11 Apr 2011
I’m sure that when they designed the business model for HBO it wasn’t with the intention of pleasing writers, but it’s a happy consequence.
—
Aaron Sorkin
Sorkin apparently took his new show to HBO because it focuses on quality over ratings. Seems like HBO is doing a good job of combining content and distribution pieces: HBO Go and the HBO brand are big draws for content producers.
Also: all of HBO’s growth is now coming from overseas distribution: domestic subs flat around 40M, international subs up to 42M, from 28M in 2007.
And: “Game of Thrones” is getting 50% more per episode than “Sopranos” did from international syndication.
Does this mean that the market for “premium content” in the US is topped out? I don’t think so. It’s just that additional growth is likely to be via HBO Go and other digital platforms.
