The Town with Matthew Belloni How Much Money a Hit TV Show Can Make (and How It’s Changed)
Nov 6, 2024
John Mass, President of Content Partners and expert in media finance, joins the discussion on how TV revenue generation has transformed over the last decade. He reveals the complexities of financing and distribution in today's streaming era, highlighting how it affects profit sharing and creator compensation. They reminisce about the golden days of syndication and debate potential shifts in the industry. The conversation wraps up with predictions for the highly anticipated box office showdown between 'Wicked: Part One' and 'Gladiator 2,' analyzing audience engagement and competitive dynamics.
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Changing TV Business
- Making money in TV is complex, with the business changing drastically in recent years.
- The shift from pilot testing to direct orders and streamer control impacts revenue.
Seinfeld's Success
- Seinfeld exemplifies TV's lucrative nature, earning billions in syndication and millions per episode on streaming.
- Even decades later, it fetched substantial licensing fees, proving its enduring value.
Deficit Financing Risks
- While hits like Seinfeld thrive, most shows under the old model didn't profit due to deficit financing.
- This model involves spending more on production than initial licensing fees, hoping for future profits.