Google and Creator of ‘Family Guy’ Strike a Deal

by kferaday | June 29, 2008 at 08:17 pm | 302 views | 2 comments

Interesting development by Google. While Google's focus hear is on mainstream media, I think this confirms that there's going to be a market for distributing other content including short films and documentaries (see: Can the Internet Save Indie Film?).

LOS ANGELES — Google is experimenting with a new method of distributing original material on the Web, and some Hollywood film financiers are betting millions that the company will succeed.

In September, Seth MacFarlane, creator of “Family Guy” on television, will unveil a carefully guarded new project called “Seth MacFarlane’s Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy.” Unlike “Family Guy,” which is broadcast on Fox, this animation series will appear exclusively on the Internet.

The innovative part involves the distribution plan. Google will syndicate the program using its AdSense advertising system to thousands of Web sites that are predetermined to be gathering spots for Mr. MacFarlane’s target audience, typically young men. Instead of placing a static ad on a Web page, Google will place a “Cavalcade” video clip.