Recorded Programming Has Not Significantly Altered TV Viewing Habits. Will it ever?

Today's Hollywood Reporter carries an article on the impact of digital video recorders (DVR's) on television viewing habits. The article tracks a study on the topic, and makes a couple of interesting points.First, although many homes (36%) now have DVR's as a part of the home entertainment system, over 90% of TV viewing is still done in the traditional linear sense. The programs recorded on the

Negotiation: Eloquence Does Not Equal Effectiveness

Most often, I like to write about developments in the entertainment business and the likely implications for members of that industry. But every once in a while, I feel compelled to share something I've learned in the course of my work day. Usually the lessons are not new, but have only been forgotten. I figure sometimes all of us can use a reminder.Recently, I have been reminded that effective

Blockbuster's Dilemma

This week Blockbuster announced it will likely be closing almost 1,000 of its stores in the near future. Of course, this is no surprise. It has been clear to everyone who watches this industry that the retail video store is dying a not-so-slow death. And the success of the Redbox kiosk business is speeding that process.So, Blockbuster is now going to spend up to $60 million in shutting down

Digital Cinema Funding Comes Out Of A Coma

This week's big news on the business side of the film industry has to be JP Morgan's announcement of its return to the digital cinema funding business. The Wall Street survivor announced a $525M fund that is targeted to roll out about 500 new digital screens per month, almost doubling the North American penetration by the end of 2010 to as many as 13,000 screens. The fund will ultimately

Cross-Platform Synergy Isn't Just an Advertising Strategy

A day doesn't go by without some media executive talking about "promoting a brand across all of our platforms." In normal person speak, this means, "I think we're finally figuring out how to make the Internet work for us."Initially, I think traditional entertainment companies viewed the Internet as a threat (of course) and then as another place to advertise their films and programs. Now they are

An Honest Take on The Current State of Indy Film

The recent coverage by the Hollywood Reporter of the independent film business included an article by by Steve Zeitchik on the current state of the industry. While Steve starts with a lot of doom and gloom, implying that the entire industry may be on the brink of collapse, he ultimately paints a fair picture that I found somewhat positive. His ultimate conclusion is that producers need to keep