What does the future of TV actually look like? I've seen little into the future and it's exciting... 📺🔮 The streamers and broadcasters are still producing top-notch shows but as we know the revenue has moved and there is a BIG new commissioner in town… Believe it or not, it's YOU, well the brands and corporations! With platforms like YouTube leading the streaming game globally, companies are stepping up to commission their own TV-style shows. I know this because we are on several projects working on formatted series for brands. I am talking about: observational documentaries competition format reality series talent-based formats and even a scripted show. 🎬 Product placement and brand partnerships are evolving into full-blown entertainment shows. Imagine a competition reality series hunting for the next big sneaker designer, complete with behind-the-scenes action, legendary collaborations, and the chance of a lifetime job. You’re welcome Nike or adidas you can have this. You just need us to actually make it! 😉 they are funding and putting out themselves! Why am I telling you this? If you're in the TV industry, your expertise will shift because you need to have the skills of working in entertainment to make these shows. Essentially your network will need to grow in this area. For me, I need the support of TV professionals to make this content. If you're a company, this is the future of brand marketing – you don’t need to settle for being a 20-second ident when you can be the entire show. 🌟 This isn't just advertising; it's entertainment. I am talking about one element of TV which is changing and I think it’s exciting to see entertainment move in this area. We are still in broadcast but diversifying and adapting to the market. 🎥✨ #futureoftv #brandedcontent #entertainmentindustry #marketing
This is very interesting James. You mentioned a scripted show, but I'm not sure if it was drama or comedy. Do you think there's room for longer form scripted comedy in all this? By longer form, I mean not 2 minute You Tube sketches or 30" social media posts. It's obviously possible to shoot a whole web scripted comedy series, but who's likely to pay for it? Most of those I'm aware of currently are low-budget & self-funded by the actors/writers/directors involved.
are you able to talk straight to the brands James or are you going through PR/agencies?
I think you're right James - I've spent the last few months wading through reports, articles and webinars, plus talking to who I can, to see where I need to refocus my sights after over 20 years of TV production and brands certainly seem to be where it's at.
Will they do this with in-house production facilities or hire in outside companies?
This rings very true. More and more our work is corporate and brand based - but utilising the TV and traditional broadcast skills we have amassed over 20+ years. The secret is finding those brands that appreciate what it takes to make great broadcasts. That's the challenge!
I’m sure you’re right James! I recently Exec’d a broadcast series with a brand sponsor. We made some really good idents alongside the 10-part series. I can (& so could they) see the merits in this type of partnership. If you’re looking for any help, you know where I am!
Great post James. I have been shooting content alongside TV for some time now. Brands need great storytellers who have experience of longer form narratives too
I think you're absolutely bang on James. Whilst the reality is that it's not a fun time to be part of the TV industry with a future that looks bleak, the opportunities for producers to keep creating are still there, potentially even more so, just in a different guise. Where historically we've relied on the broadcasters to take the lead, now they don't have the answers or the money. So we all need to adapt and rethink where funding comes from and how we get it. Which can be stressful when you're used to the TV model. But as you say, it brings new and exciting ways of producing content. Would love to discuss this more with you if you're up for a chat James.
Really interesting. I’ve worked with a range of brands for broadcast series and am excited about what great projects can emerge from the right partnerships. It’s a conversation I would love to be part of.
Executive Producer at True Lies Ltd® | Film & Video Production
1yIt appears you're 100% right, James. Having produced and directed major productions for the big channels and brands myself, there was only one way for me to fund a TV series I'd been long passionate about without the inevitable hurdles and stalls the traditional route can come with. Through my production company True Lies Ltd I'm proud to have released our first independently funded five-part documentary series 'Lumination' currently enjoying great success on Amazon Prime Video UK and US, with a Germany and Japan release on the horizon and YouTube being one of the greatest tools we could have to help get us there. For the first time in my career a second series is no longer an uncertainty - it's a choice that I have full control over, and I couldn't be more optimistic about this being the future of television.