I was just reading an article about how Joss Whedon is in talks with Fox over a 2nd season of Dollhouse. The idea of renewing it has nothing to do with the ratings, rather, the dvd sales of other Whedon properties. It didn't meniton this, but it got me thinking of what the logistics of launching a TV series direct to DVD/On-Demand/Blu-Ray would be?
It's probably not financially feasible for a network, but the system could work something like this. At the beginning of a TV season, TV shows that have a niche audience would be able to air a pilot movie, that would introduce viewers to the concept of that series, or draw viewers that are outside the series story into it. Soon after the remainder of episodes would be sold through retail/on-demand. This would leave networks space to put on shows that they deem worthwhile, while profiting off niche shows that they do not have time to develop on air.
Oops wrong forum....
It's probably not financially feasible for a network, but the system could work something like this. At the beginning of a TV season, TV shows that have a niche audience would be able to air a pilot movie, that would introduce viewers to the concept of that series, or draw viewers that are outside the series story into it. Soon after the remainder of episodes would be sold through retail/on-demand. This would leave networks space to put on shows that they deem worthwhile, while profiting off niche shows that they do not have time to develop on air.
Oops wrong forum....
