From glamorous presentations about new shows to dinners with executives, Upfront Week is usually quite the spectacle for the TV industry. However, due to COVID-19, companies’ announcements are presented either via live streaming or pre-recorded video presentations.
Many companies are excited to reveal big plans for their streaming services digitally next week. Here are some statements to look forward to:
Next week, NBCUniversal will make a digital presentation on May 11, Discovery will present on May 12, and CBS and WarnerMedia feature new programs on May 13.
Walt Disney company states: “Production plans are already underway to develop two star-studded and innovative streaming events, showcasing the breadth and depth of Disney’s rich portfolio and infrastructure,”
“We are currently exploring alternative and innovative ways of communicating The CW’s overall strategy, showcase our new and returning programming and present our upcoming fall schedule to advertisers, press, the industry and our fans.”, said The CW.
Fox is hoping to broaden and expand their broadcast network this season.
As the need for entertainment continues to grow and upfront presentations become more populated, going digitally may not be a bad thing. Many companies are in the works or have released new streaming services such as Disney+, so business for those services as well as the increasing flow of original content will greatly satisfy customers’ boredom while stuck at home (see full article on streaming services for more information). Companies are also going to discuss how they deal with production being pushed back for many shows due to the pandemic at the conference.
One may wonder, “how will COVID-19 affect the future of upfront presentations and the entertainment industry?” Due to COVID and everyone staying at home, companies have had to work around this obstacle for producing shows. There has been an increased reliance on streaming services to keep companies up and running. For upfront presentations, presenting digitally may be more frequent once companies have figured out how to put all their announcements online instead of in person. Face-to-face networking may become screen-to-screen, as the dinners with producers that happen during Upfront Week may have to take place from everyone’s own dining rooms. Going digital because of COVID-19 may help companies progress technologically as they figure out how to become more innovative with the way their customers attain their entertainment.
TV Wasteland 