Anonymous Content’s Rise in the Peak TV Era
Landgraf and Peak Television
The Rise of Scripted Series
FX Networks CEO John Landgraf reported that a record-breaking 487 scripted original series aired on television in 2017. Broadcast television led with 153 series, followed by online services like Netflix with 117 and pay cable with 42.
Over the past five years, online services have experienced the most significant growth, increasing by 680 percent compared to 2012. Pay cable follows in second place, with basic cable showing substantial growth as well. Overall, the number of television shows has grown by 69 percent since 2012, with the total series output increasing by 168 percent since 2002.
Anonymous Content’s Success in Television
From Film to TV
Anonymous Content, a film management and production company founded in 1999, has achieved remarkable success in television production. Their series The Knick became a flagship show for Cinemax, while Mr. Robot on USA Network became a surprise hit. HBO, known for developing its own content, embraced Anonymous Content’s fully developed projects like True Detective and The Knick. The company has seven more series in development for various networks, including Cinemax, Netflix, Amazon, Starz, Epix, and TNT.
Capitalizing on the Golden Moment
Anonymous Content has attracted top-tier film directors to television, pioneering the trend of treating entire seasons as a single long movie. They prioritize finding and developing unique material, packaging it with talented writers, and then seeking the right broadcaster for their projects.
The company’s success serves as a testament to navigating the evolving landscape of “peak TV,” where the economics of primetime series production are changing. While Anonymous Content relies on studios and networks for financing and doesn’t own the copyrights to its shows, it remains focused on its core strength: management and production. They believe that securing high-quality material will lead to successful projects.
Building a Strong Reputation
Anonymous Content’s reputation as a producer is growing, attracting talent based on positive experiences and a culture that supports artists with unique creative visions. As the film and television industries evolve, Anonymous Content is thriving in the television space, demonstrating its ability to adapt and excel in a dynamic market.
The Future of Anonymous Content
Chairman-CEO Steve Golin focuses on strategic development and is recognized for his taste and ability to shape projects. He attributes the company’s growth to a dedicated focus on producing, including brainstorming, packaging, selling, problem-solving, and active involvement in production. The company’s shift towards television was driven by the increasing demand for innovative series from various buyers.
Golin acknowledges the challenges of film production, stating that it’s difficult to make substantial profits unless involved in large-scale projects like Marvel movies. While Anonymous Content remains passionate about film, television has become a more lucrative and fulfilling avenue for their creative endeavors.