Method and distribution channel for creating ancillary revenue streams from related media content
A method for creating revenue for content related to a broadcast program and a related subscription distribution channel and web page. The method includes providing a subscription distribution channel that is accessible by a user, obtaining the content related to the broadcast program, and making the content available to the user via the subscription distribution channel.
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Priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/622,266, filed on Oct. 26, 2004, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Creating Ancillary Revenue Streams from Related Media Content,” by Lisa Gregorian and Craig Hunegs, which application is incorporated by reference herein.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of producing additional sources of revenue through related media content. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and a distribution channel for creating ancillary revenue streams from new media content, services, and products that are related to other media content.
2. Description of the Related Art
Currently, most of the revenue created by various types of media content comes primarily from sales of the content itself and sometimes from sales of items associated with the delivered content. Often, the ancillary revenue from items associated with the content is not maximized, and comprises only a small portion of the total revenue that comes from the content. This occurs, in part, because those who would purchase items associated with the content do not view those items when they are most likely to purchase them. Additionally, at certain times, viewers of the content desire, and would purchase, additional or special content that is not available to them at that time.
Accordingly, it should be appreciated that there is a need for a method and a distribution channel for creating and maximizing ancillary revenue streams by providing specific ancillary or related content, products, and services related to content already viewed and/or disseminated to those viewers who desire them. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the present invention include a method and a distribution channel for creating and maximizing ancillary revenue streams from new media content, services, and products that are related to other media content. The method and the distribution channel of the present invention provide numerous advantages, some of which include, creating additional or ancillary revenue streams by providing related media content that viewers desire; providing specific content, products, and services to viewers at a time then they most desire it; providing content in a form that is desirable to the viewer and that can be purchased easily; providing products, services, and content that create ancillary revenue streams with other products, services, and/or content that does not create ancillary revenue streams; providing additional or special content to the viewer for purchase, downloading, and/or viewing prior to the dissemination of related content the viewer is interested in.
An exemplary method according to the invention is a method for creating revenue for content related to a broadcast program. The method includes providing a subscription distribution channel that is accessible to a user, obtaining the content related to the broadcast program, and making the content available to the user via the subscription distribution channel.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the method further includes creating the content during a production of the broadcast program. Also, the method can further include making the content available for purchase by the user via the subscription distribution channel. The content can be packaged in a form selected from the group consisting of a DVD, a videotape, a streaming video, a CD-ROM, and a download. In addition, the content can be made available to the user via the subscription distribution channel approximately contemporaneous with an airing of the broadcast program.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the subscription distribution channel is an Internet website. The method can further include providing a user interface, displaying a web page associated with the Internet website on the user interface, and displaying a link on the user interface that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the content.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the content is selected from the group consisting of an episode of the broadcast program, a season of the broadcast program, an additional video sequence, a piece of behind the scene footage, a video journal for a character on the broadcast program, an exclusive clip, a cast interview, a teaser regarding a future episode of the broadcast program, a game, a wireless content, a magazine, a copy of a script, a character playlist, a photograph, a novelization of the broadcast program, a scrapbook, a greeting card, a comic book, a piece of merchandise that has been autographed by an individual affiliated with the broadcast program, a screensaver, an alert, a sweepstakes, a giveaway, an article, prop, or piece of apparel used by an actor or actress on the broadcast program, and a duplicate of the article, prop, or piece of apparel used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program. The wireless content can be selected from the group consisting of a ring tone, a wallpaper, a photo, and a video clip. Also, the article can be selected from the group consisting of a piece of jewelry, an accessory, and a watch.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the content is a piece of music selected from the group consisting of an entire song and a portion of the song that is included in the broadcast program. The subscription distribution channel is coupled to a database that includes information related to the piece of music selected from the group consisting of a name of the song, a name of an album that includes the song, a name of an artist that performs the song, a profile of the artist, a release date for the artist, a concert date for the artist, and a name of an episode of the broadcast program that includes the song. The database is configured to be searched in response to a request from the user.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the subscription distribution channel is an Internet website, and the method further includes providing the user with a user interface, and displaying a web page associated with the Internet website on the user interface. Also, the method can further include displaying a link on the web page that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the piece of music or a music video associated with the piece of music. In addition, the method can further include displaying the concert date for the artist on the web page based on the proximity of the location of a concert to the user. Furthermore, the method can include displaying a link on the web page that a user can select to initiate the purchase of a ticket to a concert to be performed by the artist.
