Netflix makes another content move. Deal done with Turner + Warner. This is some company.

 
Netflix is moving on with more content deals. Having the cash, allows it to compete with traditional broadcasters and win, snagging content deals that will propel it into outer space.

Netflix knows well too, that they've "got away" with poor content already and have clearly identified their content as a weakness. Something to be admired in a company.

Their positioning as a more "children" brand - insofar as they see that as being the initial hook to get subscribers - means they've a kids content focus. So now they've done a deal with Turner and Warner Brothers bringing past series of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, starting in March.

Animation's Green Latern and TNT's Dallas will arrive in 2014. Cartoon network includes Johnny Bravo and every parent's nightmare, Ben 10. Robot Chicken and Children's Hospital are amongst many that's included - you mightn't know them, but your kids do. Very well.

The list of programmes is endless.

The Warner Brothers selection includes The West Wing, Chuck, 666 Park Avenue and Revolution. Previously Warners had said they didn't want this content streamed but seem to have succumbed to the inevitable.

Netflix has also arrived on Windows 8.

The growth of Netflix, notably in 2012, has been staggering and I don't know how many times I've blogged Netflix but it's a lot - simply, it's hard not to because this is a business that just keeps in the news. Always doing stuff.

The regrettable administration of HMV in these islands will of course give Netflix more customers and, lest we forget, we're not even at the stage where integrated TV's are omni-present in the domestic market. Imagine when they are, Netflix will rule the world.

The losers in all of this? DVD rental and traditional TV. 
The winners? all of us. 

This is a real champion of the digital world.

The next big Social Media Network will be Video sharing. ESPN starts it off with Twitter.

The next big Social Media network is likely to be about video sharing.

Story sharing, posts sharing, pic sharing is all done and what's needed now is the ability for people to share video. Personal video but also video that they think you'll be interested in seeing. Not a Google 'hangout' but rather a place where you can post video you think people will be interested in seeing it - sharing a sports video for example or a news clip.

Sports is a key driver of video on demand (vod) and of video sharing. During the week, ESPN, the sports broadcaster, have integrated instant video replay content which they will deliver to sports fans via Twitter.

Clearly Twitter's strength is mobile and this new sports package will allow people to see the action in replay, as they move about. They're starting with College Football - clearly getting to the younger sports and twitter savvy audiences.

Users will also get alerts to their phone when some key action takes place so that can instantly go on and have a look. And yes, the clip will have a pre-roll Ad, largely initially for Ford Fusion.

It's video sharing in a real smart way - it's Social media video sharing. Spreecast seems to be the first attempt at this but I think, a poor attempt.

It also gives brands like ESPN a real useful footprint and presence on Twitter.

But you're going to see more of this - Social Video sharing.
It has to be the next wave.

Video on Demand, Live Streaming and the end of the world.

I've blogged before that I think YouTube is the new TV - especially with their opening of 100 new pro channels earlier this year. And clearly VOD (video on demand) is becoming king of the content stakes as businesses like Netflix drive on (30m subscribers this year estimated, 22m already). Unequivocally, it's the lack of VOD which is going to continue to destroy online print publishers. Newspapers online need video and in Ireland, they're not having the conversation quickly enough and I'd know, because I would be party to that more likely.

It goes without saying too, that I believe in live streaming and I've seen it happen before my very eyes this year with Streamabout.

It is beyond doubt that video, and local video, is becoming the holy grail. It is also the holy grail for mobile.

Netflix have announced that they now intend to develop their own programming so they'll now compete with traditional broadcaster for rights (and win because they have cash) as well as entering their own productions, like 'Lillyhammer' with Springsteen's Steve Van Zandt.Terrific.

Netflix biggest competitor is Jeff Bezo's Amazon's Love Film who've recently announced a tie-up with The Discovery Channel. I've already said before that Netflix is the biggest change since the birth of Television http://streamabout.blogspot.com/2012/04/netflix-greatest-change-in-broadcasting.html

So lo and behold, courtesy of Mashable, Amazon announces plans to stream one “promising new project” per month. Amazon will measure audience viewership and engagement with each pitched series to decide which series will go into full production. Amazon has been targeting new original programming for its web instant video channel since it launched in November, 2010. Children and comedy shows will add to the existing slate of show and movie genres".


So now Amazon have opened up opportunity for programme makers notably in children's shows and comedy. By the way you submit your ideas http://studios.amazon.com/getting-started/series . 


“Amazon Studios wants to discover great talent and produce programming that audiences will love,” Roy Price, director of Amazon Studios. “In the course of developing movies, we’ve heard a lot of interest from content creators who want to develop original series in the comedy and children’s genres. We are excited to bring writers, animators and directors this new opportunity to develop original series.” Already 15 shows are in production.


So if you can't buy or get VOD  content, you make it.


And more and more, brands are sponsoring almost like the old "live" TV and Radio programmes of old. When I lived in Canada, I remember a natural history programme 'Wild Kingdom' being huge and brought to viewers by Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company which went huge in turn.

You are now seeing the early stages of new broadcasting.
It's bad news for publishers, bad news for traditional TV broadcasters but good news for content makers. A massive opportunity in fact, if you'll excuse the mention, for Irish production talent of which there's lots.


This is a ground breaking moment with web based companies making their own unique programmes. It's small, it's a start but it's going to change entertainment forever. It's going to change TV. AND IT'S GOING TO THEREFORE, CHANGE ADVERTISING.


It's changing the world.