As Internet distribution, unwalled (although by subscription), seems to be
gaining in priority? At least, in the US. I think this news from CBS is a bit
of a game-changer. CBS behaving like Amazon or Netflix.
Bert
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http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0002/new-star-trek-television-series-coming-in-2017/277338
New 'Star Trek' TV Series Coming to CBS (Online) In 2017
Live long and prosper
November 2, 2015
By TV Technology Staff
STUDIO CITY, CALIF. and NEW YORK-CBS Television Studios announced today it will
launch a totally new "Star Trek" television series in January 2017. The new
series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television
Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then
be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network's
digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.
The next chapter of the "Star Trek" franchise will also be distributed
concurrently for television and multiple platforms around the world by CBS
Studios International.
The new program will be the first original series developed specifically for
U.S. audiences for CBS All Access, a cross-platform streaming service that
brings viewers thousands of episodes from CBS's current and past seasons on
demand, plus the ability to stream their local CBS Television station live for
$5.99 per month. CBS All Access already offers every episode of all previous
"Star Trek" television series.
The new "Star Trek" will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new
worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes
that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.
Alex Kurtzman will serve as executive producer for the new "Star Trek" TV
series. Kurtzman co-wrote and produced the blockbuster films "Star Trek" (2009)
with Roberto Orci, and "Star Trek Into Darkness" (2013) with Orci and Damon
Lindelof. Both films were produced and directed by J.J. Abrams.
The new series will be produced by CBS Television Studios in association with
Kurtzman's Secret Hideout. Kurtzman and Heather Kadin will serve as executive
producers. Kurtzman is also an executive producer for the CBS television series
"Scorpion" and "Limitless," along with Kadin and Orci, and for "Hawaii Five-0"
with Orci.
"Star Trek," which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016, is one of the
most successful entertainment franchises of all time. The original "Star Trek"
spawned a dozen feature films and five successful television series. Almost
half a century later, the "Star Trek" television series are licensed on a
variety of different platforms in more than 190 countries, and the franchise
still generates more than a billion social media impressions every month.
Born from the mind of Gene Roddenberry, the original "Star Trek" series debuted
on Sept. 8, 1966 and aired for three seasons - a short run that belied the
influence it would have for generations. The series also broke new ground in
storytelling and cultural mores, providing a progressive look at topics
including race relations, global politics and the environment.
"There is no better time to give 'Star Trek' fans a new series than on the
heels of the original show's 50th anniversary celebration," said David Stapf,
President, CBS Television Studios. "Everyone here has great respect for this
storied franchise, and we're excited to launch its next television chapter in
the creative mind and skilled hands of Alex Kurtzman, someone who knows this
world and its audience intimately."
"This new series will premiere to the national CBS audience, then boldly go
where no first-run 'Star Trek' series has gone before - directly to its
millions of fans through CBS All Access," said Marc DeBevoise, Executive Vice
President/General Manager - CBS Digital Media. "We've experienced terrific
growth for CBS All Access, expanding the service across affiliates and devices
in a very short time. We now have an incredible opportunity to accelerate this
growth with the iconic 'Star Trek,' and its devoted and passionate fan base, as
our first original series."
"Every day, an episode of the 'Star Trek' franchise is seen in almost every
country in the world," said Armando Nunez, President and CEO, CBS Global
Distribution Group. "We can't wait to introduce 'Star Trek's' next voyage on
television to its vast global fan base."
CBS All Access offers its customers more than 7,500 episodes from the current
television season, previous seasons and classic shows on demand nationwide, as
well as the ability to stream local CBS stations live in more than 110 markets.
Subscribers can use the service online and across devices via CBS.com, the CBS
App for iOS, Android and Windows 10, as well as on connected devices such as
Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Roku players and Roku TV, with more connected
devices to come.
The new television series is not related to the upcoming feature film "Star
Trek Beyond," which is scheduled to be distributed by Paramount Pictures in
summer 2016.
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