Amazon has taken on the episodic version of Zombieland in order to add to its Instant Video lineup. Which further cements the feeling that television networks are becoming a resource we could well do without, either now or in the near future.
Amazon Takes On Zombieland
Amazon is developing a TV series based on Zombieland, a hit movie starring Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and a cast of unnamed zombies. Oh, and featuring a cameo by Bill Murray.
Zombieland began life as a proposal for a TV series, with CBS buying a pilot. The network decided not to proceed, so writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick turned it into a screenplay for a movie which was eventually released in 2009.
There have been rumors of a sequel, which then morphed into rumors of a TV show based on the movie. That looks like it’s going ahead, but funding is coming from Amazon rather than CBS or any of the other big U.S. networks.
Zombieland looks set to be an Amazon Prime exclusive, but with the project only just getting underway it could be some time before it sees the light of day.
Are TV Networks Past Their Sell-By Date?
This begs the question above. Amazon has started developing original TV shows, and Netflix has been doing so for some time with the likes of Arrested Development, Lilyhammer and House Of Cards. Even YouTube has got in on the action, funding channels full of original content.
It’s a business model that makes sense because it drives people to the services in question. The idea is that they’ll pay to watch these exclusive shows, and stick around for the other content. Which means viewing figures aren’t the be-all and end-all.
The TV networks may have deep pockets and a long history behind them, but it’s clear the future of television lies elsewhere. We’re witnessing the first rumblings of what could end up turning the traditional business model on its head.
Conclusions
Zombieland
is bound to be a draw for Amazon, adding an extra element to those already in place to try and persuade consumers to sign up for the service. While the television networks won’t be panicking just yet, this growing trend is surely cause for concern.
[Via Mashable]
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