Universal Studios May Serve as Lab for New Approach to Viewers - NYTimes.com
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ditch the DVDs: Disney's 'Keychest' Alters Idea of How to Own a Movie - WSJ.com
Ditch the DVDs: Disney's 'Keychest' Alters Idea of How to Own a Movie - WSJ.com
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Purchase of a 'Keychest' Movie Would Allow On-Demand Viewing From Multiple Devices
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Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
5 Factors That Will Determine Future Ad Spend
by Diane Mermigas, Friday, October 9, 2009, 4:26 PM
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=115196
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=115196
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Ratings Rant: Big Losses for Networks, Big Questions for Nielsen
Sometimes you wonder whether Nielsen shouldn't just change its name to WTF Ratings.
Today is one of those days. According to preliminary fast national numbers from the ratings monopoly, most of the networks saw massive declines on Wednesday night, with ABC's new comedies taking the biggest hit.So even though it's getting darker earlier, and in many places it's getting colder (and this more TV-friendly), and the buzz on many shows is positive... in Nielsen's world, millions of viewers just simply choose to abandon shows on a week-to-week basis?
Well, I'm a journalist, which means I'm awful at math. And, possibly, logic. So maybe there's some reasonable explanation for the declines.
But when you also consider the fact that DVRs are now in one-third of homes, and data from said recorders now shows many series going way up when their usage is factored in, it makes you wonder why so much attention is being paid to next-day Nielsen data. The numbers this blog and so many other media outlets disseminate and dissect suddenly seem... almost irrelevant.
Here's hoping the networks and advertisers speed up their plans to develop new ways of measuring viewership. Clearly, the industry needs to figure out a way to do things differently.
Anyway, in light of my little rant above, it doesn't make sense for me to just move into a recitation of last night's numbers.
If you still need your Nielsen fix, check out Variety ratings ace Rick Kissell's report on the Wednesday stats here.
Posted using ShareThisWednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Mining for Data Gold
The real-time search wars are heating up! Yesterday, Facebook acquired FriendFeed and in return gained a real-time search engine and many ex-Googlers. Rumor has it, Facebook tried to acquire Twitter a few months ago. Twitter's greatest asset IMHO is the ability to search news, interests and topics in real-time. Google answered yesterday's news with a real-time search announcement of its own, a project codenamed, "CAFFEINE." According to Google, "CAFFEINE" will speed up content indexing and improve accuracy.
Users on Facebook will soon be able to search news feeds for the last thirty days. For those of us already accustomed to data overload, smarter tools for content consumption can't come soon enough!
Users on Facebook will soon be able to search news feeds for the last thirty days. For those of us already accustomed to data overload, smarter tools for content consumption can't come soon enough!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Amazon-Netflix rumors fly
Rumor has it, Amazon is buying Netflix.
With the DVD biz in a freefall, both parties would benefit from offering a massive library of streams and a growing VOD biz.
Netflix is growing its member base (over 10 million last quarter) at a time when other consumer services are shedding subs. And what media platform company would turn down a fee-based business model in this advertising downturn?
With the DVD biz in a freefall, both parties would benefit from offering a massive library of streams and a growing VOD biz.
Netflix is growing its member base (over 10 million last quarter) at a time when other consumer services are shedding subs. And what media platform company would turn down a fee-based business model in this advertising downturn?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Grab Your New Vanity URL On Facebook
Over 3 million names claimed in the first 24 hours. Why the land grab? Like Twitter, Facebook wants to make it easy to share your profile across the web. Problem solved...
Here is mine: www.facebook.com/lainie.kartoon
What do you think?
Here is mine: www.facebook.com/lainie.kartoon
What do you think?
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Convergence of Hollywood and the Video Game Industry
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-games-moguls1-2009jun01,0,4429125,full.story.
Will the Hollywood Studios find success this time around?
What are your thoughts?
Will the Hollywood Studios find success this time around?
What are your thoughts?
Friday, May 22, 2009
Why The TV Model Is Unsustainable
The Hollywood Reporter tells the story in greater detail. The Networks' ratings are down a collective 16%.
Perhaps Joseph Schumpeter summed it up best when he coined the term Creative Destruction in his work entitled, "Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy" (1942) to denote "the process of industrial mutation that incessantly revolutionizes the economic structure from within, incessantly destroying the old one, incessantly creating a new one." In other words, new technology renders old technology obsolete. A kid in Iowa who owns a Flip camera can produce a video and publish it online at a fraction of the cost of producing a television pilot.
