This article talks about the fact that pay TV operators have dropped their price for HBO recently, which might have been caused by HBO's announcement to make its streaming service HBO Go available to the general public. Pay TV executives have said that they're worried about the fact that if HBO Go becomes available to the general public, it might drop the amount of subscriptions to the HBO channel. Comcast, for example, dropped HBo's subscription price from $18.95/month to $15/month. Meanwhile, other TV services are offering lower prices for the subscription, and AT&T went as far as to include it in a bundle package with Amazon Prime, Internet service, basic TV service, and HBO for $39/month for the first year.
I think it's a good thing that the companies are starting to respond to this change. One of the main components of an HBO subscription is HBO Go, so the fact that it's going available to the general public soon makes the actual subscription less attractive. However, one of the main things HBO shows on its channel is movies. Movie reruns on TV have been around for as long as I can remember, but if the subscription to these paid channels start to drop, then will the amount of movies drop, too? If that does happen, then will the film studios begin to lose money because of the fact that people aren't watching the movies on the TV anymore? I guess these are all consequences that can come from any streaming service, but I really like that I'll be able to watch it happen with HBO Go.
Swann, Phillips. Pay TV Ops Drop HBO's Price; HBO Go the Reason? Retrieved on February 27, 2015 from http://www.tvpredictions.com/hbo012815.htm
Week Seven - Netflix Wants the World
Although I've tried to stay away from Netflix-related posts on this blog (since Netflix is the biggest component of the video streaming industry), I couldn't ignore this one. This article talks about how Netflix plans to expand to 200 countries in two years, and whether it will be able to achieve this or not. This decision would make Netflix a global company, but its main problem would come from the fact that many countries don't have enough broadband service for the program to run. Not only that, but a lot of the people in developing countries aren't connected to the Internet, and therefore wouldn't be able to access Netflix. Many countries also have very strict regulations when it comes to Internet usage, but Netflix is confident that it can make it through them.
"Netflix wants to become a global brand as fast as possible for three reasons: to grow revenue faster, which will consequently let it develop and license more content; to be able to source content from around the world; and to gain efficiencies by licensing content on a truly global basis."
"Netflix wants to become a global brand as fast as possible for three reasons: to grow revenue faster, which will consequently let it develop and license more content; to be able to source content from around the world; and to gain efficiencies by licensing content on a truly global basis."
Netflix has gotten very confident with itself lately, and I don't know how to feel about it. While I think it's great that the company has been doing so many things to help equal itself to the other major studios, it might be getting away from itself with this announcement. The company might be able to cover all 200 countries in 2 years, but I don't think it will be very profitable. There are a lot of countries that don't have many citizens with Internet access, so Netflix won't be doing itself a favor by trying to reach them.
Spangler, T. Netflix Wants the World: Can It Really Expand to 200 Countries in 2 Years? Retrieved on February 19, 2015, from http://variety.com/2015/digital/news/netflix-wants-the-world-can-it-really-expand-to-200-countries-in-2-years-1201411740/
Week Six- New perk for students living on FIU campus: HBO Go
This month, FIU and HBO Go announced that students living on campus will have access to HBO Go. This is designed to give students a break from studying and to add into the perks of living on campus. Apparently, the students have already has access to HBO for a number of years, but now they will be able to access almost every single episode or movie that's available on HBO Go.
This is an interesting way HBOGo is trying to reach new audiences. Because of their famous TV shows such as Game of Thrones, HBO has been targeting a lot of the younger crowds, and this is an interesting way to do it. I think it's also safe to assume that HBO is hoping that those students who graduate from the school will continue to want to use the streaming service after their graduation, which might be part of the reason why they're offering it.
Avila, S. HBO GO now available for University residents. Retrieved February 12, 2015, from http://fiusm.com/2015/02/11/hbo-go-now-available-for-university-residents/
This is an interesting way HBOGo is trying to reach new audiences. Because of their famous TV shows such as Game of Thrones, HBO has been targeting a lot of the younger crowds, and this is an interesting way to do it. I think it's also safe to assume that HBO is hoping that those students who graduate from the school will continue to want to use the streaming service after their graduation, which might be part of the reason why they're offering it.
