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Projection mapping startup Lightform, which set out to turn every surface into an interactive display, is shutting down. In the future, we may see live programming as a key part of that puzzle. MCU fans, for instance, are already getting a bunch of Disney+ shows to tide them over until the next blockbuster arrives in theaters. Ultimately, live programming could become one more way for Disney to extend the life of its franchises, something that Disney+ has already been doing very well. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that people love cast reunions, even if conducted over Zoom. There may also be room for smaller exclusives that speak to dedicated fan audiences.This could include marquee events, like awards shows and live TV musicals, or livestreams associated with existing Disney events like the D23 Expo.
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My guess is that the test was more about laying the groundwork for true live events.If Disney wanted to test channels, it would test channels, and not stream a live event in real time. “I'd really like to see Disney+ incorporate some linear channels centered around brands and shows and even Hulu and ESPN+ content,” tweeted online video consultant Kirby Grines.Īll of that is not really live programming, though.How about a “Marvel Heroes Channel,” a “Disney Classics Channel” or a “Star Wars Channel?” The company could conceivably even launch multiple channels as a way to bring a lean-back experience to Disney+.It’s more likely that Disney would copy the way Viacom, AMC and everyone else is doing streaming channels these days: Instead of taking a 1:1 copy of the Disney Channel, it could launch something new that sounds kinda, sorta like the Disney Channel’s online cousin.Then again, Disney still has a number of lucrative carriage agreements with pay TV providers, which usually don’t allow the company to make the same feeds available outside of those bundles.However, last year, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced plans to close 100 TV networks around the globe in response to audiences transitioning to streaming. Not too long ago, people would have called this crazy talk.could just access Disney+ and select ‘Watch Disney Channel/ Disney Junior Live’ and just stick with it,” one pundit speculated. One possible explanation: The company is getting ready to abandon traditional TV and move some of its cable networks onto Disney+.The test led to all kinds of speculation among industry insiders, who were wondering: Why did Disney test livestreaming on Disney+ if it already has so many other platforms for live video? We are pleased with the results and will continue to test as part of our ongoing and iterative approach to deliver the best user experiences to consumers.” with this morning’s Academy Award nominations. "We performed a test for live streaming capabilities on Disney+ in the U.S. In fact, I, too, wouldn’t have known about it if it weren’t for an email from Disney’s PR department, which included the following statement: The announcement also streamed on Hulu and the Academy’s own website, which means that the Disney+ audience for this particular livestream was likely fairly small. Earlier this week, Disney ran a small test that may hint at big things to come: The subscription video platform carried a livestream of the Academy Awards nominations announcement.