Daril Fannin and Austin Worrell, co-founders of Kino, discuss their groundbreaking interactive streaming platform that aims to revolutionize content distribution for independent filmmakers. They share their journeys and insights on how traditional Hollywood faces inefficiencies. With Kino, audiences can enjoy an immersive, premium movie premiere experience from home. They highlight the importance of interactivity and data-driven insights in engaging fans, aiming to empower a new generation of filmmakers in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
Kino aims to democratize content distribution, empowering independent filmmakers by offering a platform that shares viewer engagement data for better deals.
The podcast highlights the significant shift in viewer preferences from linear TV to streaming, driven by the demand for customizable and on-demand experiences.
Interactivity in Kino’s platform revolutionizes the film experience, blending social media engagement with streaming to enhance audience connection and participation.
Deep dives
The Shift to Streaming and Consumer Preferences
The podcast discusses the significant shift in consumer preferences from linear TV to streaming services, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, streaming captured 29% of viewership, which increased to 41% by July, indicating a clear preference for on-demand content. This transition is attributed to the more delightful and customizable viewing experience that streaming offers in contrast to linear TV's pre-scheduled programming. As a result, traditional cable TV is experiencing a secular decline, with cord-cutting rates rising and viewership numbers dropping.
Advertising Dollars Stuck in Traditional Media
Despite the significant shift in viewership, the podcast reveals that the advertising market has been slow to transition from linear TV to connected TV (CTV). Currently, linear TV accounts for approximately $60 billion in advertising compared to just $25 billion for CTV, driven largely by sticky sports rights that continue to dominate ad spending. Major companies like Disney face challenges in shifting their profitable linear TV business model entirely to streaming. Historical parallels are drawn with print media, where advertising dollars took time to follow readership trends, hinting at potential changes ahead for the CTV advertising landscape.
Kino's Disruptive Approach for Filmmakers
Kino is highlighted as a disruptive platform aiming to revolutionize the film distribution process, particularly for indie filmmakers. Unlike traditional studios that provide lump-sum payments, Kino offers a model that maximizes filmmakers' long-term value by sharing viewer engagement data directly with them. By leveraging data on who watched their films and how long they engaged, filmmakers can negotiate better deals with larger platforms like Netflix. Kino's approach targets cost-effective content creation and distribution, empowering creators with the resources to thrive without traditional gatekeepers.
The Role of Connected TV Platforms
The podcast underscores the significance of connected TV platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire in the streaming ecosystem, which serve as essential operating systems rather than just competing streaming services. With over 50% penetration in US broadband households, these platforms facilitate access to a vast array of streaming content. Their position allows them not only to capture ad revenue but also to enhance the visibility of shows and movies through targeted advertising. As competition increases among streaming services, the value of these platforms and their data analytics capabilities becomes crucial in drawing ad dollars and retaining viewers.
The Future of Interactive Entertainment
Looking ahead, the podcast suggests that the future of entertainment will increasingly blend interactive elements, creating more engaging experiences for viewers. As more Gen Z and Gen Alpha individuals express interest in becoming creators, platforms like Kino are positioned to facilitate this democratization of media. This encompasses not just films but a broader spectrum of content, including music and interactive programming. The conversation concludes with emphasis on how technology can drive new methods of engagement, offering filmmakers and audiences alike innovative ways to connect and collaborate.
In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton and Nick Grous sit down with Daril Fannin and Austin Worrell from Kino to discuss how their innovative platform is reshaping the film and television industry. Daril and Austin share their unique journeys and the inspiration behind Kino, a platform designed to democratize content distribution for independent filmmakers. They explore how Kino leverages interactivity and data-driven insights to offer fans a premium, interactive movie premiere experience from the comfort of their homes, challenging the traditional Hollywood model. Tune in to learn how Kino aims to empower the next generation of filmmakers and transform how we engage with content.
"What we do is we give fans the ability to get the experience of a Hollywood red carpet premiere from the comfort of your own living room." - Daril Fannin
Key Points From This Episode:
The inspiration behind Kino, rooted in the founders' diverse backgrounds.
The inefficiencies and inequities in the traditional Hollywood system.
How Kino provides a digital box office experience, enabling fans to interact with filmmakers.
The role of interactivity in Kino’s platform, blending social media and streaming.
The challenges independent filmmakers face in today's content distribution landscape.
How Kino offers data-driven insights to filmmakers, enhancing content monetization.
The evolving landscape of content consumption and the shift towards interactive experiences.
Kino’s strategy to empower filmmakers and meet the demands of modern audiences.
A comparison between traditional streaming platforms and Kino’s innovative approach.
Predictions for the future of entertainment, focusing on democratization and interactivity.
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