Google is getting some serious press, support, and power from Hollywood today. According to the New York Times, Google will be bringing on Seth MacFarlane, creator of the hilarious TV series "Family Guy", to work on a secret animated series called "Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy." While that's nothing short of exciting, Google's distribution plan for the project is causing heads to turn.
Apparently, the plan is going to involve a lot of of work will use Google's Adsense advertising system and the Google Content Network to run the series.
"Google will syndicate the program using its AdSense advertising system to thousands of Web sites that are predetermined to be gathering spots for Mr. MacFarlane's target audience, typically young men. Instead of placing a static ad on a Web page, Google will place a "Cavalcade" video clip. "
There will be numerous strategies used for incorporating the advertisements into the clips including "preroll" ads, which will remind viewers of a commercial, banners at the bottom of the video clip, or a "brought to you by" note at the beginning.
The series will be exclusive to the internet alone. The series will also include a new line-up of characters and will be 50 episodes that are two-minutes each. MacFarlane describes the episodes as, "animated versions of the one-frame cartoons you might see in The New Yorker, only edgier." MacFarlane will receive a percentage of the advertising revenues and will also work with advertisers to provide original animated commercials to run with "Cavalcade" for a hefty fee. There's no word yet on who's signed-up for the deal.
If Google succeeds, this could become the premier internet business model for Hollywood to look into. With a multimillion-dollar production price tag and a high-profile Hollywood celeb, Google could make history, while making Hollywood's dreams come true. This pay day could be huge for both sides of this fence if Google succeeds.
Comments
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Not too sure whether Hollywood is going to get hugely excited quite yet - there's a difference between monetizing a 2 minute clip, a 45 minute TV show, and a movie.
Posted by: JulesLt | June 30, 2008 10:24 AM
This will be described as quality entertainment by the Ritalin addicted ADHD generation.
Posted by: Chuck Paugh | June 30, 2008 11:02 AM
What is this Hollywood of which you speak?
I only see talent and outlets for talent.
Posted by: Rick Thomas
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June 30, 2008 11:15 AM
Will Glen Michael get royalties for this, given his long running Scottish Television kids show, Glen Michael's Cartoon Cavalcade?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_Michael
Posted by: William Stewart
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June 30, 2008 3:00 PM
Last comment from Rick Thomas: So very true.
Corvida, hello, are you there?
Im not sure Hollywood was even mentioned ... Media Rights Capital sounds like an investment fund to me. Its Seth and Google with a bit of MRG money. You got one thing right though ... this is big news. Can you say 'tipping point?'
What a shame Aniboom or one of those sites couldnt get a marquee producer like this.
The interesting thing is Google dont mention Youtube as a potential distribution outlet ... a lame duck for them then.
Watch all the idiot production companies hustling to release content to the internet. Time to invest in any company providing an internet tv solution ... hmmm.
Posted by: lloyd | June 30, 2008 3:20 PM
Why does this need press hype behind it? If it works, it will so so quietly and organically.
Posted by: Hashim Warren
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June 30, 2008 3:21 PM
This reminds me of viral advertising.... except for the fact that it's unambiguously non-viral. Anti-viral, in fact.
Will this work?
My bet hasn't been placed yet. I hope it works, 1) because this will revolutionize advertising (the non-viral viral), and 2) because I want to see it!
Posted by: Lauren | June 30, 2008 4:23 PM
this help people watch free video and promote piracy
youtube really sucking entertainment industry
Google first destroyed the entertainment industry and now coming with solutions
and they Microsoft is not doing good job
Posted by: ajay | July 1, 2008 9:11 AM
We think this is fantastic for short form animated Web series. We believe we have the world's first daily animated series on the internet called "Traveling Gringos". Our shorts are around 30 seconds each and come out Monday-Friday. We have been releasing daily episodes since February of 2008. www.podcomics.com
Posted by: PodComics Studio | July 1, 2008 4:15 PM
i am looking forward to the net tv - what they call webisodes (for episodes!!)
its a great thing and i am on!
Posted by: live shares tracker | July 2, 2008 7:43 AM
look! RWW got dugg in french! that's cool. let's frontpage it. LOL
Posted by: Sarah Perez
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July 2, 2008 4:52 PM
Congratulations Seth, we've been following this exact business model (minus the Google help) since February with our "Traveling Gringos" daily shorts. Up to episode 78 today. Check it out at www.podcomics.com
Posted by: PodComics Studio | July 3, 2008 8:23 AM
Great idea, I can't wait to see how will this work!
Posted by: Money Ideas | July 5, 2008 1:55 PM