Avila, S. HBO GO now available for University residents. Retrieved February 12, 2015, from http://fiusm.com/2015/02/11/hbo-go-now-available-for-university-residents/
France looking at taxing Netflix, Amazon to fund film and TV
Netflix, Amazon, and Google may be taxed in France because of the effect they've been having on the French film production industry. At the moment, companies based outside of Europe don't have to pay the same taxes as those based inside Europe, even though they accomplish the same purpose. The companies, all of which are either planning to or already stream television and movies to their consumers, have has a negative effect on the finances of the French production and also benefit from it. Because of this, France hopes to reduce the amount of streaming and increase the amount of French productions, which have gained a lot of awards in the past few years (in this year's race for the Academy Award, 13 French films or co-productions with other countries are in the running). The country is also trying to maintain its diversity and help create companies that will compete with other international giants such as HBO. "Globally, the sector is re-configuring itself and the emergence of new actors like Netflix and Amazon are shaking up the production and distribution landscape."
I think this is a great way for a country to fight back at the quickly-changing industry. While I do believe companies should accept and adapt to the ways the film industry has been changing, I like that a country is trying to protect its own film production industry and making sure its word-renowned films go first. Also, this is an interesting obstacle for the three companies, and I'm really excited to see how they will be able to get past it. Over the past few years streaming sites have faced a lot difficulties when it comes to changing the industry, and this new obstacle will only increase their creativity and allow them to increase the competition between each other.
Laubie, S. France looking at taxing Netflix, Amazon to fund film and TV. Retrieved February 3, 2015, from http://citizen.co.za/afp_feed_article/france-looking-at-taxing-netflix-amazon-to-fund-film-and-tv/
I think this is a great way for a country to fight back at the quickly-changing industry. While I do believe companies should accept and adapt to the ways the film industry has been changing, I like that a country is trying to protect its own film production industry and making sure its word-renowned films go first. Also, this is an interesting obstacle for the three companies, and I'm really excited to see how they will be able to get past it. Over the past few years streaming sites have faced a lot difficulties when it comes to changing the industry, and this new obstacle will only increase their creativity and allow them to increase the competition between each other.
Laubie, S. France looking at taxing Netflix, Amazon to fund film and TV. Retrieved February 3, 2015, from http://citizen.co.za/afp_feed_article/france-looking-at-taxing-netflix-amazon-to-fund-film-and-tv/
Week Four- Movie Studio by Amazon for Screens Big and Small
Steel, E. Movie Studio by Amazon for Screens Big and Small. Retrieved January 29, 2015, from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/20/business/amazon-to-start-theatrical-movie-operation-with-a-quick-streaming-tie-in.html?_r=1
Amazon will be releasing movies both on the big screen and for streaming! The movies will have theatrical release and early distribution on Amazon's Prime Instant Video service. They will be available for streaming four to eight weeks after their original theatrical release, which brings down the original 39 to 52. This announcement is yet another step Amazon has taken to increase its competition with Netflix.
Amazon said it plans on releasing 12 movies a year, and each will focus on a new and unique story which will star new and up-and-coming actors as well as creators. The movies have been describes as "indie" movies and will have budgets between $5 million and $25 million; "Analysts cautioned that if the films were low-budget and of low quality, it would be difficult for them to profoundly alter the conventional system for theatrical releases." In the past month, Amazon has been doing really well since it became the first streaming service to win a Golden Globe (with Transparent) and signed a deal with Woody Allen for his very first TV show. The movies, however, will run in a separately from the TV series because its release and distribution won't be based on viewer feedback; "Though a lot of the attention in the industry and press has been focused recently on television series, and it is indeed a new golden era in television, we think the death of film has been greatly exaggerated and films can and will continue to be a vital, brilliant and unique part of culture in America and throughout the world." This is not the first time Amazon has tried to venture into the film industry. In 2010, the company started a studio group which received online submissions and promised to award $2.7 million to the top submissions and create them into feature films.
I think this is a great idea, but Amazon seems to be falling behind on their game. As Netflix's top rival, the company should be expected to come up with great and innovative ways to create more competition. The only difference between this movie deal and Netflix's (other than the fact that one stars a world-famous actor and the other doesn't) is the fact that these movies will be released in theaters. It's great that Amazon is trying to do this, but the fact that their movies will later be released online might affect how many theaters actually want to show the movie. If consumers can wait a few more weeks to watch it in the comfort of their own home, then why not? I do, however, have to applaud Amazon for trying to change the film industry but at the same time staying within its parameters. With Netflix's movie deal, the movies will only be streamed on the service itself, which can put a lot of pressure on the industry to change and evolve into this new era of film streaming. Amazon, however, seems to be trying to lead the industry towards the new type of distribution. Although the method might be bad for the company itself, it's fantastic for the film industry.
Amazon will be releasing movies both on the big screen and for streaming! The movies will have theatrical release and early distribution on Amazon's Prime Instant Video service. They will be available for streaming four to eight weeks after their original theatrical release, which brings down the original 39 to 52. This announcement is yet another step Amazon has taken to increase its competition with Netflix.
