Pay Per View Option

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Pay Per View Option

Posted: 3/12/20 at 2:35pm

A local theatre is still open - today - but in an email noted that there have been requests to stream the production if people are not attending. Production licenses currently bar such an option but the theatre was looking into it. I do wonder if the Broadway League (or individual productions) would consider a pay-per-view system of viewing Broadway shows. BUT, such an option is fraught with questions and issues - just one to be re-shown or keep a schedule of new performances (would a show cap the number of views per showing if there were multiple performances, to avoid 25k watch a Friday night perfomance, but hen only 25 would watch a Saturday night?)- licensing issues - bootleg issues - health issues since performers and now added production staff would have to get to theatre - multiple unions to agree - cost to view - added costs for production people and equipment - shows are not designed for the camera. I thought it was an interesting concept, but I don't think it's workable.

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Posted: 3/12/20 at 2:40pm

Broadway shows would be running again by the time the logistics for that would be worked out.

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Posted: 3/12/20 at 2:41pm

If this ever becomes possible, the video file is almost certain to get ripped from Day ONE and get spread within bootleg/proshot groups.

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Posted: 3/12/20 at 2:44pm

If we can limit social exposure for a month or so- we can begin to recover- if we keep doing what we usually do- the virus could spread and then the impact will be a lot worse. Let's all just take this very seriously and do our part- and realize how much worse it will be if we do not get a hold of this. The short term pain will be severe for many- but better now then a lot worse impact later. We can all hopefully see plays in April and beyond.

Updated On: 3/12/20 at 02:44 PM

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Posted: 3/12/20 at 2:54pm

I'd love for producers and performers to see if there is any safe and cost-effective way to support the industry until shows reopen, something short of full-on filmed performances. I'd pay for an concert performance (not even in costume) of numbers from individual shows or something like that. I'm sure industry insiders would have even more creative ideas.

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Posted: 3/12/20 at 3:38pm

Broadway hasn't been great with tech in the past (just look at the Telecharge website), but I think this is an idea that could be promising for the future. In general the tech probably already exists (like Netflix with their limited number of screens per account and prevention of screenshots), but it would take way too long to set up all of that during the time of Broadway closures, not to mention camera angles/sound mixing, etc. For the producers and companies like BroadwayHD looking into expanding streaming, I think this is a promising route to explore but I don't think we'll see it happen anytime soon. (Then again, I would've said the same about Broadway shutting down about a month ago, so who knows?)

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Posted: 3/12/20 at 4:08pm

American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco said the following in response to canceling performances of Toni Stone:

"For those ticket buyers who will not be able to see a live performance of Gloria or Toni Stone, we have developed an innovative way for our ticket buyers to experience these stellar productions by watching a recording of the performance from the comfort of their own home. Patrons will be provided exclusive access to a recording of the performance through a partner that will also allow them access to their extensive library of productions, ranging from Shakespearean classics to modern musicals and dramas. We are still working on bringing this all together, but ticket holders will receive an email from A.C.T. with directions on how to access the recording sometime next week."

I was supposed to see Toni Stone tomorrow and am bummed, but also understanding and supportive of the cancellation. I hope the streaming option works out, I'd still love to experience this work in some way.

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Posted: 3/12/20 at 7:09pm

I can see this to be the only way forward for a long time. Plays broadcast live exclusively to previous ticket holders, then on following evenings performed and broadcast live across the country (and the world? "Live Broadway in your home!" for as long as people keep tuning in. But I see this as only being feasible for straight plays. Not musicals with a full orchestra.. Too involving, In fact I think this is the only way now people will ever see Mathew Broderick and SJP in Plaza Suite which is probably already to go in every respect .

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Posted: 3/13/20 at 12:08am

It really ain't theater if you are not physically in the theater when the work is being performing.

A recording, or even a live stream of it, is film.

So, no to this.

So confused to why people want something like this so badly...? Sure you're seeing the thing, but you're missing a TON, too.

#10

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Posted: 3/13/20 at 7:40am

I - of course - agree. It's not theatre. but if there is nothing else and by nothing else I means greatly longer than a few months....Many West End theatres are looking into this route if they're closed down and NT has already been doing it regularly with select productions for years.

#11

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Posted: 3/13/20 at 7:47am

ggersten said: "A local theatre is still open - today - but in an email noted that there have been requests to stream the production if people are not attending. Production licenses currently bar such an option but the theatre was looking into it. I do wonder if the Broadway League (or individual productions) would consider a pay-per-view system of viewing Broadway shows. BUT, such an option is fraught with questions and issues - just one to be re-shown or keep a schedule of new performances (would a show cap the number of views per showing if there were multiple performances, to avoid 25k watch a Friday night perfomance, but hen only 25 would watch a Saturday night?)- licensing issues - bootleg issues - health issues since performers and now added production staff would have to get to theatre - multiple unions to agree - cost to view - added costs for production people and equipment -shows are not designed for the camera. I thought it was an interesting concept, but I don't think it's workable."

In general, the "general public/fans" are clueless about these things; with no clue what the ramifications are for broadcasting something like a Broadway show. You would have to re-work every performer's contract, for starters as now you are entering a whole other medium which would cost producers HEAVILY.

Stop trying to solve this problem. We all just have to wait. Quite frankly, when it's all back up and running, sales will be very strong. Show with plenty of money will be fine. The rest....bye bye, and then something will sweep in and replace it.

Updated On: 3/13/20 at 07:47 AM

#12

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Posted: 3/13/20 at 3:11pm

kennedy_rose said: "ggersten said: "A local theatre is still open - today - but in an email noted that there have been requests to stream the production if people are not attending. Production licenses currently bar such an option but the theatre was looking into it. I do wonder if the Broadway League (or individual productions) would consider a pay-per-view system of viewing Broadway shows. BUT, such an option is fraught with questions and issues - just one to be re-shown or keep a schedule of new performances (would a show cap the number of views per showing if there were multiple performances, to avoid 25k watch a Friday night perfomance, but hen only 25 would watch a Saturday night?)- licensing issues - bootleg issues - health issues since performers and now added production staff would have to get to theatre - multiple unions to agree - cost to view - added costs for production people and equipment -shows are not designed for the camera. I thought it was an interesting concept, but I don't think it's workable."

In general, the "general public/fans" are clueless about these things; with no clue what the ramifications are for broadcasting something like a Broadway show. You would have to re-work every performer's contract, for starters as now you are entering a whole other medium which would cost producers HEAVILY.

Stop trying to solve this problem. We all just have to wait. Quite frankly, when it's all back up and running, sales will be very strong. Showwith plenty of money will be fine. The rest....bye bye, and then something will sweep in and replace it.

"

It's merely a discussion.

#13

Pay Per View Option

Posted: 3/14/20 at 12:48pm

You can buy a ticket and see a taped production of the show. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Alley-Theatre-Announces-Patrons-Can-Watch-Canceled-Production-Of-1984-At-Home-20200314

Updated On: 3/14/20 at 12:48 PM

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