Embodiments of the present invention include a subscription distribution channel that includes an Internet website that is accessible to a user via a user interface and a web page that is associated with the Internet website. The user interface is configured to display the web page, and the web page is configured to make content related to a broadcast program available to the user.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is a web page associated with an Internet website and configured to be displayed to a user on a user interface. The web page is associated with a broadcast program and includes a link that the user can select to initiate the purchase of content related to the broadcast program.
Other features of the invention should become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One particular embodiment of the present invention, which is provided as an example and should not limit the scope of the present invention, involves a method of creating ancillary revenue streams in connection with broadcast television programming by (1) creating related media content during physical production of episodes of one or more television programs, (2) packaging the related media content into a form in which it can be sold, (3) making the related media content available for purchase, download, or viewing prior to the actual airing of the television program (“show”). This method, in addition to creating ancillary revenue streams, creates a show-based, lifestyle brand that is identifiable by consumers.
In embodiment of the present invention, the related media content can be any type of content inspired by the show, including, but not limited to, additional video sequences 16 (see
The related media content can be packaged in any form that is suitable for sale. Examples of such types of packaging include, but are not limited to, DVD 26 (see
Because most television shows are shot, filmed, approximately 5-7 weeks prior to the show's air date, there is only a limited window within which to package this related media content, and to sell it to the viewer, user, or other potential customer, thereby creating ancillary revenue streams. It is believed that once the content, or episode, is disseminated or able to be viewed, interest in the related media content likely will fade dramatically since consumers will be less willing to pay for related content, e.g., teaser 44 (see
During the filming of a television episode for broadcast, additional footage 24 (see
Other content related to particular television episodes can also be made available to subscribers before or contemporaneous with the airing of such episodes. For example, the content provided to subscribers can include electronic copies or hardcopies of episode scripts 46 (see
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, aspects of which are illustrated by
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, aspects of which are also illustrated in
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, aspects of which are illustrated by
It should be appreciated that the present invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments described above. The foregoing detailed description of the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration, and it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments can provide different capabilities and benefits, depending on the configuration used to implement the key features of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.
Claims
1. A method for creating revenue for content related to a broadcast program, the method comprising:
- a. providing a subscription distribution channel that is accessible to a user;
- b. obtaining the content related to the broadcast program; and
- c. making the content available to the user via the subscription distribution channel.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising creating the content during a production of the broadcast program.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising making the content available for purchase by the user via the subscription distribution channel.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the content is packaged in a form selected from the group consisting of a DVD, a videotape, a streaming video, a CD-ROM, and a download.
5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the subscription distribution channel is an Internet website.
6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:
- a. providing a user interface;
- b. displaying a web page associated with the Internet website on the user interface; and
- c. displaying a link on the user interface that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the content.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the content is made available to the user via the subscription distribution channel approximately contemporaneous with an airing of the broadcast program.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the content is selected from the group consisting of an episode of the broadcast program, a season of the broadcast program, an additional video sequence, a piece of behind the scene footage, a video journal for a character on the broadcast program, an exclusive clip, a cast interview, a teaser regarding a future episode of the broadcast program, a game, a wireless content, a magazine, a copy of a script, a character playlist, a photograph, a novelization of the broadcast program, a scrapbook, a greeting card, a comic book, a piece of merchandise that has been autographed by an individual affiliated with the broadcast program, a screensaver, an alert, a sweepstakes, a giveaway, an article, a prop, or a piece of apparel used by an actor or actress on the broadcast program, and a duplicate of the article, the prop, or the piece of apparel used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the wireless content is selected from the group consisting of a ring tone, a wallpaper, a photo, and a video clip.
10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a piece of jewelry, an accessory, and a watch.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
- a. the content is a piece of music selected from the group consisting of an entire song and a portion of the song that is included in the broadcast program;
- b. the subscription distribution channel is coupled to a database that includes information related to the piece of music selected from the group consisting of a name of the song, a name of an album that includes the song, a name of an artist that performs the song, a profile of the artist, a release date for the artist, a concert date for the artist, and a name of an episode of the broadcast program that includes the song; and
- c. the database is configured to be searched in response to a request from the user.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the subscription distribution channel is an Internet website, and the method further comprising:
- a. providing the user with a user interface; and
- b. displaying a web page associated with the Internet website on the user interface.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising displaying a link on the web page that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the piece of music or a music video associated with the piece of music.
14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising displaying the concert date for the artist on the web page based on the proximity of the location of a concert to the user.
15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising displaying a link on the web page that a user can select to initiate the purchase of a ticket to a concert to be performed by the artist.