The game is far from over, but the pressure is on TV and Film execs to lower costs. The internet has leveled the playing field and the barriers to entry are an upload away. Twenty hours of Video are uploaded to YouTube every minute!
Perhaps Joseph Schumpeter summed it up best when he coined the term Creative Destruction in his work entitled, "Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy" (1942) to denote "the process of industrial mutation that incessantly revolutionizes the economic structure from within, incessantly destroying the old one, incessantly creating a new one." In other words, new technology renders old technology obsolete. A kid in Iowa who owns a Flip camera can produce a video and publish it online at a fraction of the cost of producing a television pilot.
The game is far from over, but the pressure is on TV and Film execs to lower costs. The internet has leveled the playing field and the barriers to entry are an upload away. Twenty hours of Video are uploaded to YouTube every minute!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Bright Spot Amid the Downturn For Hollywood Studios
The LA TIMES business section features positive Box Office news on the front page.
Consumers want to go out, but are looking for ways to save money. Some theater owners have answered that call with concession specials, such as dollar popcorn. Movie attendance is up 14%, while sales of video games and DVDs are down double-digits.
Let's hope a strong showing at the Box Office leads to more creative output from the Hollywood Studios and fewer remakes and sequels.
Consumers want to go out, but are looking for ways to save money. Some theater owners have answered that call with concession specials, such as dollar popcorn. Movie attendance is up 14%, while sales of video games and DVDs are down double-digits.
Let's hope a strong showing at the Box Office leads to more creative output from the Hollywood Studios and fewer remakes and sequels.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Is Online Video Going to Kill the TV Star?
Can TV survive in its current state? That question was hotly debated at this years Digital Hollywood.
TV economics don't look promising. The broadcast audience is steadily declining and migrating online. Furthermore, ad spending is slowly shifting online and costs are rising for TV production.
TV has the advantage of aggregating its audience more efficiently than online video for the time being, but as innovation arises and technological breakthroughs occur, TV will no longer have a distinct advantage.
The major TV networks look to be hedging their bets. NBC, Fox and ABC are partnering with Hulu and providing the online platform with premium content. For those that don't own TV sets and that number seems to be increasing in a weak economy, alternatives will abound to view premium programming online.
TV economics don't look promising. The broadcast audience is steadily declining and migrating online. Furthermore, ad spending is slowly shifting online and costs are rising for TV production.
TV has the advantage of aggregating its audience more efficiently than online video for the time being, but as innovation arises and technological breakthroughs occur, TV will no longer have a distinct advantage.
The major TV networks look to be hedging their bets. NBC, Fox and ABC are partnering with Hulu and providing the online platform with premium content. For those that don't own TV sets and that number seems to be increasing in a weak economy, alternatives will abound to view premium programming online.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Nambu
I recently installed Nambu, another free twitter client application developed for the Mac. Nambu bills itself as a network of services for social messaging integrated seamlessly into client software to maximize integration and user experience.
Nambu is especially useful for grouping your followers. As with other twitter client applications, you can also monitor trends and specific conversations using Nambu.
Nambu helps one save time and filter tweets!
Nambu is especially useful for grouping your followers. As with other twitter client applications, you can also monitor trends and specific conversations using Nambu.
Nambu helps one save time and filter tweets!
Monday, March 30, 2009
itunes set to launch variable pricing
On April 7, itunes will increase the rate of some downloads from .99 to 1.29. In all, prices will range from .69 to 1.29. I'm not sure raising prices in a recession is going to help the bottom lines of the major labels. Why raise prices when you are competing with free or zero?
Why not really shake things up and price music all over the place, depending on the demand of the song?? It would be nice as a consumer to have a low-risk way to purchase new music. Yes, we can sample 30 seconds of a song before purchase, but the labels should strive for volume and raise demand by offering attractive price points, say .05 to .25 for more obscure songs.
What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Why not really shake things up and price music all over the place, depending on the demand of the song?? It would be nice as a consumer to have a low-risk way to purchase new music. Yes, we can sample 30 seconds of a song before purchase, but the labels should strive for volume and raise demand by offering attractive price points, say .05 to .25 for more obscure songs.
What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Back to the Future
Once upon a time, box office receipts served as a marketing platform for the upcoming DVD release. If a movie performed poorly at the box office, producers and executives could still count on DVD sales to recoup their investments and make money. The recession, as well as a saturated DVD marketplace and the prevalence of internet streaming, has caused the film business to rethink that strategy.
