Video Streaming And Hollywood Studios
What did the writer’s strike in 2007 mean? Were the writers just hungry for additional capital for their skills? Certainly there are some that think so, but the primary reason for the walk out had to do with an understanding that video streaming on the Internet caused a wrinkle in their contract.
In most cases Hollywood writers are not granted payment for video streaming of content they helped to create. As more and more content is made available online the writers felt that they needed to do something to help establish a precedent that would allow them to receive an equitable share of proceeds for video stream downloads. Now that movies and a host of television shows are becoming available to download via the Internet many speculate that the traditional television and computer will mesh into a singular unit. Not quite the WebTV of the past, but certainly a highly interactive experience that blends the connectivity of the Internet with the quality if Hi-def TV. This is the world writers saw prior to their strike. They understood that there may be ‘gold in them thar computers’ but they weren’t being offered a paycheck for the work they contributed to mining that gold. Television and movie execs said it was premature to begin awarding writers funds because they just weren’t sure what impact video streaming downloads would have on earnings. The writers seemed to understand there is a fear of the unknown and that each side will react to the issue in their own way. The studios wanted to take a wait and see attitude while the writers were interested in ironing out details prior to a more concerted push toward online video streaming of popular media. The creativity needed in video production is developed foundationally from the writers who develop plot twists and develop great stories while the studio executives seek to market the work for consumption by the general public. It would seem apparent that the studios are excited about the prospect of fee based or advertising supported video streaming downloads. It could be argued that the studios have the most to gain from the shift in program availability. Is it possible studio execs are forgetting the talented group of writers that help move the shows along? The writer’s obviously felt slighted and their strike was a call to the studios to help find a place of equality in the brave new world of video streaming.
Of course there is always a more organic form of video streaming that does not cost anything to view. These videos can be downloaded through large video sharing sites like YouTube. While there is merit to the equality of professional video streaming visual consumers will still be able to find amusing, entertaining and educational video streams to meet their needs. As video streaming concepts continue to diversify it is important to remember that the Internet made it possible (and even cool) for the average citizen to become their own video producer, writer and star.
There may not be any pay involved, but many amateur video streams are gaining a significant following.
