LFTVD: Introduction Lesson

TV Drama:

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• Long Form TV Drama (LFTVD)

     > Invested and addicted

• US network broadcasters must satisfy their advertises

      > Are controlled by federal regulations 

•  HBO launched in the 1970s (1st cable tv channel)
• Cable channels are able to take more risks with content and form

      > UK broadcasters fail to make these risks and this is shown through well known British period dramas (Downtown Abby) as well as the popularity for US dramas in the UK

• Commissioning remains tightly controlled and conservative in outlook
• ABC1 Audience - Big earners
• Channel 4 found foreign language / subtitled LFTVD are rating winners 
• Advertising has a big impact on LFTVD 
• Social media plays a big role

• Platforms:

     > 3/4 of  households (UK) have Personal Video Recorders (PVR) uptake but it has plateaued 

     > Use of *time-shift is increasing

     > Growth of SVOD

• Netflix dominates with 24% of UK market with 5 million subscribers 

      > 10% growth 2015 - 2016

• Binge-watching started with DVD in the later 1990s
• There has been a move from'water cooler' TV to 'shared universe' fandom

•  LFTVD often uses Easter Eggs and mid season breaks to generate intensity and maintain media profile
• Easter eggs - long running jokes hidden in TV shows 

      > Starts a conversation 

      > Want to spot them first 

      > Really invested into the program 

• High production value 
• Multiple episodes 

     > Could go on forever 

     > Watch when you want 

* time-shifting - watch whenever you want