Amazon said it plans on releasing 12 movies a year, and each will focus on a new and unique story which will star new and up-and-coming actors as well as creators. The movies have been describes as "indie" movies and will have budgets between $5 million and $25 million; "Analysts cautioned that if the films were low-budget and of low quality, it would be difficult for them to profoundly alter the conventional system for theatrical releases." In the past month, Amazon has been doing really well since it became the first streaming service to win a Golden Globe (with Transparent) and signed a deal with Woody Allen for his very first TV show. The movies, however, will run in a separately from the TV series because its release and distribution won't be based on viewer feedback; "Though a lot of the attention in the industry and press has been focused recently on television series, and it is indeed a new golden era in television, we think the death of film has been greatly exaggerated and films can and will continue to be a vital, brilliant and unique part of culture in America and throughout the world." This is not the first time Amazon has tried to venture into the film industry. In 2010, the company started a studio group which received online submissions and promised to award $2.7 million to the top submissions and create them into feature films.
I think this is a great idea, but Amazon seems to be falling behind on their game. As Netflix's top rival, the company should be expected to come up with great and innovative ways to create more competition. The only difference between this movie deal and Netflix's (other than the fact that one stars a world-famous actor and the other doesn't) is the fact that these movies will be released in theaters. It's great that Amazon is trying to do this, but the fact that their movies will later be released online might affect how many theaters actually want to show the movie. If consumers can wait a few more weeks to watch it in the comfort of their own home, then why not? I do, however, have to applaud Amazon for trying to change the film industry but at the same time staying within its parameters. With Netflix's movie deal, the movies will only be streamed on the service itself, which can put a lot of pressure on the industry to change and evolve into this new era of film streaming. Amazon, however, seems to be trying to lead the industry towards the new type of distribution. Although the method might be bad for the company itself, it's fantastic for the film industry.
Week Three- Keeping the Internet Neutral
Porter, E. Keeping the Internet Neutral. Retrieved January 22, 2015, from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/business/economy/net-neutrality-and-economic-equality-are-intertwined.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Although the article is from 2012, it explains net neutrality perfectly. Companies have been starting to discriminate between websites and give those websites that pay the most money a "faster" lane. Because of this, Netflix has been starting a campaign to pass "network neutrality" where broadband providers wouldn't be able to give certain companies this "faster" lane and keep the Internet the same for everyone. The biggest concern in this fight is Comcast, the nation's biggest broadband provider, because of its announcement that those consumers who use Xbox 360's Xfinity TV service wouldn't cut into their 250 gigabytes per month allowance;"If I watch last night’s ‘S.N.L.’ episode on my Xbox through the Hulu app, it eats up about one gigabyte of my cap, but if I watch that same episode through the Xfinity Xbox app, it doesn't use up my cap at all." This argument even gave Sony second thoughts about launching its online video streaming service, which was supposed to compete with the other already-established services. This then affects the consumers because for them to be able to reach other services, they have to ignore the faster services; " To reach the multitude of online services competing for your attention, you must first get through a bottleneck that is not competitive at all: high-speed broadband access." For the moment (in 2012), the FCC's regulation probably won't happen. The agency lost a neutrality case against Comcast in 2010 and Verizon is already challenging the new neutrality rules. The new rules can help release a great amount of innovation that has the ability to make new technology appear, such as what happened in the 60s with the Bell phone lines; "The decision unleashed a torrent of innovation — including the answering machine, the fax and the first device that allowed us to explore what would become the Internet: the modem."
Although this doesn't pertain specifically to film, it greatly affects the streaming industry because something like net neutrality has the ability to make or break the entire business. Netflix's struggle to keep the internet neutral is justified because companies like Comcast shouldn't be able to pick and choose which websites deserve the "faster" lane. If streaming services were to lose their appeal, the ilm industry would end up going back to where it was before. This would be detrimental to the entire industry because the influx of the new services has helped increase competition and create new ways for movies to be made and distributed. Not only that, but there would be unfair competition between the streaming services themselves, since some would be faster than others.
