Netflix
The streaming king is making a big splash into exclusive original content, starting with Lilyhammer this year, although the company isn't disclosing viewership numbers for the show. A few months ago, reports surfaced that there were some budget issues with its upcoming House of Cards, while the resurrection of cult favorite Arrested Development with new episodes next year will get me to reactivate my subscription.
Amazon.com
The e-tailer has also been focusing heavily on other exclusive content lately, noting during the last earnings release that 16 of its top 100 e-books sold last quarter were all exclusive books. Its total Instant Video library is now up to over 17,000 titles, after launching the service early last year.
The most interesting aspect of Amazon's approach is that anyone can submit an idea, not unlike Kindle e-book self-publishing. If Amazon picks your show, the creator gets $55,000 up front and other perks such as licensing and royalties. In contrast, Netflix and Hulu are working with known Hollywood execs.
Amazon continues to invade the living room. A month ago, it added an integrated Instant Video streaming app in Sony's
We'll see whether Amazon can successfully tap the masses for some quality exclusive content. I'm still eagerly awaiting the return of the Bluths.
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