There has been movement in the Fall 2009-2010 broadcast TV season and we are barely two weeks in.
The first cancellation of the season has already happened with Ashton Kutcher's 'Beautiful Life' getting the axe from the CW after only 1 episode.
'Glee' becomes the first full season pickup-Fox
'Vampire Diaries' gets a back 9 script order-CW
I thought it would be fun to handicap the season; the next cancellation, the network pick ups, the big surprises, and the shows that should have made it-but didn't. And just so you don't have to work TOO hard, here's a link to the new shows:
http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview/newshows.aspx
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Media Bites-September 24 2009
W Hotels add new music to properties-hires music director
A recent Variety article notes that the boutique hotel is putting a much greater emphasis on music because 'the W's overall intention is to be the coolest place in town and cool places usually have cool music,' said Eva Ziegler global brand leader for the chain.
New hire Michaelangelo L'Acqua, fashion show producer and dj vet, will connect the hotel group with music centric events: performances with Wonderlust Live artists Natasha Bedingfield and Pete Yorn, tie-ins with the Golden Globes and links to the Hong Kong Film Festival.
The CD compilation that was introduced in 2002 and updated only once per year, will be tossed out and music will soon be delivered via mp3 players and ITunes.
Wouldn't it be great if the W decided to comp you a series of songs that you could download on Itunes during your stay. Or, invite guests to a VIP concert in the lobby with a chance to meet the artist. What about a brand loyalty program that offered a discount to purchase the music, the video, the event tickets as a W VIP guest?? Make it part of the culture and the vibe in NYC, London, St. Petersburg and Dubai. This group has the potential to do something really unique and unprecedented.
I think what you'll see happen is a separate charge on your bill for purchases as the travel industry does everything it can to generate additional revenue. I certainly don't fault them for that; its business, everyone needs to make money. But if the goal is to weave music into the experience and make it exciting and seamless, then lets hope they do that without an extra service charge.
A recent Variety article notes that the boutique hotel is putting a much greater emphasis on music because 'the W's overall intention is to be the coolest place in town and cool places usually have cool music,' said Eva Ziegler global brand leader for the chain.
New hire Michaelangelo L'Acqua, fashion show producer and dj vet, will connect the hotel group with music centric events: performances with Wonderlust Live artists Natasha Bedingfield and Pete Yorn, tie-ins with the Golden Globes and links to the Hong Kong Film Festival.
The CD compilation that was introduced in 2002 and updated only once per year, will be tossed out and music will soon be delivered via mp3 players and ITunes.
Wouldn't it be great if the W decided to comp you a series of songs that you could download on Itunes during your stay. Or, invite guests to a VIP concert in the lobby with a chance to meet the artist. What about a brand loyalty program that offered a discount to purchase the music, the video, the event tickets as a W VIP guest?? Make it part of the culture and the vibe in NYC, London, St. Petersburg and Dubai. This group has the potential to do something really unique and unprecedented.
I think what you'll see happen is a separate charge on your bill for purchases as the travel industry does everything it can to generate additional revenue. I certainly don't fault them for that; its business, everyone needs to make money. But if the goal is to weave music into the experience and make it exciting and seamless, then lets hope they do that without an extra service charge.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
September 19 2009
Epix HD Launched by Lionsgate, MGM and Paramount
Service will have no advertising and won't appear on your cable bill.
Here's how it will work: The network will broadcast movies that fit into the 'pay TV' window-the time frame weeks before a DVD release, much like HBO or Showtime does now. What makes this completely different is that it will be bundled with cable packages and if the consortium can convince enough cable providers to sign on, they will have an immediate financial advantage over premium pay TV. Additionally, users will be able to get the content online, on demand and at Epixhd.com (http://www.epixhd.com/) Keep in mind that there will be no direct-to-consumer services, only TV distributors including cable companies, Verizon FIOS, AT&T U-Verse and satellite services. In order for the TV viewer to take advantage of this unique network, they'll need to subscribe to both internet and cable service.
The timing of this launch couldn't be better. Case in point-Time Warner Cable has been testing TV Everywhere in select markets. This service allows you to view not only premium pay per view nets online like HBO and Showtime, but other top tier programming as well.
