How Hollywood Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Epic (Marveliad Ep. VI)
From media consolidation, to visual and social technology, to globalization, powerful trends have pushed the epic back to the forefront of our culture. And these forces are only getting stronger.
The Epic's Future and Cultural Backlash (Marveliad: Eps. VII + VIII)
The MCU has been far more successful than any other universe. Some of that is the source material. Some of it is the execution. But part of it may be a winner-take-all paradigm. Can it last?
Hollywood’s Video Game Blind Spot
As Hollywood empties its bank accounts for more TV and film assets, it continues to ignore the most ascendant media category. And it can’t afford to do so much longer.
Disney, IP, and "Returns to Marginal Affinity"
A framework for how to think about story/IP-based media companies, the upsides and risks in story ecosystems, and the strongest bear case for Disney’s immediate future.
The Strategy Behind Fortnite's Season X Finale Blackout
What did Epic need to do v. decide to do for the Fortnite Season X Finale / Fortnite Chapter 2 Reboot - and why?
My Blog for 'The Economist': The Emmys reveal a fragmented television landscape
As the number of platforms and scripted programmes has increased, the shows celebrated at the awards have become more obscure
TIFF Panel Video: The Big Screen: Have Rumours of My Demise Been Greatly Exaggerated?
A panel of industry experts will debate the state of the cinematic experience, discuss industry and audience trends, as well as discuss the new opportunities that today’s marketplace offers.
My NYT Op-Ed: Streaming Video Will Soon Look Like the Bad Old Days of TV
As media monoliths bundle their offerings, consumers will once again have to pay for a bunch of shows they don’t want. Only these will have an agenda.
Why Viacom Fell (And Why It Can Come Back)
Viacom had the culture to not only survive in the digital era, but to thrive. Why did it fall and how will it come back?
The Absurdities of 'Franchise Fatigue' and Sequelitis (Or, What Is Happening to the Box Office?!)
Another day, another box office disappointment. Or record. Or franchise hit. Or franchise RIP. Or indie sleeper. Or indie sleep-with-the-fishes. What's going on?
The Streaming Wars: Its Models, Surprises, and Remaining Opportunities
Three decades in and a lot of bucks spent, OTT competition has clarified. Though not in ways that were expected.
The Mirage of Cloud Gaming (And How to Reach the Oasis)
Cloud game delivery and 'Netflix of Gaming' are the big new 'things' in media today. But they're unlikely to deliver the player or playtime growth that many expect.
Netflix Won't Be Felled by Recession, Bond Markets, Debt or Cash Losses (Netflix Misunderstandings, Pt. 8)
The most enduring argument for Netflix's eventual fall isn't about content rights or competition, but of balance sheets and downturns. And it was valid. Was.
Podcast with Recode: Why Amazon is going to be one of the winners of the streaming video wars
A small number of companies will win the streaming “battle royale,” says former Amazon Studios strategist Matthew Ball. Amazon is “guaranteed” to be one of them, he says.
Netflix's Competitive Resiliency Is Here to Stay (Netflix Misunderstandings, Pt. 7)
Netflix has faced many challengers over the past decade, but growth hasn't slowed. Many more are about to come. But the effects are likely to be neutral at worst.
'Quality' Is a Distraction – If It Exists at All (Netflix Misunderstandings, Pt. 6)
Distributors of content tend to be evaluated on the basis of their content. But focusing on Netflix's "quality" is a mistake. Not only does the notion barely exist, it mistakes Netflix's "job to be done."
My Blog for 'The Economist': “Avengers: Endgame” is just the beginning
The “Infinity Saga” is wrapping up after 11 years and 21 films. Now the franchise will try to conquer the small screen, too
After Autoplay: "Interactive, Personalized & Immersive" Entertainment
What's exciting about OTT video isn't the way it's delivered, but how it will change content itself.
Nine Reasons Why Disney+ Will Succeed (And Why Four Criticisms are Overhyped)
Disney may be entering the SVOD market late and without much of its best content, but Disney+ is going to thrive. And while some of the reasons are evident, most remain overlooked or misunderstood.