Ryan Faughnder reports in the LA Times that Sony Pictures is launching a specialty TV label for lower-cost shows.
ABSENTIA SEASON 2 PREMIERES JUNE 14th ON AMAZON!! 👁🗣👁👉 All ten episodes of season two willdebut to Amazon Prime Video members in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, Austria, India, Israel, Italy, Netherlands,Singapore, South Korea, and other select territories globally. 👈 🎉👁🎉 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇩🇪🇦🇺🇦🇹🇮🇳🇮🇱🇮🇹🇳🇱🇸🇬🇰🇷 Please Check with your local providers for additional information on countries not listed. #Absentia Stana Katic Patrick Heusinger
Posted by Absentia on Thursday, March 14, 2019
Sony Pictures Television said it:
“…is launching a new production unit to make high-quality shows at a lower cost than the typical series, by taking a page from the indie film playbook. Jeff Frost, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, told employees that the new label would focus on “producing distinct television programming in the indie feature film style.” The company expects to save money by filming in less expensive locations that offer production incentives, shooting more than one episode at a time and filming over shorter periods.”
This is the business model they used to launch Absentia on their worldwide network AXN.
It seems increased demand for quality television series has raised prices, so more integrated media companies are exploring ways to produce cheaper product.
My take: Did you know Absentia is shot in Bulgaria? I think the trend to more television, perhaps with lower budgets, shot feature-style is a good thing. It means more storytelling. So when you find something that clicks with you, you can immerse yourself into its world. It also means more work around the world for film craftspeople, which can only lead to more local indie work over time.