Online Movie Distribution Should Be Widespread, Not Focused On Specific Sites

from the spread-the-wealth dept

Mon, Nov 10th 2008 3:27pm — Mike Masnick

There's a lot of buzz over the fact that MGM has apparently worked out an agreement to put some complete movies and TV shows on YouTube, in an attempt for both YouTube and MGM to build alternatives to things like Hulu. The content selections look pretty weak so far, as if MGM decided to test this program out with its least desirable content (which hardly seems like a fair test). Either way, the point seems a bit silly. Working out specific deals with specific sites misses the point.

You don't see movie studios today looking to do exclusive deals with one chain of movie theater to distribute their movies. No, the idea is to get the movie seen in as many places as possible to make it as convenient as possible for whoever to watch it. The same should be true of studios who realize that they want their movies available for free online. They shouldn't just focus on doing a deal with one site, like YouTube, but in setting up the parameters where any site can distribute the movie for them. Otherwise, you end up with a patchwork of different deals, and different sites, and no one really knows where to go to get anything. Why not just set up the parameters, and let any qualifying site serve up the content instead?

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Filed Under: movies, online
Companies: mgm, youtube

10 Comments

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Anonymous Coward, 10 Nov 2008 @ 3:41pm

Because the entertainment industry specializes in not making sense.
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wooster11 (profile), 10 Nov 2008 @ 4:01pm

Why not just set up the parameters, and let any qualifying site serve up the content instead?

That's because it would be the smart thing to do... duh...
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Jon, 10 Nov 2008 @ 5:04pm

Theater Access
I am not sure if this is still the way it is, but about 9 years ago, the movie industry was setting up exclusive deals with theaters. What I observed was typically shows would only be available at Regal theaters or AMC theaters. Currently it does appear to have changed, but I am not in an area with AMC any longer.
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Anonymous Coward, 10 Nov 2008 @ 5:55pm

"No, the idea is to get the movie seen in as many places as possible to make it as convenient as possible for whoever to watch it."

actually the idea is to collect as much money as possible.
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Anonymous Coward, 10 Nov 2008 @ 6:20pm

Just recently the movie Juno was exclusive shown at AMC theaters.
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Jake, 10 Nov 2008 @ 6:48pm

Look on the bright side, will you? They're at least dipping a toe in the water.
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Paul, 11 Nov 2008 @ 1:06am

Uh...
There are only a handful of major theater companies, AMC, Regal, Century et al, and you bet your bippy that exclusive movie right deals are made.

What an outrageous claim, to say that such deals are not made! I hope your false impression was not the entire base of your opinion, as your post would suggest!
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Twinrova, 11 Nov 2008 @ 3:56am

Just a note
You don't see movie studios today looking to do exclusive deals with one chain of movie theater to distribute their movies.
Well, this isn't entirely accurate. I'm not sure for the reason behind it (maybe other theaters didn't want to pay for early release), but there have been a few times where a movie was screened early at a specific theater.

It's rare to see, but this may be due to me not paying as much attention as before.

At any rate, this is another prime example of Golden Stupidity by yet another CEO.

I've yet to download/watch a movie through my computer. I really don't see any incentive to do so. But I've also not bought/rent a movie in a long time, either.

My contribution to tell the movie industry: "Kiss my ass, jerks!"

Sorry for the language, but it's how I feel. :)
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Anonymous Coward, 11 Nov 2008 @ 4:16am

Poor Analogy
Your analogy comparing online distribution to physical distribution is poor. Even if the studios sign an exclusive deal with youtube and no other site, the material can still be conveniently accessed. Signing an exclusive deal with a cinema chain has a real, physical impact on the consumer that the online experience doesn't.

You make a reasonable point about fragmented deals, however realistically you would find that the studios would strike deals with a very few very well-known sites, meaning the consumer would find it easy to find content.

I think the issue here is more about monopolisation of the distribution channel than about consumer convenience. The former is more in the interests of the studios while the latter isn't really an issue (at least, with regards to accessibility of content). The benefit to the studios I can see of making it easy for other sites to distribute the content as you suggest would more likely be in promotions.
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pavithra, 13 Apr 2009 @ 3:06am

free on line movies
There are only a handful of major theater companies, AMC, Regal, Century ET AL, and you bet your dippy that exclusive movie right deals are made.
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