Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED- Page 13
Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED
#300Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:13pm
Exactly, Lolita.
Thank you.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
So what...I sing
Stand-by Joined: 6/20/06
#301Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:18pmSorry for the Name Confusion Doug. It says I cannot PM you back. I'd like to let you know my situation and how I can help, but not over the public board. How can I contact you?
#302Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:18pm
Sounds like a common theme Lolita2....I say that is "semantics", meaning, its all down to the detail of working out the business plan on a case by case basis. In the movie business some people just go straight to DVD because the cost taking it to the next stage will not provide the returns required or that they don't have the funding to launch it on a nationwide scale.
Many of the thoughts in this stream were thinking about major broadway musicals but what Off-Broadway aspirational productions. They could choose an online approach in an attempt to bring in sufficient funds to take the production to broadway.
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#303Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:20pm
Anyone can get in touch with me at Editor At UKTheatre.Net or visit the website at www.uktheatre.net (or ustheater.tv)
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#304Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:23pm
but what Off-Broadway aspirational productions
Commercial producers scout Off-Broadway productions all the time. If they find the show is worthy of a Broadway mounting (a la AVENUE Q and GREY GARDENS) then they will provide funds.
If they don't think the production is Broadway worthy, then they will not provide funds.
It's that simple.
Not all Off-Broadway productions are Broadway worthy.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
pianodude
Swing Joined: 6/13/06
#305Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:25pm
[i]No, people would still download botleggs the same way some people decide not to buy DVD but download them illegally.[/i]
That is why it's important to get the official recording made. People will find a way to view these shows. If there is a legal alternative, atleast there is some chance that it will be purchased instead of a bootleg. The people who view bootlegs are either driven to doing so because there isn't an official recording (look at all the people who torrent TV shows) or they want something for nothing. Those that want something for nothing will download regardless...but shows are missing out on the people who would buy a legal recording. Look at all of the TV shows available on iTunes...TV people recognized there was a market and provided the legal alternative to torrents.
So what...I sing
Stand-by Joined: 6/20/06
#306Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:26pm
ok FOA, but what about Regional theatre work that is Original but not financed enough to even make the move to Off-Broadway.
It could help the summer stock theatre industry and regional theatre industry tremendously.
#307Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:29pm
It was merely an example to help you think wider than just Broadway. There is a world of theatre that exists just beyond it's doors believe it or not.
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#308Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:29pm
I have no problem releasing DVDs of those shows since they are most likely limited runs and would help their profits.
But when people saw the videos of the show, there would be no need for it to move to Broadway or Off-Broadway everyone would have seen it already.
My point is...if it's a commercial production, you wait until it closes to view it on video. Plain and simple.
When a movie is in theatres you don't have the option to buy the DVD and bring it home and watch it over and over and over again. You wait until it's out of theatres to buy the DVD.
It should be the same way here.
I've taken quite a few entertainment marketing classes...I think I have an idea about this subject.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
#309Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:33pm
Ooo... entertainment marketing classes, well done to you ! We must therefore have it all wrong. I apologise and bow to your superior knowledge on the subject.
In the meantime for those who DO rather than TALK about it. Visit www.ustheater.tv and we'll make it happen. 
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#310Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:53pm
Okay, fine. Let me try. I haven;'t taken entertainment marketing classes. I produce major motion pictures in Hollywood. I have seven studio deals in my past (including Universal Pictures, Paramount, Fox and Warner Bros.) and currently have two films in production with two of the biggest studios in the world.
And we are seeing the effect of bootleg copies every day.
I was up in Toronto recently and on a Saturday afternoon, I counted no less than 20 different booths set up selling bootleg copies of movies in the Kensington Market district and Chinatown. If each booth sold to just five customers per hour - at six films for 20.00 - that means that each day, those operations are pulling in $24,000.00 (#21,380.00US or 11,757 UK pounds) in a 12 hour period! Times that by the other fifty locations around town, times that by the other 100 major cities in North America and you are talking about an enormous loss for the production companies and studios.
However, our product has a long shelf-life. I just bought a DVD (authentic) of Citizen Kane as a gift for a friend. That movie has sat on the shelf for 60 plus years, generating $$$$ each year.
But a musical has no shelf life. Not the original production. The day it closes the sets are torn up and the costumes and props sold off and the cast dispersed to the four corners of the business. The producer only has that one window to make $$$ off his production - and maybe some money from records. So why would a producer want to take a chance that the tape of his show gets bootlegged before the show closes? Other than licensing the rights, he has so few revenue streams to begin with.
Oh yes, and then there is the simple fact that paying the actors and musicians would involve enormous cash outlays. It would be more cost-effective to make a movie of the production (in which case the producing studio would REALLY not want the competition of a DVD of the stage show).
Now that's where I come in....
