Introduction to Television

Introduction to Television

• Television is the distribution of audiovisual content to individual consumers, at times and locations and on devices of their own choosing.
• Filming a movie is more expensive than filming a television pilot.
• Television writers have more creative impact on their projects than movie writers.
• Talent is replaceable more easily in television than in film.
• Reality television often relies on strong talent to carry the show.
• Unscripted television is cost-effective due to its format.
• Unscripted television formats can succeed even with talent changes.
• Talent is irreplaceable when they have a strong personal connection to the show, as exemplified by Oprah.
• Serials span multiple seasons and episodes, demanding long-term commitment from actors.
• Key characteristics of television include the importance of writers, unscripted content, serialized shows, and a dual revenue model.

Key Players in Television

• Talent: Actors, Writers, and other creative personnel.
• Studios: Produce television shows, including filming and post-production.
• Networks/Streamers: Acquire and distribute television shows.
• Broadcast Stations: Transmit television signals to viewers.
• MVPDs (Multichannel Video Programming Distributors): Provide cable and satellite television services.
• Advertisers: Purchase advertising space on television networks.
• Talent Representatives: Agents and managers representing talent.

Talent

• Above the Line: Writers and actors who have a larger creative impact on a project.
• Below the Line: Technical personnel, like lawyers, with a support role.
• Talent Backend: Actors receive benefits and royalties for their performance and the success of a show.

Studios

• Studios are responsible for financing, producing, and often distributing television shows.
• They often finance multiple projects, hoping to find a successful one for a high return on investment.

Networks/Streamers

• Networks like Netflix have their own studios and often acquire shows directly.
• Licensing agreements are crucial for protecting intellectual property, ensuring networks have exclusive rights to air shows.

Advertisers

• Networks charge advertisers for placement on their shows, based on TV ratings.
• Low ratings can result in refunds or free advertising time for advertisers.
• Some networks select specific ads that align with the show's content.

Online Video Distribution

• SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand): Paid access to a content library (Netflix).
• AVOD (Advertising-Supported Video on Demand): Free content with ads (Youtube).
• TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand): Paid per-episode basis (iTunes).
• FVOD (Free Video on Demand): Free access without ads.
• VOD: Broad term for various forms of on-demand content delivery.

Challenges in the Television Industry

• Disruptions caused by streaming services, such as leverage, profitability concerns, and industry contraction.

Introduction to Film

• Film is a form of audiovisual entertainment that people watch at their convenience.
• Film production is divided into three stages: Pre-production, Production, and Post-production.

Types of Movies

• Fiction vs Non-Fiction: Fictional narratives vs. documentaries and factual stories.
• Genres: Action, comedy, drama, horror, and animation.

Key Players in Film

• Producers: Conceptualize, assemble the team, secure funding, and manage relationships.
• Writers: Develop and rewrite scripts for the film.
• Directors: Direct the actors, oversee filming, and may also write scripts.
• Actors: Perform various roles in the film.
• Technical Staff: Edit, provide VFX, and support the production.
• Studios: Finance, produce, and distribute films.
• Distributors: Release films and manage marketing campaigns.

Producers

• Producers are responsible for the overall vision and execution of the film.

Writers

• They constantly revise scripts during production to meet the film's needs.
• Writers adapt scripts based on direction and actor feedback.

Directors

• Directors guide the actors' performance and oversee the filming process.
• Some directors are also screenwriters.

Actors

• Actors are now more independent, choosing projects based on their interest and financial compensation.
• Actors can get attached to films based on reading and approving scripts.

Technical Staff

• Technical staff includes editors, VFX artists, and other behind-the-scenes personnel.

Studios

• Studios finance films and produce them, expecting a return on investment.

Distributors

• Distributors release films and manage their marketing, often investing heavily in advertising.
• They use elements like star power, budget, and audience reviews to assess fees for film rights.

Film Windows

• Theatrical release, home video distribution, and streaming are the main windows for film distribution.

Film Distribution Agreement Key Terms

• Term: The duration of the agreement.
• Fees: Payments for licensing and distribution rights.
• Territory: The geographical areas where the film will be distributed.
• Rights Granted: Permitted use of the film (e.g., theatrical, home video, streaming).
• Exclusivity: Granting exclusive distribution rights to one entity.
• Languages: Whether the film will be dubbed or subtitled.