Hey networks, WTF?
Here's a business model that makes sense to me. You have a "TV Event", and then a few weeks later the DVD comes out with extras, bonus scenes, commentary, etc. You maximize excitement for the original event, then the fanboys and those that missed it go out and buy the DVD without too much of a wait. It worked for the Battlestar Galactica: Razor TV movie in late '07.
Given that this seems like a good model (at least to me), I'm at a loss for why so many similar projects are being released on DVD first, before getting a network airing. For example:
1. Battlestar Galactica: The Plan. Possibly the last new BSG material ever. Released on DVD 10/27/2009. Network air date TBD.
Really, Syfy Network? The biggest show you've ever had, and you're not sure when you can squeeze in a made-for-TV movie that's chock-a-block full of Tricia Helfer?
2. Caprica 2-hour pilot episode. Released on DVD 4/21/2009. Set to air 1/22/2010.
A little part of me understands holding off on this airing until the rest of the series is ready to go. But seriously? You didn't have a couple of hours you needed to fill in the intervening 7 months, Syfy Network? Maybe some tasty ad spots to sell for the next big thing in the BSG universe?
3. Something, something, something, Dark Side. The Family Guy spoof of The Empire Strikes Back. DVD set for release on 12/23/2009. Set to air 5/16/2010.
Let's do a little math, shall we, Fox? You have a multi-million dollar investment in the Seth MacFarlane franchises. Blue Harvest (the Star Wars spoof) was one of the biggest Family Guy episodes of all time. It was a huge TV event. You can't get this aired before Christmas? Need to sit on it for another 5 or 6 months?
Maybe something important has changed since Battlestar Galactica: Razor was released. Maybe it's harder to put a program on a network than to digitize it, press millions of DVDs, and get them distributed to retail channels. Maybe. But I doubt it.
Anyone know what the frak is going on?
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2 comments:
And here's another: the "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" Christmas episode. http://www.amazon.com/Its-Always-Sunny-Philadelphia-Christmas/dp/B002IFUCYE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1258137073&sr=8-1
I think it's because DVD sales have tanked so badly over the last couple years. They're betting that if you're fanboy enough to buy the DVD of an episode before it airs, you'll probably watch it over the air anyway. Either that, or they'll make more scrilla from the number of direct sales than they would if that number of folks didn't watch the airing. Who knows?
Maybe the networks know that BSG sucks so much that no one would buy the DVD after they see it. Direct to video for crappy sequels is not unusual.
Family Guy Star Wars episode? Even easier. Lots of people will buy it for Christmas. And then they will also watch it on Sunday night 5 months later because nothing else is on TV Sunday nights.
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