‘Business of Television’ Author Updates Book to Reflect a Very Different Hollywood Era

As a seasoned movie lover with over three decades of immersion in the world of film and television, I find Ken Basin’s insights particularly enlightening. His latest work, “The Business of Television,” offers a captivating account of dealmaking in the TV industry, which resonates deeply with my own experiences as a keen observer of Hollywood dynamics.


Over the past six years, Ken Basin, who wrote the authoritative book about TV industry deals, has needed to make several adjustments as he prepared to release an updated version of his seminal work.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must confess that when penning my overtly positive finale in the initial edition, I overlooked one crucial aspect: the multitude of barriers discouraging innovation. During a recent episode on the EbMaster’s “Strictly Business” podcast, I elaborated on this oversight.

Listen to the podcast here:

https://omny.fm/shows/strictly-business/the-business-of-television-author-updates-his-book/embed

This experienced figure in business matters from top-tier content corporations shares insights about how upheaval in Hollywood has influenced his strategic perspective, yet he also proposes a solution to revitalize the entertainment industry.

In his latest discourse, author Michael Basin, who penned “The Business of Television,” delves into the transformation that the television industry has undergone since the book’s initial release in 2018. He emphasizes the significant change from conventional deficit financing models to cost-plus licensing agreements.

Additionally, he talks about how the sector is currently struggling, marked by job cuts and decreased output levels. However, he proposes that the industry could rebound if it focuses on leveraging television’s fundamental advantages and adjusting to fresh financial motivations.

One difficulty in crafting the second edition was finding a way to express my genuine perspective about the industry’s current state and future trends, without unintentionally creating a bleak outlook. I wanted to avoid the need to include a prescription for antidepressants with each copy, he humorously added.

I, too, have taken an interest in examining the effects of streaming platforms on the entertainment sector. This exploration encompasses the wane of cable subscriptions and the emergence of global content creation. While I anticipated a broader range of licensing arrangements, what I’ve observed instead is a crumbling of existing business models and a transition towards cost-plus contracts.

Ken is confident that the industry will recover over time, however, he predicts that the year 2025 may resemble 2024. He talks about the continuous hope for M&A as a means to tackle the industry’s problems, with whispers about possible mergers on the horizon.

Every Wednesday, I, a dedicated movie enthusiast, host my weekly podcast, “Strictly Business.” This engaging show delves into discussions with industry titans about the business side of the media and entertainment world. You can catch the latest episode on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or SoundCloud.

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2024-09-11 17:46