Online video overtakes film revenue in ’08

We will mark 2008 as the year when global revenues from digital media exceeded revenue generated by cinema and homevideo combined. Online (& mobile) accounted for $90 billion in worldwide revenues whilst the global filmed entertainment market generated $83.1 billion.

This analysis comes from Strategy Analytics: “We’re starting to see now that digital media is becoming a significant part of revenue for a lot of companies,” says director of digital media research Martin Olausson. “A few years back, everyone was still discussing whether movies would be distributed online. That’s not a discussion anymore.”

>>  Based on my own experience of working in/advising on the evolution of online retailing and the eventual (& still incomplete) development of multi-channel retailing, I’d say there are several years to go before this tipping point converts into a mature market.

 Broadband downloading and streaming, terrestrial and video-on-demand (VOD), and mobile platforms are now all ways to watch entertainment content, from feature films and TV shows to made-for-Internet/mobile programming.

 Read more here

Broadband video – the gang of five

Interestingly on the theme of my last blog post I now find that research company Broadband Directions talks about the “Group of Five” as a way of grouping the “online behemoths” BD thinks are best-positioned to become next-generation, broadband-centric video distributors.

Google, Yahoo, MSN, AOL and Apple

Recent announcements have included: Google launched video ads for its AdSense network and a special promotion in Google Video Store for “The Break Up”, Jennifer Aniston’s new movie. Yahoo announced a deal with “60 Minutes” and launched a preview using Ed Bradley’s interview with Tiger Woods. MSN announced its “MSN Originals” initiative and a deal with Reveille’s Ben Silverman, producer of “The Office”. AOL announced that it acquired Lightningcast to better monetize its broadband video streams. And of course Apple continued building its roster of programming partners, announcing deals with Fox Entertainment, Discovery Networks, MTV Networks, Showtime and CBS for March Madness highlights.