Dance fever and rapidly growing networking are about to become partners.
Social network sites are constantly working to keep up with ever changing user demands and interests. As generations change, trends come and go, ideas succeed or fail, and there is always something new hitting the streets, staying on top of things is easier said than done for these social networks.
However, one of the top social networking sites over the past few years, Facebook, has started blazing a new trail with its decision to air a new television show on its site at the same time that it airs on television.
According to variety.com “A Chance to Dance” is a reality show that features Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, two dancers and choreographers from the United Kingdom as they “audition, select and train a new American dance company in 28 days.”
The producers of the series, Nigel and Simon Lythgoe, are no strangers to the world of American reality television. The two were involved with the creation of “American Idol” as well as the production of “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Nigel Lythgoe, one of the show’s co-producers, told variety.com that “‘A Chance to Dance’ shows the passion, creativity, blood, sweat and tears that go into creating a new American dance company.”
The show’s seven episodes began airing on Facebook on August 17th. As subscribers tune in they have the unique opportunity to chat with other viewers as they watch the show, watch exclusive show interviews, and access other special behind the scenes content.
Those wishing to watch the show on Facebook will be charged $1.99 per episode or they can purchase (using Paypal or their credit card) a season pass of sorts, which gives them access to all seven episodes of the show for $11.99. This is not expected to draw many TV viewers, but those who rely on internet and computers for entertainment will be the testing ground for a new avenue of delivery.
According to Insider Monkey, the show is available to be viewed using Milyoni Social Cinema software. Milyoni is no stranger to Facebook as the two companies have partnered before to bring Facebook users a pay-per-view movie, concert, socially interactive movie, and even a 3D movie. The simultaneous television and Facebook airing of this show is just another addition to the list of social networking firsts that Milyoni has been part of.
As it airs on Facebook, the show also plays on Ovation Network. According to Insider Monkey, this network can be found in 51 million American homes, found in packages from television providers such as Dish.
Ovation executives are on board with and hopeful for the partnership with Facebook. CEO Chad Gutstein told variety.com that the opportunity for people to view their show on Facebook is a way for potential new viewers to “sample our programming” and hopefully the network can “attract a whole new following.”
Since Facebook has over three times as many users as Ovation has viewers, Facebook is a good platform for this network to use to find new viewers.
Though this is the first series to stream on Facebook as it airs on television, a whole new world of possibilities is being opened up with this innovative partnership.
References:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118057728
http://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/facebook-inc-fb-to-stream-live-tv-reality-show-episodes-16486/
Michael “Big Mike” McCaffery writes articles on television and entertainment. You can find information about service bundles at godish.com and check out their facebook account for new deals and technology.