This research was pioneering in its focus on digital distribution, examining the role that new technologies play in shaping and reshaping the online strategies of film and television industries, and the behaviours, attitudes and tastes of audiences when viewing online. The project was conducted over two phases: the first (2011-12) focused on digital distribution in the UK, while the second (2013-2014) compared the markets and audiences for online services in Brazil, India and South Korea. In both cases, analysis of market contexts was combined with empirical audience research. The objectives of this work were to:
- map online viewing markets in each territory in terms of both legitimate and illegitimate services
- interrogate audience behaviour through patterns of technology ownership and use
- examine audience tastes in relation to online viewing and the consumption of domestic and internationally produced content
- explore audience attitudes towards online viewing services
- consider how audiences articulate the relationship between economic and cultural value in their consumption of film and television content online
- construct a comparative framework for the analysis of online viewing in national markets at very different stages of development
- report findings back to Warner Bros to help shape their online distribution strategies
View the 2012 Connected Viewing report
Evans, E. & McDonald, P. (2013) Online Distribution of Film and Television in the UK: Behavior, Taste and Value. In: Holt, J. and Sanson, K., eds. Connected Viewing: Selling, Streaming & Sharing Media in the Digital Age New York: Routledge. 158-179
Evans, E. J. (2011) Transmedia Television: Audiences, New Media and Daily Life London and New York: Routledge
Evans, E.J. (2011) The Evolving Ecosystem: Interview with Victoria Jaye. In Grainge, P. ed. Ephemeral Media London: BFI Publishing
McDonald, P. (2009) Digital Discords in the Online Media Economy: Advertising versus Content versus Copyright. In Snickars, P. and Vonderau, P. eds The YouTube Reader Stockholm: National Library of Sweden, 387-405
McDonald, P. (2007) Video and DVD Industries London: BFI Publishin