The SCOOP by Seymour Flix

Another Worry For Cinemas

Big Switch by Biggest Cable Operator

Comcast, the largest cable TV operator in the world that also happens to own NBC, Universal Pictures, a big slice of MGM studios and a slew of other media outlets and networks, plans to roll-out a new TV cable service in the U.S.

To be re-branded as a 'skinny bundle' the stripped-down cable package will start at $15/month which would include all of the major broadcast networks and HBO.  For $40 they'll throw in ESPN and children's programming.

Available only to Comcast broadband subscribers with no set-top box requirement this is a huge step in the cable business revenue model. Comcast's objective isn't all altruistic in that it wants to lower cable subscribers' monthly cable bill in an effort to make it easier (less expensive) for subscribers to buy more premium pay TV offering.

The 'skinny bundle' pricing concept has been extensively tested by Comcast in the Boston and Chicago markets and its new revenue scheme has had positive results - with major increases in premium pay-per-view buys more than off-setting the loss in cable subscription revenue.

This is good news for all cable subscribers as other cable operators will have to follow Comcast's lead. Unfortunately, once again, cinemas have to take note. This is another move to get eyeballs away for both cinemas and internet streamers, such as Netflix and Amazon.

Oscar's New Rules

Last week, with little fanfare, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced two major rule changes for those questing an Oscar.

First, all documentary films that are released as a series or mini-series, for example, last year's Oscar winner 'O.J. Made in America', would no longer be eligible for an Oscar. This puts a real crimp in many of the projects being made by Netflix, Amazon, and other Hollywood usurpers.

Second, nomination in the 'Animated Feature' category will now be open to anyone in the Academy willing to join a nominating committee. This is a huge switch from all the other movie categories whereby members of the separate branches are charged with determining nominations. The Hollywood studios lobbied hard for this change as they felt the animation committee favored the smaller indie producers, which have, of late, dominated the category.

Best,
Seymour Flix