of widgets on the site. From encouraging developers to design and promote new applications, which are now being sold for as much as 20k on EBay (that distinction goes to the I'm Hungry app.) it seems the development possibilities are endless.
But one area that MySpace has been doing a better job at recently would have to be in the promotion and development of multi-platform media for their site, that has seen everyone from large media companies like Sony with old TV series, to smaller companies like Michael Eisner's Vuguru and Big Fantastic with Prom Queen, having their content shown to large numbers.
So far Facebook will and has utilized media content on their site by pushing their customers to off-platform locations that they have strategic relationships with, in turn keeping their business model fluid by not hosting content directly on their platform, which provides for strategic advertising as well.
But, probably one of the biggest upcoming payoffs for Facebook will be in their roll out and development of mobile applications, including their new advertising initiatives.
One of the key areas for monetization will be in the execution of advertising for a company's product/service or media project through their Facebook page, which will hopefully allow for more freedom on the part of the content producer.
Right now if you are a content producer looking to promote your content, the best thing to do is to remain fluid and entrepreneurial enough so the bugs can get sorted out, while continuing to promote and package what you do for maximum results.
But, as Facebook slowly grows towards possibly surpassing MySpace in users (Facebook now has over 40 mil. to MySpace's 75 mil. +.), is this just the beginning of things to come?
As much as most people, I am a bigger fan of the social networking capabilities of Facebook, than say MySpace, with the favourite thing for me being the incorporation and promotion of widgets on the site. From encouraging developers to design and promote new applications, which are now being sold for as much as 20k on EBay (that distinction goes to the I'm Hungry app.) it seems the development possibilities are endless.
But one area that MySpace has been doing a better job at recently would have to be in the promotion and development of multi-platform media for their site, that has seen everyone from large media companies like Sony with old TV series, to smaller companies like Michael Eisner's Vuguru and Big Fantastic with Prom Queen, having their content shown to large numbers.
So far Facebook will and has utilized media content on their site by pushing their customers to off-platform locations that they have strategic relationships with, in turn keeping their business model fluid by not hosting content directly on their platform, which provides for strategic advertising as well.
But, probably one of the biggest upcoming payoffs for Facebook will be in their roll out and development of mobile applications, including their new advertising initiatives.
One of the key areas for monetization will be in the execution of advertising for a company's product/service or media project through their Facebook page, which will hopefully allow for more freedom on the part of the content producer.
Right now if you are a content producer looking to promote your content, the best thing to do is to remain fluid and entrepreneurial enough so the bugs can get sorted out, while continuing to promote and package what you do for maximum results.
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