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2008: The Birth of Online TV is an 80-page report published by Futurescape

It provides in-depth analysis of the new wave of original online television shows, particularly scripted comedy and drama, in the USA and UK. It explains why the sector is growing, how it is making money via a range of business models, what challenges confront the producers, how they are developing formats, and predicts the future for shows, funding, distribution and the new studios.

Founded in London in 1998, Futurescape is the leading independent new media research and development company. It identifies emerging opportunities and is a catalyst for innovation in the digital entertainment and social media markets.

Exclusive interviews with online television experts

• Marc Campbell: Founder and CEO of the Independent Comedy Network, a new studio that is aiming to launch 40 shows by the end of 2008.
• Brad Curtis: SVP Business Development, Science + Fiction, an agency that produces branded online television shows, such as In the Motherhood.
• Geoff Goodwin: Head of the BBC Switch teen multi-platform division, commissioning online shows with innovative interactivity.
• Kathleen Grace: Co-founder of independent production company Dinosaur Diorama Productions, which made hipster satire The Burg, and are now producing The All-For-Nots, a comedy about an indie band on tour, with Michael Eisner’s Vuguru studio.
• Garrett Law: Co-founder of new production company Attention Span Media, whose first show is the college mockumentary Dorm Life.

The report's main sections:

• Predictions for: the relationship between online and television, funding sources, promotion and distribution issues, and prospects for production companies and studios
• Expert interviews
• Profiles of 11 US and UK shows, with synopsis, budget, commissioner, sponsor, producer, innovative features, distribution, TX dates, episode and season lengths.
• Mini-profiles of 13 more shows, and 31 studios and production companies
• Why online TV is booming: How does online TV make money? Advertising, commissions, other sources
• Production in action: budgets, show and season lengths, building the audience
• How to evaluate success
• Listings of new studios and production companies
• TABLES: Total show budgets per season; Per-minute show budgets; Episode running times; Show viewing figures.

The report covers these US and UK online Television shows

The Burg, Clark and Michael, Crescent Heights, Dorm Life, Dubplate Drama, In The Motherhood, It’s a Mall World, KateModern, Lonelygirl15, Prom Queen, Quarterlife, Roommates, Sanctuary, Signs of Life, Wannabes, We Need Girlfriends, Where Are The Joneses?

Who is the report for?

• Broadcasters and media owners
• Television production studios and companies
• New online studios and producers
• Sponsors and ad, media and talent agencies
• Sector and industry analysts

This report costs $499. To view prices, find full details or order: www.futurescape.co.uk/about_2008_birth_online_TV.html