I imagine that it would be possible to make lower-cost shows that attract a smaller audience but still earn enough to be worth it.
For example, space sci-fi has not representation on network TV right now despite existing demand for such a product. The problem is the number of people that want to watch such a genre are smaller than those that want to watch reality TV or other genres.
The potential with a distribute model that doesn't have a TV schedule is that it doesn't have to compete with other shows in the same timeslot, thus allowing for a less-expensively produced show to see earn enough money even if the audience is relatively small.
That is the market that I'm looking forward to, removing the time-slot competition and allowing shows to compete on quality.
I agree entirely but that's what makes Netflix's choice all the more interesting. They have the opportunity to serve the long tail but thus far they haven't (with their original programming at least). Instead they've spent 100 million on 1 show on the belief that it would pay off big - in both attracting new customers and retaining existing.
For example, space sci-fi has not representation on network TV right now despite existing demand for such a product. The problem is the number of people that want to watch such a genre are smaller than those that want to watch reality TV or other genres.
The potential with a distribute model that doesn't have a TV schedule is that it doesn't have to compete with other shows in the same timeslot, thus allowing for a less-expensively produced show to see earn enough money even if the audience is relatively small.
That is the market that I'm looking forward to, removing the time-slot competition and allowing shows to compete on quality.