12-24 months from now, TV and internet as we know it will be completely different. It will be one big happy internet/TV universe-At least thats my opinion -:) But that's just me.
Service will have no advertising and won't appear on your cable bill.
Here's how it will work: The network will broadcast movies that fit into the 'pay TV' window-the time frame weeks before a DVD release, much like HBO or Showtime does now. What makes this completely different is that it will be bundled with cable packages and if the consortium can convince enough cable providers to sign on, they will have an immediate financial advantage over premium pay TV. Additionally, users will be able to get the content online, on demand and at Epixhd.com (http://www.epixhd.com/) Keep in mind that there will be no direct-to-consumer services, only TV distributors including cable companies, Verizon FIOS, AT&T U-Verse and satellite services. In order for the TV viewer to take advantage of this unique network, they'll need to subscribe to both internet and cable service.
The timing of this launch couldn't be better. Case in point-Time Warner Cable has been testing TV Everywhere in select markets. This service allows you to view not only premium pay per view nets online like HBO and Showtime, but other top tier programming as well.
12-24 months from now, TV and internet as we know it will be completely different. It will be one big happy internet/TV universe-At least thats my opinion -:) But that's just me.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September 15 2009
Its rare that a TV show sticks with me several days after it aired-but I have to say the Sunday September 13 Episode of 'Mad Men' was a bit disturbing and emotional.
http://www.amctv.com/videos/mad-men/?bcpid=8803972001&bclid=32693689001&bctid=39615751001
AMC has a real hit on their hands. Amazing cast, great writing, period costuming and culture.
Check it out. Sundays at 10PM on AMC
http://www.amctv.com/videos/mad-men/?bcpid=8803972001&bclid=32693689001&bctid=39615751001
AMC has a real hit on their hands. Amazing cast, great writing, period costuming and culture.
Check it out. Sundays at 10PM on AMC
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14 2009
A friend of mine in the ad business had a great line for the newspaper business: 'it's like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic'. Such a perfect description. The lumbering giants cannot move fast enough to change the business model. Working right now with a property (that shall remain nameless, of course) that won't or can't work with me on a cost per click rather than impressions basis-and this for a unique ad that no one else is doing. They would be showcasing not only the ad, but their ability to run it and generate results. And you wonder why the newspaper business is suffering.
Paying for content is another. I finally figured out why this has me so fired up; I'm not going to pay for something that doesn't have any value for me. And quite frankly, most major publications have still not shown it in paid content. However, several specialty publications like Runners World are moving to a hybrid pay model; bundling interactive tools like show reviews and marathon training with a print subscription for one price.
According to a recent survey from the American Press Institute, 51% of publishers believe they can successfully charge for content. 68% of publishers thought that if they charged for content, users would have a difficult time finding content elsewhere, 38% would limit full story access and 28% would build a micropayment system for specific article purchase. Poll was completed by 118 newspapers of various sizes in small, medium and large media markets.
I think what's happening is publishers will start limiting access to content, watch their audience shrink and lose precious advertising revenue. Find a way to bundle and bring value to the product in new and innovative ways for both consumers and advertisers. Show some creativity and value and then, guess what- you can have your cake AND eat it too -:)
Paying for content is another. I finally figured out why this has me so fired up; I'm not going to pay for something that doesn't have any value for me. And quite frankly, most major publications have still not shown it in paid content. However, several specialty publications like Runners World are moving to a hybrid pay model; bundling interactive tools like show reviews and marathon training with a print subscription for one price.
According to a recent survey from the American Press Institute, 51% of publishers believe they can successfully charge for content. 68% of publishers thought that if they charged for content, users would have a difficult time finding content elsewhere, 38% would limit full story access and 28% would build a micropayment system for specific article purchase. Poll was completed by 118 newspapers of various sizes in small, medium and large media markets.
I think what's happening is publishers will start limiting access to content, watch their audience shrink and lose precious advertising revenue. Find a way to bundle and bring value to the product in new and innovative ways for both consumers and advertisers. Show some creativity and value and then, guess what- you can have your cake AND eat it too -:)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
September 10 2009
Maybe I'm a little odd-most people that know me would say that is an understatement -:) However, I love the media business (which is why I'm co-authoring a book. Shameless plug here, more on that later) and soak up new + innovative strategies like a sponge, so here are a few samples that may actually rise above the clutter.
