Things to Know: A Primer on Significant Issues
Things To Know provides readers with a concise, yet comprehensive, analysis of the most significant issues affecting the media industries. Each piece moves past the headlines to draw critical attention to the wider ramifications of pressing developments.
December 1, 2011
In November 2010, tension between Internet infrastructure companies boiled over in a dispute between content distribution network Level 3 and Internet service provider Comcast. This recent battle is a symptom of the 
larger problems facing streaming media companies, and the outcome will influence the cost, quality, and legal status of those services. In this Things to Know, Ethan Tussey outlines the major issues facing streaming media companies.
August 5, 2011
Residual Summary Chart by Jonathan Handel
August 5, 2011
"Film Vault" by The Ardvaark via Flickr CC
August 5, 2011
"Wall Street" by jpellgen via Flickr CC
August 4, 2011
"Cinemas!" by Charles Esser via Flickr CC
Despite questions of definition, the term “independent” remains in frequent use in the Hollywood industry to reference both economics and content; i.e., features and programs with lower budgets and unconventional treatments compared to typical studio-sponsored ones. Indeed, the major studios continue to look to the independent productions for innovative ideas and bankable new trends, paying close attention to which strategies and risks they take ultimately pay off. In this 5 Things to Know David Gray describes the major issues currently influencing the independent film market.
July 29, 2011
In this 5 Things to Know we examine Netflix's very expensive goal of becoming a new kind of online television network. Within just four years (2007-2011), Netflix, which had made a name for itself as a DVD-by-mail home delivery service, swiftly built a popular streaming video service by obtaining licenses to over a billion dollars of content. Their investment in streaming video was the first step of the company’s decade-long vision to transform itself from a disc rental company to a new form of online content channel. In realizing this objective, Netflix aims to shape the future of digital entertainment.
November 26, 2010
Tax credit incentive schemes have reshaped the US production landscape as states compete to entice production dollars, resulting in film and television jobs leaving big centers like LA and NY. David Gray looks at the current state of play. Many states have offered to pick up a percentage of in-state expenses in the hopes of developing local industry, generating state revenue, and increasing film-related tourism. Questions abound, however, regarding the wisdom and sustainability of these schemes, as well as their potential impact on content.
November 26, 2010
As the current round of negotiations between the studios (represented by the AMPTP) and the guilds (WGA [West and East], DGA, SAG, and AFTRA) just underway, Ryan Bowles previews the key issues in the 2011 round of negotiations. With memories of the 100 day WGA strike in 2008 lingering, and substantial revenues from digital ventures still apparently a ways off, all eyes are on guild leaders and studio representatives in the hopes they can overcome starkly different perspectives. Sunset clauses in several existing guild contracts are due to expire, and issues around new media licensing and distribution will be key for both the guilds and the studios as the 2011 talks progress. Here are 5 things to know about the 2010-2011 guild negotiations.
November 26, 2010
Comcast’s bid to acquire a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal has raised concerns about the future market conditions for US television and Internet services. The proposal was reviewed by Congress, the FTC, the DOJ, and the FCC, but looks set to be approved. Here are 5 things you should know about this merger.