Over the last year, the Box-Office has seen double-digit increases in audience attendance. DVD sales are down dramatically over the same time period. Studio execs that have come to rely on DVD sales, now have to depend on the performance of theatrical releases.
On a positive note, the audience will benefit from fewer releases and an emphasis on quality.
Over the last year, the Box-Office has seen double-digit increases in audience attendance. DVD sales are down dramatically over the same time period. Studio execs that have come to rely on DVD sales, now have to depend on the performance of theatrical releases.
On a positive note, the audience will benefit from fewer releases and an emphasis on quality.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
WeFollow
WeFollow, a new user-powered Twitter directory has entered the scene. The site is a side project of Digg Founder, Kevin Rose. Well-organized and clutter-free, the directory aims to locate Tweeps with similar interests. Hence, each user is allowed only three hashtags. So far, the site has added 2500 Tweeps to the directory in the last 24 hours.
You can find me here on Twitter and in the directory at WeFollow (#tv #film #bizdev).
You can find me here on Twitter and in the directory at WeFollow (#tv #film #bizdev).
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Social Mention
Social Mention is a social media search engine that allows you to track what people are saying about brands and products in real-time across the social media landscape.
Since companies and organizations need to track mention of their names and products, they may find Social Mention to be useful.
As an aggregator, social mention saves time and crawls blogs, twitter, friendfeed, etc. Why search the web, when you can find highly targeted threads across the social networking sphere?
Since companies and organizations need to track mention of their names and products, they may find Social Mention to be useful.
As an aggregator, social mention saves time and crawls blogs, twitter, friendfeed, etc. Why search the web, when you can find highly targeted threads across the social networking sphere?
Monday, March 9, 2009
Mashable Acquires Blippr
Mashable, a social media blog/guide has acquired blippr. Blippr is a microblogging platform for music, movies and games reviews. The Blippr reviews can be posted on Twitter, Friendfeed, MySpace, etc.
Social Media has surpassed email in some countries such as the UK and it is clear that Mashable is riding that wave. While Blogs still matter, short comments can efficiently build a community around like-minded tastes.
Studies have shown that peers trust peer recommendations, especially when it comes to activities such as going to the movies, and purchasing games and music. Mashable will offer the best of both community and editorial.
Happy Blippin'
Social Media has surpassed email in some countries such as the UK and it is clear that Mashable is riding that wave. While Blogs still matter, short comments can efficiently build a community around like-minded tastes.
Studies have shown that peers trust peer recommendations, especially when it comes to activities such as going to the movies, and purchasing games and music. Mashable will offer the best of both community and editorial.
Happy Blippin'
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Measuring Buzz - Twitter Search Part 2
A few weeks ago, I discussed tools to monitor conversations or threads on Twitter in real-time. Today, Twitter "officially" integrated search into the home page of every user. Heavy users on Twitter were probably already customizing their own topics of interest. Now, however, the search function is available and accessible to all.
While Twitter can be overwhelming to the novice user, the ability to search in real-time provides a user-friendly and productive experience.
I'd love to hear what others think of the new home page.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Music As A Service
It's no secret the music industry is going through a major transition. Music is moving away from physical products and towards services. Artists derive most of their income from touring, not recorded music. However, music still has the ability to draw a large audience and sponsors.
In fact, music consumption has never been greater. The artists that focus on widespread digital distribution will have a greater chance of success of reaching fans and building a community. There are music discovery sites, music recommendation services and music marketing solutions. All to the benefit of stakeholders - the bands, the tech platforms and most of all, the fans.
This is a time of great experimentation. We should celebrate artistic innovation and creative expression and stop trying to maintain the status quo.
In fact, music consumption has never been greater. The artists that focus on widespread digital distribution will have a greater chance of success of reaching fans and building a community. There are music discovery sites, music recommendation services and music marketing solutions. All to the benefit of stakeholders - the bands, the tech platforms and most of all, the fans.
This is a time of great experimentation. We should celebrate artistic innovation and creative expression and stop trying to maintain the status quo.
Friday, February 27, 2009
2009 Digital Media Trends
With ad sales drying up, it is safe to say that digital media companies have to look for other revenue streams. Subscriptions are clearly an alternative. Fee-based business models provide a much more stable revenue source. Surely it is working for Netflix. It is one of the few companies that have thrived in this economic environment. As packaged media declines, Netflix will continue to roll out online streaming services and charge a premium.
There will be consolidation in the online video space. How many players can compete with YouTube and Hulu? Look for secondary players to fall by the wayside.