Campaign for the new ABC Drama 'Flash Forward':
Campaign for the new ABC Drama 'Flash Forward':
The show is based on a novel by Robert J. Sawyer and follows the aftermath of a global event in which everyone on the planet passes out for two minutes. During the collective blackout, everyone sees a vision of their future.
The cast includes Joseph Fiennes, Sonya Walger, John Cho, Courtney B. Vance and Christine Woods. David S. Goyer ("Batman Begins") and Brannon Braga ("24," "Star Trek: Voyager") created the show.
Ads were created in ad spaces that target a techno-geek audience; Wired, Popular Mechanics, gaming magazines and jointhemosiac.com.(http://www.jointhemosaic.com/site/index.html#/MAP)
When fanboys hold the pics up to a webcam, they'll be able to see a 3D ad for 'FlashForward'. Run your mouse over the pictures, and they'll turn into clips from the show. ABC Entertainment is calling this 'augmented reality' - would you ever spend over 10 minutes with a print ad? Didn't think so. In my humble opinion ( a phrase I've started borrowing from a friend of mine) this is what media innovation is all about. Taking what really could be considered flat and static (print ad) + making it interactive and engaging. Nice job ABC.
E! Entertainment TV Pushes Headlines Via Clear Channel Billboards:
The campaign that began on Labor Day, runs for eight weeks on 125 digital display boards in 9 top media markets. Electronic display gives the net much more flexibility and options when using this out of home media to promote feature news stories. Upload copy and artwork with the click of a mouse, no printing costs and creative change on the fly. And according to Clear Channel, the boards reach an aggregate daily circulation of 10 million. Here again is an example of taking a flat media like out of home and presenting messages on it in an exciting and attractive way.
Media really can be fun, exciting, unique and innovative. Even sexy. Just have to keep thinking beyond the traditional. At least that's what I'm all about -;)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September 2 2009
Disney acquires Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion
Bob Iger is certainly on a roll to build the worlds largest entertainment empire-add this newest company to the portfolio that already includes Pixar ($7.4 billion) and ABC Family ($5 billion) and the future seems bright for this powerhouse.
Marvel Entertainment gives Disney access to all of the super heroes we all grew up with: Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man and over 4,995 other comic book characters that have not yet been on the big or small screen. This is the perfect creative addition to an entertainment company that has not had a real mass appeal hit since 'Pirates of the Carribean' in 2003. However, this will take some time as Disney won't be able to distribute any Marvel movies until the Paramount deal ends in 2013.
All of these acquisitions are done for one reason only and that is to increase the bottom line. Disney needs to feed their real profit centers: merchandising, theme parks and TV channel. While it's certainley exciting to release a movie that will generate in excess of $200 million or more, its all about the merchandising-action figures, fast food liscensing, comic books, new rides in both US and international parks, tv show development (avails for national advertisers) and digital content.
Only time will tell if the creativity and innovation grows, or if Disney will become more like a huge conglomerate similar to P&G. I'm betting that creativity will prevail. Stay tuned. Its going to be an exciting ride -:)
Marvel Entertainment gives Disney access to all of the super heroes we all grew up with: Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man and over 4,995 other comic book characters that have not yet been on the big or small screen. This is the perfect creative addition to an entertainment company that has not had a real mass appeal hit since 'Pirates of the Carribean' in 2003. However, this will take some time as Disney won't be able to distribute any Marvel movies until the Paramount deal ends in 2013.
All of these acquisitions are done for one reason only and that is to increase the bottom line. Disney needs to feed their real profit centers: merchandising, theme parks and TV channel. While it's certainley exciting to release a movie that will generate in excess of $200 million or more, its all about the merchandising-action figures, fast food liscensing, comic books, new rides in both US and international parks, tv show development (avails for national advertisers) and digital content.
Only time will tell if the creativity and innovation grows, or if Disney will become more like a huge conglomerate similar to P&G. I'm betting that creativity will prevail. Stay tuned. Its going to be an exciting ride -:)
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