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=972787#3631451
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=963561#3533883
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955158#3440952
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954269#3427915
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955012#3441622
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954344#3428699
#311Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:56pmI know it's a bit late, but as I am someone who is stuck in the midwest, I think this is something that would be great for those of use who can't afford to go to NYC and the other big cities. I doubt it would affect the profits of the live shows, because nothing can replace a live theater experience, but at least those of us who will probably not get out to NYC can see a show with our favorite actors.
#312Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 3:56pm
Bravo, Doug! Whew! Finally slogged through this blog! I think your idea is great. Recorded theatre will not "ruin" the business. The success of "Into the Woods" on DVD has made it one of the most performed shows in the US. The recent recording of "The Light in the Piazza" has caused a surge in ticket sales for it's final weeks. I recently showed the tape to some friends, and they immediately bought tickets. And these were non-theatre goers.
Someone posted earlier that Hollywood doesn't release DVD's at the same time as the theatrical release. That is not true as some recent movies have been released in multiple formats at the same time. This trend is continuing to grow as it can generate vasts amount of income for the studios. Why shouldn't Broadway and all theatre, regional or whatever, benefit from the same?
I'm fortunate that I live in Manhattan and see theatre regularly. You can never replace the live experience, but for those who have no other choice...or for those who wish to have a keepsake...
The Metropolitan Opera has been videotaping their productions for years and their sales have spawned a whole new generation of opera lovers. If you check the ticket line at any performance, you will find many young people standing in line for tickets!
Good luck with your venture. I'll definately be a customer!
"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
Updated On: 6/25/06 at 03:56 PM
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
#313Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 4:57pm
Ooo... entertainment marketing classes, well done to you ! We must therefore have it all wrong. I apologise and bow to your superior knowledge on the subject.
Notice I said I had an "idea" about the subject. I never said I was the supreme master.
You, however, with your antics and superior attitude act as if you're the god of theatre's future. And YOU, friend, are the one who's now made personal attacks.
I wouldn't invest a cent into any idea you came up with. Stay in the UK.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
#314Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 5:11pm
I'd support DVD recordings of productions that are limited engagements or as a way to preserve the original casts of certain shows. Limited engagement shows like Laugh Whore or 700 Sundays would do relatively well. I think the original cast of Spamalot, regardless of what one thinks of the show itself, would sell quite well on DVD. Personally I would be willing to pay around the equivalent of a full-price ticket for a DVD of certain productions. I would be overjoyed if the current revival of Sweeney Todd would be made available on DVD.
EDIT- And another thought. What if the non-profit organizations like the Roundabout, LCT and MTC issued recordings of previous productions are a way to entice new subscribers and raise funds in general.
Updated On: 6/25/06 at 05:11 PM
#315Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 5:42pm
Foa...I am now immune to arrogant attitudes and insults on this board from my experience in this very thread, so please don't turn it around on me and continue your insults. This is another trick of regular forum debaters so you don't fool me Let's leave it at that. I understand your opinion but it is just an opinion. I am backing up my opinion by doing ! And getting support ! A musical with an initial $250k investment has asked me to film it and asked if I can try and get a TV deal with it. So, you tell me, is this a "movement" or is this a new way of promoting and marketing theatre around the world ?
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#316Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 5:47pm
Oh and ALlofMyLife, Shiska and Thom.....excellent contributions to the debate. This will run and run
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#317Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 5:49pm
A musical with an initial $250k investment has asked me to film it and asked if I can try and get a TV deal with it. So, you tell me, is this a "movement" or is this a new way of promoting and marketing theatre around the world ?
Wow...you showed me.
Lord, I've done community theatre shows with larger budgets.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
#318Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 5:54pm
Foatani...it was pound sign which turned into a dollar but I don't want to play my budget is bigger than yours with you.
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#319Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 5:56pmPardon me, UKSeater.
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about." - Oscar Wilde
#320Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:02pm
Hehe....nice one....
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#321Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:04pmWow, FOA! What community theatre have you worked in that has such a budget? I've worked on Off-Broadway shows with less of a budget. Wish we could have had those taped and sold. I would still be receiving royalties... :)
"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
#322Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:59pm
I think Broadway will have a different set of rules to Off-Broadway, regional and fringe due to the investment and uncertainty about this new emerging market. This therefore leaves it to the smaller productions to make the most of it until the giants wake up. Sshhh, don't tell them and we'll sneak up on them.
US Theater TV
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#323Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 7:04pm
The biggest problem with the Broadway productions will be the unions. EVERYONE involved including crew will require compensation for DVD sales. This is what has prevented more shows from being filmed. Everyone involved has to agree on a one-time fee. If one person doesn't--no filming. Actors may or may not get royalties, but most have to waive them in order for it to be filmed.
Hopefully you can start a trend that will reverse these rulings...
"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
#324Why Musicals SHOULD be VIDEOTAPED - a year later
Posted: 6/25/06 at 7:21pm
Sure. I've been working with Equity in the UK and I have all their details. As an actor myself I've experienced the exploitation that takes place in some areas of an actors career and I'm keen to avoid that as well. Its just down to putting together a business plan that works for everyone.
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