Bullio wrote:
I think I'm more excited for the future possibilities of original, high-budget web programs if this does well for Netflix. I'm hoping it helps destroy preconceived notions of what "developed for the web" means (amateur, low budget productions, almost all of which are complete crap) and demonstrates to creators that you can have success there. I want FX, AMC, and HBO quality programming that is completely independent of cable TV and all the bullshit trappings that ties it down. This ought to be pointed to as proof of concept that creation and delivery of such goods is possible. Now we wait to see if the returns make it worthwhile for the producers.
I agree with you. It will be interesting to see how this plays out come Emmy time, considering it was never technically "broadcast" for television. No doubt, Netflix will still lobby hard for it's consideration. History shows that the academy is slow to change, but it does change eventually.
To build on what you are saying, I'm also happy that Netflix released it all at once. It's how they plan to release all of their original content (they've got two more I think along with
Arrested Development) It completely destroys what even HBO can't get away from and that's scheduling. Television has been going this way a long time. Audiences are more sophisticated and patient with their content now more than ever. They want to watch what they want whenever they want. Now we a have a company brave (and rich) enough to try something new with the viewership to accomplish it. It may be the new way forward.
I don't know
how this is going to pay off for Netflix, but I think ultimately it will.
And it is kind of an anti-
West Wing. No bloviating benevolence. Just backstabbin'.