We closely followed the recent NAB Conference in Las Vegas. We wanted to know: “Is 3DTV really as hot as we hear?” The answer: “No! 3D is much hotter than we thought!” In this edition: Our first look at 3DTV as it pivots from niche to mainstream. Next week: How much expense does 3D add …
This week we go deeper into the development and production process for National Geographic Channel (NGC), including a look at Explorer specials produced by National Geographic Television (NGT). The ‘Sweet Spot’ Last week, we described NGC’s flexible commissioning model that mixes: Coproductions with NGC-International (70% +/-) Coproductions with other partners, and Work-for-hire projects. Many of you …
How Nat Geo Channel Commissions Programs. Case Study: Nat Geo Explorer Read More »
This week we examine the ‘Sweet Spot’ for network production budgets for National Geographic Channel (NGC). Next week’s topic: a deeper look into NGC’s Development and Production Processes. NGC was launched in 2001 and is now distributed to 70 million of the 115 million U.S. TV homes. NGC is a joint venture between National Geographic …
What Does National Geographic Channel Pay for Programs? Read More »
Every network is steered by an annual programming budget that establishes or implies a “Sweet Spot” for an hour of original programming. This benchmark is based on the network’s investment strategies, revenues, schedule, the competitive situation, contributions from co-producers and partners, and more. The ‘Sweet Spot’ is the cost that the Director/VP of …
This week’s topic: How do networks develop and green light new programs? Our case study is the A&E and Bio pair of channels. The program development process is a huge and complex topic. Each year, hundreds of channels worldwide commission thousands of factual entertainment programs at a cost of several $U.S. billions. Commissioning practices differ …
How Do A&E and Bio Networks Develop New Programs? Read More »
The ‘Sweet Spot’ for Bio – A&E’s Junior and Growing Brand In our two previous posts, we analyzed the ‘Sweet Spot’ for production budgets at channels owned by AETN, led by A&E and History. (See Archives: March 4, March 11, 2010). This week we look at Bio, the junior brand in the A&E family of channels. While Bio is …
The ‘Sweet Spot’ for History In our previous post, we recapped the concept of the network ‘Sweet Spot’, and analyzed A&E’s commission costs. (See Archive: March 3, 2010). This week we look at the U.S. History channel, which is also owned by AETN, and its sister brands History International and Military History. History is distributed to more than 98 …
The ‘Sweet Spot’ for A&E In our previous posts, we examined Discovery’s ‘Sweet Spot’ for commissions. (See Archive: February 17 and February 24, 2010). This week we look at A&E, the flagship and parent of the AETN family of channels that includes History, Bio, History International, the digi-nets Crime & Investigation (CI) and Military History, and since …