As businesses cut costs during these lean times, profit margins will improve. When the economy improves, the thriving companies will have more operating leverage than ever before.
There will be consolidation in the online video space. How many players can compete with YouTube and Hulu? Look for secondary players to fall by the wayside.
As businesses cut costs during these lean times, profit margins will improve. When the economy improves, the thriving companies will have more operating leverage than ever before.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Content Marketing - Holy Grail in 2009?
All companies with a web presence will resemble media companies. Businesses will share ideas, insights and expertise to establish thought leadership, build relationships and retain customers.
As part of their content strategy, many companies use blogs and email newsletters. Savvy companies are utilizing content syndication to push the content to potential customers via RSS and other platforms that are social and engaging.
Many companies will also increasingly turn to Twitter to engage with their customers and attract new prospects.
In sum, compelling content will provide critical info to the right group of people at the right time when they need it most and impact purchasing decisions.
As part of their content strategy, many companies use blogs and email newsletters. Savvy companies are utilizing content syndication to push the content to potential customers via RSS and other platforms that are social and engaging.
Many companies will also increasingly turn to Twitter to engage with their customers and attract new prospects.
In sum, compelling content will provide critical info to the right group of people at the right time when they need it most and impact purchasing decisions.
Monday, February 16, 2009
measuring buzz
There are several tools to monitor topics and/or brands of interest on the web. Google Alerts is certainly an easy place to start. The app does an automated search for you everyday and returns the results by email or RSS feed. Simple enough.
Twitter also has an advanced way to search for topics and/or conversations of interest. By utilizing the search function on Twitter, you can also find like-minded tweets, follow new people, and track trends.
Another site worth checking out is WhosTalkin, a social media search tool.
Twitter also has an advanced way to search for topics and/or conversations of interest. By utilizing the search function on Twitter, you can also find like-minded tweets, follow new people, and track trends.
Another site worth checking out is WhosTalkin, a social media search tool.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Twisten.Fm
Now that Twitter has been valued at over 200 million, the rush to leverage the Twitter community will come fast and furiously. If you love music, then Twisten.Fm is for you. The microblogging platform crawls Twitter for tweets about music and allows users to listen to the music the world is tweeting about. The site does not host any music so it will avoid the issues that plague other music destination sites/apps on the web.
I'm sure other features will be added to provide a one-stop shopping experience for music fans. iLike added 3 million users when it launched on facebook and twisten.fm is likely to find success within the Twitter community.
Enjoy - and follow me here on Twitter.
I'm sure other features will be added to provide a one-stop shopping experience for music fans. iLike added 3 million users when it launched on facebook and twisten.fm is likely to find success within the Twitter community.
Enjoy - and follow me here on Twitter.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Hype Machine
Hype Machine aggregates music blog discussions and enables one-stop shopping. The site features eclectic music and blogs from all over the world. It is the 21st century equivalent of browsing the import bins at an alternative record store or watching 120 minutes on MTV.
The user interface is simple and organized. Fans can explore their favorite bands and discover emerging artists. The site does a great job of tracking trends and informing its audience.
The site will most likely be acquired by a large media company in the near future. Enjoy!
The user interface is simple and organized. Fans can explore their favorite bands and discover emerging artists. The site does a great job of tracking trends and informing its audience.
The site will most likely be acquired by a large media company in the near future. Enjoy!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Social Media
Trying to manage your social media routine can be daunting. There are so many options and tools available to choose from, how does one decide what network to join and how to proceed?
My motto for 2009 shall be experimentation. Joining a network is the easy part. Organizing your network takes skill and diligence. Thankfully, there are so many cool applications out there that help with organization. Some Twitter apps are worth a test drive: Tweetdeck and Hootsuite are some suggestions for managing Twitter groups and feeds, but there are many more.
Tags are also helpful. When you create your profile, you may want to include certain interests that you would like to share with a group of people, such as art, fashion, film and music, etc.
Once you create a profile, the heavy lifting begins and you must stay active on the network to make it worth your while. This includes listening to other conversations and following threads on Twitter as well as commenting and engaging others.
In 2008, we witnessed the explosion of Social Media. 2009 will be about monetizing these networks and making money.
We shall see.....
My motto for 2009 shall be experimentation. Joining a network is the easy part. Organizing your network takes skill and diligence. Thankfully, there are so many cool applications out there that help with organization. Some Twitter apps are worth a test drive: Tweetdeck and Hootsuite are some suggestions for managing Twitter groups and feeds, but there are many more.
