I also think there is a BIG difference in the cost to produce a live stream/recording between non-profit and commercial productions.
The contract/pay requirements to film a commercial production can be quite costly. The commercial Broadway production I was involved with was planning to record the show for distribution, but was ultimately cancelled when actor contract negotiations/residuals could not be agreed upon.
It recently almost happened at Hamilton with the original cast. In this case the producers were still going to record the show with whatever understudies they needed. There were some cast holdouts because of contract negotiations up until a few days before filming. I'm actually surprised they got everyone to film after all.
dramamama611 said: "I think the combination of limited run and no tour is what made this feasible-- not their non profit status.
Would I like to see more of this, sure, if it's done as well as this was. But if lots of shows choose this, I might be less willing to GO to the shows that fit this category that I'm on the fence about."
It's the combination of limited run and no tour, but I would contend that what makes this combination possible in the first place is that it's a nonprofit. I don't think many commercial producers (of musicals, at least, plays are practically all limited run these days), would be willing to make a guaranteed loss.
Anyway I agree that if any and every show goes this route, I would be much more choosy about which shows to actually go to. BroadwayHD will have to find a balance.
I think another factor might have been that Roundabout can use this stream as a way to promote themselves as first-rate theater company. People who watched the stream and loved it know it was put on by Roundabout and might be more inclined to see some of their future productions because they remember how great She Loves Me was. I know I feel that way about them from seeing there shows in recent years live, and now they potentially reached a massive audience (interested to know what they numbers were).
Plus, they got a TON of free press to promote them as a brand, essentially.
A commercial production doesn't really have that additional marketing advantage for future productions, and I my guess would be that the income from the stream alone it's covering the costs to make the streaming happen... I could be wrong about that, depending what the turn-out was...
This conversation is all for nothing since most commercial producers would never agree to such a stream wherein they lose money. The revenue potential just doesn't match up with the associated costs/risks.
Liza's Headband said: "This conversation is all for nothing since most commercial producers would never agree to such a stream wherein they lose money. The revenue potential just doesn't match up with the associated costs/risks."
All right, everyone, call it in! No discussion of the topic allowed!
No one is saying that any of this will happen, but shows that it would work well for. Obviously, She Loves Me was an outlier.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
I think all limited runs that and/or are non touring should consider. It makes sense for all parties.
I appoligise for any spelling mistakes. I may be on my mobile. Clumsy fingers and small little touchscreen keys don't mixx. I try to spellcheck, but I may miss something.
Except we don't know if the producers incurred ANY costs with, or if there were significant costs. It's possible, that BroadwayHD, came to them with a very cushy deal. (Well, at least I don't know.)
There would be very little incentive for a show closing without breaking even to spend MORE money.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
dramamama611 said: "Except we don't know if the producers incurred ANY costs with, or if there were significant costs. It's possible, that BroadwayHD, came to them with a very cushy deal. (Well, at least I don't know.)
There would be very little incentive for a show closing without breaking even to spend MORE money.
"
Except that some of us do know, but alright... if you insist.
I don't know anything about Broadway performer contracts, but is it possible that new productions going forward would include a clause pertaining to live streaming? So the salary is negotiated up front?
I've been maintaining a mental list of users I like on this forum. After being here for almost an year as an observer and now a member, I only had Jordan and Kad - I think Mr Nowack is definite maybe after that response.
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
The Humans would be a great choice. Personally, I'd love to see Shuffle Along captured, but I admit I have a great personal affection for the show (and its wonderful cast) even though I am aware of its faults.
I'd absolutely love to see An American in Paris get one, but it's probably a little late as I doubt they'd capture a show that doesn't feature its full original cast anymore.
Liza's Headband said: "dramamama611 said: "Except we don't know if the producers incurred ANY costs with, or if there were significant costs. It's possible, that BroadwayHD, came to them with a very cushy deal. (Well, at least I don't know.)
There would be very little incentive for a show closing without breaking even to spend MORE money.
"
Except that some of us do know, but alright... if you insist.
"
Well, since it's not COMMON knowledge, so I used "we". If you're not willing to actually reveal information, then why even bring it up?
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Has BroadwayHD released any viewer stats yet from last night? It might be difficult to chart with the on demand viewers today and over the next few days. Here's hoping it exceeded their expectations.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS would do well, but with a tour coming out, I doubt it. I wish they did one for THE KING AND I. Hopefully, Lincoln Center films FALSETTOS in some form!
"I saw Pavarotti play Rodolfo on stage and with his girth I thought he was about to eat the whole table at the Cafe Momus." - Dollypop
I don't think it should be limited to just Broadway productions. How about the current Papermill production of WEST SIDE STORY (which is completely sold out)? Or the Ogunquit PH production of ANYTHING GOES with Andrea McCardle and Sally Struthers?
Falsettos sounds like the perfect candidate for a livestream. I strongly believe that all broadway shows should be filmed professionally and released to the public after the show has closed.
I actually went to the panel that they had at BroadwayCon. I wish I remembered more from it. But, they were talking about wanting to do live streams for as much as they can. I actually was feeling skeptical about them doing the live streams, but they proved me wrong. Will be interesting to see what happens now because of She Loves Me.
"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005
"You can't pray away the gay."-Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy.
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