I came across “Sanctuary” on the weekend. It’s a sci-fi series that’s only being made available online.
“The First Broadcast Caliber Online Sci-Fi Series”
It’s about time someone actually tried this, selling television shows directly to the public instead of going through a broadcaster/network who may or may not cancel the show have way through a season and who are more concerned with advertisement and “viewer figures” than good television. I applaud the makers of Sanctuary, Stage 3 Media, for being bold enough to be the first.
The website is in sucky flash (why do people still create full websites in flash?) and it won’t play on my Wii. Arg. So I booted up my PC and had a look. The trailer is awesome, it’s kind of like a Gothic-X-Files-cum-League-of-Extraordinary-Gentlemen. I’m impressed. It’s got some recognisable actors too, Amanda Tapping (she plays “Colonel Samantha Carter” on Stargate), who is also one of the executive producers, and David Hewlett (he plays “Dr. Rodney McKay” on Stargate: Atlantis).
I bought a “bundle” for the first 4 “webisodes” (their term, not mine!). I didn’t realise initially that each “webisode” is only 15 to 20 minutes long and, so far, only one episode is available. So to get the first full 1 hour episode, I’m going to have to wait for the next 3 webisodes to be released. But the good thing is that you can download the webisode in WMA and/or MOV format. I wish they had a DIVX format as well. Still, it means I can watch the webisodes on my telly using the Wii.
I watched the first episode yesterday. I’m impressed. If it was on television, I’d be very excited about now…
Except… I paid approximately 9 euros for that bundle of 4 webisodes (thats about 6 GBP or so). Apparently, according to their blog, different regions have different pricing structures and they have made the pricing inline with the iTunes model.
We have modeled our pricing on a very successful competitor: iTunes. They set their prices based on what each market will bear, based on availability, economics, research etc. Simply put: Different economic regions dictate different prices. This is why some things are cheaper or more expensive depending on what part of the world you’re in.
And they justify the price such:
Sanctuary offers you a 15 minute-long standard definition “webisode” in your choice of format (Quicktime/ Windows Media/Flash Video) and for a slightly higher price you can upgrade to the HD version. These files are YOURS. You can do with them what you want. Drop them into iTunes. Convert them to DVD formats. Burn, rip, whatever. You bought ‘em, you decide how to enjoy ‘em. And right now they are available ONLY on the web. Unlike Lost or Stargate, it will be awhile before Sanctuary makes it on TV. So if you like the show, the Internet is the only place you’re gonna find it. And unlike iTunes TV and movie offerings — which are only available in the US — anyone, in any country, can pay for and watch Sanctuary.
Considering the level of content, it’s global availability, and its exclusivity, we feels it’s a fair price — and if you buy them in bundles, it drops the price per webisode even further.
Okay, but 9 euros for 1 hour? When I said this to my wife, her response was “that’s more expensive than porn!” (One might wonder why my wife knows how much porn would cost…) I’m not sure I can afford 9 euros per full (1-hour) episode. I’d rather wait till they release a DVD box set and get it for a reasonable price then pay be on the latest viewing-edge of the show.
I think they have really got the pricing wrong on this. It’s going to make viewers much more fickle. If one episode is really bad… why fork out so much for the next one? Sure the hard-core fans probably would but the average viewer wouldn’t, I don’t think. And when you put it as 9 euros for 1 hour… Jesus that’s enough to discourage anyone from buying it in the first place, unless the novelty of it turns you on.
In their latest blog post, they imply they are aware this is an issue.
First off I want you ALL to know we are taking all of your issues concerning pricing very seriously. It is a large and looming issue and we are aware of it. What I also want to make clear is that we ARE looking into the numbers and discussing the option of a flat pricing model. The company that makes Sanctuary - Stage 3 Media - has modelled its business plan in line with the iTunes pricing model and to change it means some serious bean counting. That said, not for a second do we want to alienate our customers and fans. In fact we strive to do the exact opposite.
So, is it really better than porn?
Well you can decide for yourself. They have released the first webisode in low-res format on youtube. And here it is embedded on my blog (if you can’t see it, just go to thedeadone.net or follow the youtube link above):