Hey everyone! I don't know if you've seen people in the business on social media saying that things in the industry aren't moving and the fear because people are spending less -- Just this week I've seen THREE BIG overall TV deals for creators, and now that we're heading into pilot production season, we're starting to see a run up of series and pilot orders. Is it nearly as many shows being bought as before? No, because now networks/streamers buy shows year-round, so it's more spread out.
But the recent spending says two things to me -- 1.) As long as there's an audience, there will be jobs (and there will always be an audience) 2.) The overall deals jumping back up says to me that networks/streamers are playing it a bit safe with showrunners and view their track records as safe bets.
So maybe when you're trying to sell your show, you need to be thinking about packaging more (we have classes for that), and if you're looking to staff, the jobs are there!
What do you guys think of these recent deal/series order announcements?
Class on demand --> https://www.stage32.com/classes/Taking-Your-TV-Show-From-Concept-to-Sale?affid=ejlounge
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I would like to take this opportunity to tell any producer, director or production company within the sound of this post that if you're indeed looking for fresh ideas for movies and or television.
I can be found here on Stage 32 or IMDB pro
Pardon me Emily J if this was a bit off topic.
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Dunno. The math doesn't make sense. Companies making more tv shows but paying less for series and minimum staff writers per show.
C-A-M tweeted how tv deals are structured, and how tv careers stall, even with deals.
https://twitter.com/cadlymack/status/1612188765006749696?s=46&t=1eJRlBSj...
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I don't totally disagree with you, but this twitter thread is focused on Streamers and shows that are getting canceled (as opposed to deals with networks and new stuff selling - because you have to fill your schedule regardless of if it's new or returning).
There have been a lot of issues with streamers paying per episode even though writers work a lot more and have been able to take advantage of that a lot in the past (and this will all come up with the WGA deal in a couple of months). But network/studio deals are a little bit different.
For example, a couple of years ago Netflix gave Ryan Murphy $300mm, whether he made them that money back is debatable since it's a subscription model, and it took a beat for him to start rolling out projects. By contrast, Warner Bros gave Greg Berlanti $300 million to continue his deal. This is someone who can oversee 6-10 shows simultaneously (mostly on network but also on basic cable and streaming). Network season orders are getting shorter, and rooms get smaller to match that, but that doesn't mean there aren't jobs or that they're not spending money to fill their slates. As for the streaming/canceled series debates, I think let WGA handle the ramifications of what streamers have been doing
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Thanks for the info, Emily.
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Great analysis Emily! I agree that there will always be a need for more original, compelling, high-quality content. Buyers are tightening up their spending because the current economics for streaming are not sustainable long term and as soon as they stop growing (a la Netflix last year) they have to find a way to become profitable (i.e. cut costs). The era of frivolous spending on content may be ending but buying new content to keep audiences entertained is here to stay.
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There also seems to be a renewed focus on comedy now too...
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Wendy Weising Absolutely! Ted Lasso sort of broke that pandemic-streak I think, and Abbott Elementary has really brought back a resurgence to a more classic style sitcom, but there's great stuff all over the place
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Hi, Emily J. I've seen people on social media say that things in the industry aren't moving/I've heard fear that people and companies are spending less, but I've also heard industry pros say they're spending money on content/spending more on content. I've also heard about writers selling scripts, shows, etc. lately, so I suggest everyone not give in to the negativity and fear that some people are talking about.
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Great post, Emily. There will always be a need for new series and fresh voices, especially when streamers keep score with subs over viewers. And it’s pushed the broadcasters to raise their game - like Abbott - and cable nets to push their envelopes - like Yellowstone. How this trickles down to writers and talent with shorter order patterns and exclusive holding deals is a whole other conversation but more great shows will continue to emerge IMO.
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Emily, the analysis you did in the comments was super helpful to me, thanks! I know the paying per season v per show v other options is a big deal when it comes to anyone who has to sign contracts that don't allow much for other work. 24 episodes of a show working 16 hours days for 10 months is a big difference from 6 show seasons that work 2 months. I don't envy the union heads in the next few years, WGA included. But that nitty gritty aside, storytelling is not going anywhere. It's been here thousands of years and it will continue until and possibly after our demise. Just how we do it changes.
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Shows will be ordered, made and released. The point of the first season it to get the second season. Yes, there will be the death of shows due to viewing habits and advertising dollars (network). Streamers will check their metrics. All business is about calculus efficiency: minimum dollar spend up front for maximum returns on the back. While spending will only increase 2% - 3%, shows will still be ordered. Because there are budgets for shows, once those shows are gone the money is shifted to a new show. The question that beckons: who has the show that has legs to go the distance?