Here is are a few facts I pulled together to illustrate the change that is about to befall the TV content industry — and how TV content will follow the path driven by the internet of (at the same time) globalisation and personalisation. This will have a positive effect on the opportunities for talented content creators to receive fair recompense and will put pressure on the distribution industry that depends on national boundaries. It is in my mind a simple case of macroeconomics.
Take Black Mirror as an example:
Black Mirror is a British science fiction television anthology series created by Charlie Brooker, centred around dark and satirical themes that examine modern society, particularly with regard to the unanticipated consequences of new technologies. The first two series of the programme were produced by Zeppotron and commissioned by Channel 4.
The show was first broadcast on the Channel 4, in 2011 and ran for 2 seasons.
However, Channel 4 will not air the third season after Netflix outbid them for the rights, spending $40 million.
In September 2015, Netflix commissioned a third season of 12 episodes. which was later divided into two seasons of six episodes.
It is a logical conclusion that the distribution partner with the widest reach will be able to outbid those who are smaller (often nationally bound), especially for niche content.