Keynote CABSAT Content Congress Speaker Predicts Anywhere-Anytime Viewing Mechanisms will Enhance Content Creation Quality
Dubai, UAE - The advent of On Demand, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and Over The Top (OTT) viewing trends has spurred the global TV industry into a new 'golden age', according to Eric Ellenbogen, the Co-Head of International TV & DreamWorks Classics, DreamWorks Animation.
"Today's TV programming features the biggest stars in the entertainment industry," said Ellenbogen during a keynote speech at the CABSAT Content Congress - a holistic, state-of-the-industry dissection presented by CABSAT, NAB Show and the former's new Content Marketplace offering.
"TV is no longer a second-class medium, there are huge budgets and beautiful productions - we are in a new golden age and TV is thriving. The sky is not falling, the future is bright.
With traditional or linear television channels' historical dominance under increasing threat as global viewers turn towards the more flexible IPTV - TV delivered over broadband - and OTT - content streamed directly to handheld devices, game consoles and SMART TVs connected to broadband - models, Ellenbogen insists the entire television industry and, ultimately, viewers, will reap the benefits.
"Audiences want what they want, when they want it and on whichever device or platform they want it. If linear TV channels or content producers cannot provide ubiquitous content that is highly-adaptable and affordable, viewers will naturally find it elsewhere," said Ellenbogen.
"As international viewing habits change, consumers are watching more TV content than ever via subscription services, On Demand and OTT products. Even in this On Demand and anywhere, anytime environment, linear TV channels are still a relevant business. Studio distributors must empower their linear TV partners to monetise and be adaptive because although the development of new technologies is widely aiding content creation, the fundamental key to viewer engagement will always be storytelling."
With recent figures from Nielsen revealing 60-70% of global television viewers with access to On Demand services watch multiple episodes in a single sitting, Ellenbogen believes the relatively new concept of binge watching is here to stay.
"TV remains a discovery vehicle and individual channels are the cornerstone for content discovery," he said. "Binge watching is a product of OTT delivery mechanisms such as Netflix, which has committed US6 billion to new content in 2016, while HBO has committed US1.8 billion to content creation this year. There is extraordinary investment in content development for television."
After launching a dedicated, 24/7 animation channel in Asia earlier this year where DreamWorks will dovetail its prized animation products - Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon and The Croods - with content acquired and produced locally, Ellenbogen believes the Middle East and Africa represent strategic growth areas for global content producers and owners.
"Our animation channel was built for the smaller screen, largely for mobile," he said. "We really believe in this market; there are incredible opportunities because of the penetration of internet-ready devices. DreamWorks produces content which fits the entire family viewing experience and we believe our family-themed content will resonate with viewers in this part of the world."
The Content Congress at CABSAT 2016 - the definitive event for the broadcast, satellite and entertainment content sectors across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) closes on Thursday 10 March at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) - featured Ellenbogen and a host of influential industry voices.
Conference speakers included C-Level executives from Sony Pictures, Netflix, Fox International, NBC Universal, Australia's FremantleMedia, ITV studios, Talpa, Dailymotion, Qatar's beIN network, the European Broadcasting Union and a host of other major Hollywood and Bollywood studios. Visit www.cabsat.com or www.cabsat.com/marketplace to find out more.
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About CABSAT:
CABSAT is the leading professional content entertainment event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). An exciting, interactive event featuring all the major global technology and content service providers for this growing industry, CABSAT - now in its 22nd year - continues to extend its global and regional reach. The show is the dominant broadcast, digital media and satellite technology platform for anyone wishing to target broadcasters, production houses and studios, animation houses, content owners and creators, software developers, telcos, systems integrators and distribution channels in the vast MEASA region. www.cabsat.com
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC):
As the organiser of CABAT 2016, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 35 years' experience delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 20 of the region's largest and most successful international and regional shows, providing an ideal platform for business development across the Middle East. Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector. www.dwtc.com
For more information:
UAE and GCC International
Rose Manaog Wendy Mattock
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Email: rose.m@actionprgroup.com Email: wendy.mattock@bubblesqueak.agency
© Press Release 2016