Although the article is from 2012, it explains net neutrality perfectly. Companies have been starting to discriminate between websites and give those websites that pay the most money a "faster" lane. Because of this, Netflix has been starting a campaign to pass "network neutrality" where broadband providers wouldn't be able to give certain companies this "faster" lane and keep the Internet the same for everyone. The biggest concern in this fight is Comcast, the nation's biggest broadband provider, because of its announcement that those consumers who use Xbox 360's Xfinity TV service wouldn't cut into their 250 gigabytes per month allowance;"If I watch last night’s ‘S.N.L.’ episode on my Xbox through the Hulu app, it eats up about one gigabyte of my cap, but if I watch that same episode through the Xfinity Xbox app, it doesn't use up my cap at all." This argument even gave Sony second thoughts about launching its online video streaming service, which was supposed to compete with the other already-established services. This then affects the consumers because for them to be able to reach other services, they have to ignore the faster services; " To reach the multitude of online services competing for your attention, you must first get through a bottleneck that is not competitive at all: high-speed broadband access." For the moment (in 2012), the FCC's regulation probably won't happen. The agency lost a neutrality case against Comcast in 2010 and Verizon is already challenging the new neutrality rules. The new rules can help release a great amount of innovation that has the ability to make new technology appear, such as what happened in the 60s with the Bell phone lines; "The decision unleashed a torrent of innovation — including the answering machine, the fax and the first device that allowed us to explore what would become the Internet: the modem."
Although this doesn't pertain specifically to film, it greatly affects the streaming industry because something like net neutrality has the ability to make or break the entire business. Netflix's struggle to keep the internet neutral is justified because companies like Comcast shouldn't be able to pick and choose which websites deserve the "faster" lane. If streaming services were to lose their appeal, the ilm industry would end up going back to where it was before. This would be detrimental to the entire industry because the influx of the new services has helped increase competition and create new ways for movies to be made and distributed. Not only that, but there would be unfair competition between the streaming services themselves, since some would be faster than others.
Week two - The Future of Film
Williams, O. The Future of Film. Empire. Retrieved January 15, 2015, from http://www.empireonline.com/features/future-streaming-services
The Future of Film
With Netflix and other streaming sites on the rise, the film industry will probably be changing in the next few years. This is because of the massive amount of viewers the streaming services now have, and the fact that they now have the money to produce their own movies. Because Netflix is now "nearing device ubiquity," its service is accessible anywhere with internet connection. This accessibility, however, doesn't mean it will replace traditional TV sets: "Nearly every household in the UK has a television, and the broadcast industry has developed over decades to get to the size it is today." Online streaming providers are still relatively new, but their reach is growing and, with it, their budgets and ambition." Although they are still growing in size, the streaming services should be careful when trying to overthrow the big and already established movie studios because other companies have tried in the past and haven't succeeded. Another reason for the caution is because the already-established directors will be looking for bigger budget films, which most streaming services can't provide at the moment. For now, however, the rise of the streaming services seems to be "meteoric" and they "seem unlikely to limit their ambitions any time soon."
Overall, I think Netflix and other streaming services will eventually produce a big change in both the film and television industries. A change this big, however, is highly unlikely. This is because of the fact that these companies are planning on going against companies that have been around for decades and already have established their corporations as big-time studios that provide their employees with enough money and time to produce award-winning films. The streaming services, however, haven't been able to do this yet, and won't be able to do it for a while. Another problem with these companies entering the business is the fact that they don't own any type of brand or subsidiary services. One of the big reason movie studios such as Disney have been able to make so much money is because they have a monopoly on the type of movies they tend to produce. Unless Netflix, Amazon Prime, or any of the other film streaming services find a way to establish brand, they won't be able to make easy money off their movies.
The Future of Film
With Netflix and other streaming sites on the rise, the film industry will probably be changing in the next few years. This is because of the massive amount of viewers the streaming services now have, and the fact that they now have the money to produce their own movies. Because Netflix is now "nearing device ubiquity," its service is accessible anywhere with internet connection. This accessibility, however, doesn't mean it will replace traditional TV sets: "Nearly every household in the UK has a television, and the broadcast industry has developed over decades to get to the size it is today." Online streaming providers are still relatively new, but their reach is growing and, with it, their budgets and ambition." Although they are still growing in size, the streaming services should be careful when trying to overthrow the big and already established movie studios because other companies have tried in the past and haven't succeeded. Another reason for the caution is because the already-established directors will be looking for bigger budget films, which most streaming services can't provide at the moment. For now, however, the rise of the streaming services seems to be "meteoric" and they "seem unlikely to limit their ambitions any time soon."
Overall, I think Netflix and other streaming services will eventually produce a big change in both the film and television industries. A change this big, however, is highly unlikely. This is because of the fact that these companies are planning on going against companies that have been around for decades and already have established their corporations as big-time studios that provide their employees with enough money and time to produce award-winning films. The streaming services, however, haven't been able to do this yet, and won't be able to do it for a while. Another problem with these companies entering the business is the fact that they don't own any type of brand or subsidiary services. One of the big reason movie studios such as Disney have been able to make so much money is because they have a monopoly on the type of movies they tend to produce. Unless Netflix, Amazon Prime, or any of the other film streaming services find a way to establish brand, they won't be able to make easy money off their movies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)