Tags are also helpful. When you create your profile, you may want to include certain interests that you would like to share with a group of people, such as art, fashion, film and music, etc.
Once you create a profile, the heavy lifting begins and you must stay active on the network to make it worth your while. This includes listening to other conversations and following threads on Twitter as well as commenting and engaging others.
In 2008, we witnessed the explosion of Social Media. 2009 will be about monetizing these networks and making money.
We shall see.....
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Why do I believe in the power of Twitter?
Twitter is a microblogging platform that allows virtual strangers to have conversations about a variety of topics. People on twitter are usually very passionate about their interests and want to share it with the rest of the world.
The platform is also an easy way to link to interesting articles, blogs, video, photos, etc.. Most of all, news travels fast on twitter and saves time!
Join twitter and see for yourself : http://twitter.com/LainieKartoon
Twitter is a microblogging platform that allows virtual strangers to have conversations about a variety of topics. People on twitter are usually very passionate about their interests and want to share it with the rest of the world.
The platform is also an easy way to link to interesting articles, blogs, video, photos, etc.. Most of all, news travels fast on twitter and saves time!
Join twitter and see for yourself : http://twitter.com/LainieKartoon
Saturday, January 17, 2009
blip.fm
Really enjoying blip.fm, a microblogging service for music fans.
Blip.fm allows everyone to be a "DJ" and find like-minded listeners who share the same musical taste.
Start listening to me on blip.fm: http://blip.fm/2nmobile
Blip.fm allows everyone to be a "DJ" and find like-minded listeners who share the same musical taste.
Start listening to me on blip.fm: http://blip.fm/2nmobile
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Yahoo - Part 2
Yahoo expected to name Carol Bartz (former chief executive of Autodesk) as new CEO: WSJ.
Why is Yahoo's stock price down? Speculators hoping for a buyout??
Stay tuned....
Why is Yahoo's stock price down? Speculators hoping for a buyout??
Stay tuned....
Monday, January 12, 2009
Slumdog Takes Top Honors
As my favorite movie of the year, I am happy to announce that Slumdog was "top dog" at the Golden Globes.
The movie won in all the major categories - Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Score.
Hard to believe that the movie almost had no distribution in the U.S. Thanks to Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros. for having the foresight to release it!
Happy Moviegoing...
The movie won in all the major categories - Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Score.
Hard to believe that the movie almost had no distribution in the U.S. Thanks to Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros. for having the foresight to release it!
Happy Moviegoing...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Favorite Movies - 2008
My Top Ten:
1. Slumdog Millionaire (And the winner is....)
No particular order:
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
3. Milk
4. The Reader
5. Gran Torino
6. Frost/Nixon
7. The Visitor
8. Changeling
9. Dark Knight
10. Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Enjoy!
1. Slumdog Millionaire (And the winner is....)
No particular order:
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
3. Milk
4. The Reader
5. Gran Torino
6. Frost/Nixon
7. The Visitor
8. Changeling
9. Dark Knight
10. Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
iLike Widget
Today I added the iLike Music Widget to my blog. iLike is one of the fastest growing widgets in the social media space. The service has 30 million registered users and counting. Users can create playlists and embed them on their websites or blogs.
Enjoy the January Playlist!
Enjoy the January Playlist!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Yahoo
Rumor has it - Yahoo will get acquired by an investment group (with the help of microsoft) and a new CEO will come on board.
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year - Welcome to 2009!
Goodbye 2008, hello 2009!
Trends/Predictions for 2009:
1. RIM gets acquired by Microsoft.
2. Twitter keeps growing at a healthy clip.
3. Facebook will surpass MySpace as the fastest-growing social network.
4. Television audience will keep shrinking.
5. Fewer films go into production.
6. CD sales continue to decline.
7. Concert Industry grows modestly.
8. Niche-oriented Social Networks/Microblogging Verticals continue to launch.
9. Indie Films do well due to fewer films being made.
10. Apple continues to innovate and make cool products.
Trends/Predictions for 2009:
1. RIM gets acquired by Microsoft.
2. Twitter keeps growing at a healthy clip.
3. Facebook will surpass MySpace as the fastest-growing social network.
4. Television audience will keep shrinking.
5. Fewer films go into production.
6. CD sales continue to decline.
7. Concert Industry grows modestly.
8. Niche-oriented Social Networks/Microblogging Verticals continue to launch.
9. Indie Films do well due to fewer films being made.
10. Apple continues to innovate and make cool products.
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