This document discusses how the internet and emerging technologies are changing the entertainment industry. It covers topics like how the web allows for new forms of online entertainment like streaming media and video on demand. It also explores how technologies like MP3 and file transfer have made it easier to distribute music and other media online. The document examines various entertainment genres from music and online radio to sports, games, and online Hollywood opportunities for talent scouting, screenwriting, and film distribution. It concludes by predicting further changes like more personalized entertainment delivered to wireless devices.

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Chapter 19, Online Entertainment
Outline
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Online Entertainment
19.3 Entertainment and Technology
19.4 MP3 and File-Transfer Technology
19.5 Amateur and Independent Artist Opportunities
19.6 Interactive Web TV
19.7 Music and the Web
19.8 Web Radio
19.9 Sports on the Web
19.10 Comedy on the Web
19.11 Online Games
19.12 Online Hollywood
19.12.1 Talent Scouting
19.12.2 Screen Writing
19.12.3 Distribution and Supplies
19.13 Future of Entertainment

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19.1 Introduction
• The web is changing the way entertainment is
created, purchased and distributed
• A convergence of technology will create new
opportunities
• File-transfer technology has made distribution
simple and controversial

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• Streaming Media
– Audio and video that is heard and viewed over the Internet
• Video-on-demand
– A product of interactive television that allows the viewer to
choose their own programming
• Media convergence
– The combination of separate forms of media and technology
to form new and greater products
19.1 Introduction

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19.2 Online Entertainment
• The Web itself is a form of entertainment
• Many online entertainment sites offer streaming
audio, video and related news
• Movie trailers, music and books are often released
on the Internet first
• Most online entertainment is free
• Major studios and record companies recognize the
importance of the Internet for marketing,
advertising and promotions

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19.3 Entertainment and
Technology
• Set-top box technology
– Offers Web interactivity and resources, television video
quality and access to video-on-demand in a single machine
• Technology convergence will lead to greater
interactivity and instant access to entertainment
• As technology advances so will special effects,
computer graphics and communications
technology

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19.4 MP3 and File-transfer
Technology
• MP3
– A compressed audio format that allows for the easy transfer
of high quality audio over the Web
• File-transfer technology
– Makes the transfer of compresses files possible
• File transfer technology has recently become
controversial as some believe it is a violation of
copyright

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19.5 Amateur and Independent
Artist Opportunities
• The Web gives amateur talent a chance to express
themselves
• Graphic designers, artist, dancers, actors and
musicians can all use the Web to introduce their
talent to the World
• Many Web sites are designed to help people learn
about starting a career in the entertainment
industry

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19.5 Amateur and Independent
Artist Opportunities
Superhero Roommate is just one of the many original series at Icebox.com.
(Courtesy of Icebox.com.)

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19.6 Interactive Web TV
• Interactive Web TV combines television and the
Internet
• It will one day be possible to surf a catalog of
hundreds of thousands of programs
• 3D theater-in-the-round will also be possible
• Game shows allow home viewers to compete for
prizes
• Individuals will be able to broadcast their own
content

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19.7 Music on the Web
• Musicians around the world benefit from the Web,
MP3 and file-transfer technology
• A number of record companies use the Web to
develop talent and find rising stars
• Examples:
– Farmclub.com
– MP3.com

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19.8 Web Radio
• Hundreds of thousands of radio stations are
broadcasting over the Web on a daily basis
• After a simple set up, the average person can
begin offering their own radio broadcast
• MP3 and high speed Internet make Web radio
possible
• Examples:
– Radiotower.com
– Spinner.com
– Yahooradio.com

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19.9 Sports on the Web
• Sporting news content providers use the Web to
meet their market
• Athletes can showcase their accomplishments on a
personal Web site to draw attention from college
recruiters and scouts
• Sporting memorabilia is often sold at auctions
online
• Examples:
– ESPN.com
– Sportingnews.com
– MLB.com

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19.9 Sports on the Web
WindowsMedia.com allows you to find your favorite radio station
online. (Courtesy of FNX Radio Network and Microsoft Corporation.)

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19.10 Comedy on the Web
• Humor has always been a major part of Web
communication
• Examples:
– Laugh.com
– Modernhumorist.com
– Darwinawards.com
– The Onion

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19.10 Comedy on the Web
You never know what to expect at the Onion.com. (Courtesy of Onion, Inc.)

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19.11 Online Games
• The Internet allows multiplayer gaming over the
Web
• Many online games are offered for free
• Examples:
– Mplayer.com
– Maxis.com
– HSX.com
– Games.yahoo.com

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19.11 Online Games
The Hollywood Stock Exchange. (Courtesy of Hollywood Stock
Exchange®. Copyright © 1996-2000. All Rights Reserved.)

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19.12 Online Hollywood
• Many film makers have turned to the Web to
release their short films
• A few have launched careers through the Web
• Movie marketing has found success online
• Examples:
– AtomFilms
– iFilm
– Hypnotic.com
– IMDB

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19.12 Online Hollywood
The Inside.com home page. (Courtesy of Powerful Media Inc./ Inside.com.)

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19.12.1 Talent Scouting
• Opportunity for unknown artists to demonstrate
their talents
• Dailies
– Day’s film from a given production
• Online talent scouting sites
– Casting.com
– Moviextras.com

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19.12.2 Screen Writing
• Screenwriter
– Writer of a screenplay
– Must conceptualize the settings and relationships
• Give and receive advice and feedback, host chats
and participate in workshops
• Screen writing Web sites
– Screenwriters.com
– Wordplayer.com

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19.12.3 Distribution and Supplies
• Internet release of films may change the strategy
of traditional film release
• Intellectual property demands a high level of
security
• The ability to order first-run films to the home
• Simultaneous domestic and international release
dates
• Reduction in the cost of printing, distributing and
marketing

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19.13 Future of Entertainment
• Increase in technological capabilities
• Decrease in the cost of equipment
• Increased competition in the entertainment
industry
• Increased ability to personalize entertainment for
the consumer
• Entertainment delivered to wireless devices
• Digital theater-in-the-round