I recently posted about how the new media give us a chance to prototype new projects cheaply. Now I've spotted an article on CNNMoney.com, about how the TV networks and YouTube are getting friendly. The article points out that CBS has established a channel on YouTube, on which they put clips from their shows, like David Letterman's. It has boosted his ratings and those of several other featured series. The article says:
"In the end, the prize fight we pundits have been expecting between Google and old media may rapidly turn into a love fest. While that may not score big ratings in the short run, it's sure to produce a lot more quality entertainment for TV viewers far into the future."
But the bit that relates to my earlier post is this:
"Spending millions developing sitcoms only to mothball them halfway through the season? Try developing a three-minute sketch first, rather than a whole pilot, and see if it flies on YouTube. Not sure who to cast in the lead role of your latest crime drama? Show online viewers the audition tapes and let them choose for you."
In this case, what CBS can do, you and I can do, too.