16. A subscription distribution channel comprising:
- a. an Internet website that is accessible to a user via a user interface; and
- b. a web page associated with the Internet website;
- c. wherein the user interface is configured to display the web page, and the web page is configured to make content related to a broadcast program available to the user.
17. The subscription distribution channel according to claim 16, wherein the web page is configured to make the content available for purchase by the user.
18. The subscription distribution channel according to claim 17, wherein the web page is configured to include a link that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the content.
19. The subscription distribution channel according to claim 17, wherein the content appears in the broadcast program.
20. The subscription distribution channel according to claim 16, wherein the content is made available to the user via the subscription distribution channel approximately contemporaneous with an airing of the broadcast program.
21. The subscription distribution channel according to claim 16, wherein the content is selected from the group consisting of an episode of the broadcast program, a season of the broadcast program, an additional video sequence, a piece of behind the scene footage, a video journal for a character on the broadcast program, an exclusive clip, a cast interview, a teaser regarding a future episode of the broadcast program, a game, a wireless content, a magazine, a copy of a script, a character playlist, a photograph, a novelization of the broadcast program, a scrapbook, a greeting card, a comic book, a piece of merchandise that has been autographed by an individual affiliated with the broadcast program, a screensaver, an alert, a sweepstakes, a giveaway, an article, a prop, or a piece of apparel used by an actor or actress on the broadcast program, and a duplicate of the article, the prop, or the piece of apparel used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program.
22. The subscription distribution channel according to claim 16, wherein:
- a. the content is a piece of music selected from the group consisting of an entire song and a portion of the song that is included in the broadcast program;
- b. the subscription distribution channel is coupled to a database that includes information related to the piece of music selected from the group consisting of a name of the song, a name of an album that includes the song, a name of an artist that performs the song, a profile of the artist, a release date for the artist, a concert date for the artist, and a name of an episode of the broadcast program that includes the song; and
- c. the database is configured to be searched in response to a request from the user.
23. The subscription distribution channel according to claim 22, wherein the web page is configured to include a link that the user can select to initiate a function selected from the group consisting of purchasing a copy of the piece of music, purchasing a copy of a music video associated with the piece of music, and purchasing a ticket to a concert to be performed by the artist.
24. The subscription distribution channel according to claim 16, wherein:
- a. the content consists of is an article that appears on the broadcast program selected from the group of a prop, set dressing, a piece of apparel or accessory used or worn by an actor or actress, or duplicates of the props, set dressings, or piece of apparel or accessory used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program;
- b. the subscription distribution channel is coupled to a database that includes information related to the article such as availability for purchase, pricing, color, size and shipping cost; and
- c. the subscription distribution channel is configured to include a link that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the article.
25. A web page associated with an Internet website and configured to be displayed to a user on a user interface, the web page is associated with a broadcast program, the web page comprising a link that the user can select to initiate the purchase of content related to the broadcast program.
26. The web page according to claim 25, wherein the content is selected from the group consisting of an episode of the broadcast program, a season of the broadcast program, an additional video sequence, a piece of behind the scene footage, a video journal for a character on the broadcast program, an exclusive clip, a cast interview, a teaser regarding a future episode of the broadcast program, a game, a wireless content, a magazine, a copy of a script, a character playlist, a photograph, a novelization of the broadcast program, a scrapbook, a greeting card, a comic book, a piece of merchandise that has been autographed by an individual affiliated with the broadcast program, a screensaver, an alert, a sweepstakes, a giveaway, an article, a prop, or a piece of apparel used by an actor or actress on the broadcast program, and a duplicate of the article, the prop, or the piece of apparel used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program.
27. The web page according to claim 25, wherein:
- a. the content is a piece of music selected from the group consisting of an entire song and a portion of the song that is included in the broadcast program;
- b. the Internet website is coupled to a database that includes information related to the piece of music selected from the group consisting of a name of the song, a name of an album that includes the song, a name of an artist that performs the song, a profile of the artist, a release date for the artist, a concert date for the artist, and a name of an episode of the broadcast program that includes the song; and
- c. the database is configured to be searched in response to a request from the user.
28. The web page according to claim 25, wherein the web page further comprises another link that the user can select to initiate the purchase an item selected from the group consisting of a copy of the piece of music, a music video associated with the piece of music, and a ticket to a concert to be performed by the artist.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 26, 2005
Publication Date: Aug 3, 2006
Applicant:
Inventors: Lisa Gregorian (Studio City, CA), Craig Hunegs (Santa Monica, CA)
Application Number: 11/260,064
International Classification: H04N 5/445 (20060101); G06F 13/00 (20060101); H04N 7/16 (20060101); H04N 7/173 (20060101);