THE CLEANERS ticked all the boxes. Despite Sundance selection and sales to prestigious broadcasters worldwide, the producers are digging out from a deep deficit. The business model for investigative documentaries has always been risky. It is now under siege… and needs new solutions. That’s the message presented by Christian Beetz, co-CEO of Gebrueder Beetz Filmproduktion …
Welcome to the first of my podcasts on the business of the unscripted business. The topic: Barack and Michelle Obama have formed a production company with Netflix‘s backing. The definition of “A-Lister” will never be quite the same when it comes to pitching. What does it mean for producers that the competitive bar to earn your buyers’ …
The program development process is changing in ways that are very consequential for the profitability of independent producers. That’s the message from Michael Hoff, founder and CEO of Hoff Productions, based in the Bay Area since 1993. Michael has been a great friend and valued supporter of this newsletter. We have been sharing notes about the …
Do online video subscribers watch documentaries? This week’s post pulls back the curtain, but just a little. Research firm Comscore tracks Monthly Uniques for Hulu, the #3 U.S. online subscription service after Netflix and Amazon. The Findings: The data is by programming category: And here is the detail: HULU Monthly Uniques, March 2018 Millions …
A fast-changing economic model creates anxious conversations and lots of sharing of useful information. That was the vibe along the Croisette at MIPDoc and MIPTV. Here are my Takeaways #6-12. Read “Digital Cents for Analog Dollars” and Cannes Takeaways #1-5 here. 6. Budget Cuts Hit a Mature Industry The Cab / Sat channels business has peaked and …
What caught my attention at MIPDoc and MIPTV this year? Lots of producers and network executives called to ask. They are curious because their business models and career options are becoming more unsettled by the rise of Netflix and online video distribution platforms. Here are my Takeaways from Cannes (#1-5): 1. What You Know. And …
BIG, BIG DATA combined with addressable program promotions is a recipe that drives targeted audiences to view programs on channels. That’s the key Takeaway from a Case Study shared by Cambridge Analytica (CA). The Good News: It means higher ratings, stronger revenue streams, and more money for programming. Cambridge Analytica: CA’s giant database captures 2,000 …
Wall Street to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg: “You have 2 billion monthly users and immense monetization capability. “Your move into video will have big knock-on impacts on producers, channels and others in the video ecosystem.” “So tell us: What is Facebook’s video strategy?” Zuckerberg: “Well, I think the answer to that is we don’t know …