Method and distribution channel for creating ancillary revenue streams from related media content

Abstract

A method for creating revenue for content related to a broadcast program and a related subscription distribution channel and web page. The method includes providing a subscription distribution channel that is accessible by a user, obtaining the content related to the broadcast program, and making the content available to the user via the subscription distribution channel.

1 . A method for creating revenue for content related to a broadcast program, the method comprising: 
 a. providing a subscription distribution channel that is accessible to a user;    b. obtaining the content related to the broadcast program; and    c. making the content available to the user via the subscription distribution channel.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising creating the content during a production of the broadcast program.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising making the content available for purchase by the user via the subscription distribution channel.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the content is packaged in a form selected from the group consisting of a DVD, a videotape, a streaming video, a CD-ROM, and a download.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the subscription distribution channel is an Internet website.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 a. providing a user interface;    b. displaying a web page associated with the Internet website on the user interface; and    c. displaying a link on the user interface that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the content.    
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the content is made available to the user via the subscription distribution channel approximately contemporaneous with an airing of the broadcast program.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the content is selected from the group consisting of an episode of the broadcast program, a season of the broadcast program, an additional video sequence, a piece of behind the scene footage, a video journal for a character on the broadcast program, an exclusive clip, a cast interview, a teaser regarding a future episode of the broadcast program, a game, a wireless content, a magazine, a copy of a script, a character playlist, a photograph, a novelization of the broadcast program, a scrapbook, a greeting card, a comic book, a piece of merchandise that has been autographed by an individual affiliated with the broadcast program, a screensaver, an alert, a sweepstakes, a giveaway, an article, a prop, or a piece of apparel used by an actor or actress on the broadcast program, and a duplicate of the article, the prop, or the piece of apparel used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the wireless content is selected from the group consisting of a ring tone, a wallpaper, a photo, and a video clip.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a piece of jewelry, an accessory, and a watch.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 a. the content is a piece of music selected from the group consisting of an entire song and a portion of the song that is included in the broadcast program;    b. the subscription distribution channel is coupled to a database that includes information related to the piece of music selected from the group consisting of a name of the song, a name of an album that includes the song, a name of an artist that performs the song, a profile of the artist, a release date for the artist, a concert date for the artist, and a name of an episode of the broadcast program that includes the song; and    c. the database is configured to be searched in response to a request from the user.    
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the subscription distribution channel is an Internet website, and the method further comprising: 
 a. providing the user with a user interface; and    b. displaying a web page associated with the Internet website on the user interface.    
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising displaying a link on the web page that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the piece of music or a music video associated with the piece of music.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising displaying the concert date for the artist on the web page based on the proximity of the location of a concert to the user.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising displaying a link on the web page that a user can select to initiate the purchase of a ticket to a concert to be performed by the artist.  
   
   
       16 . A subscription distribution channel comprising: 
 a. an Internet website that is accessible to a user via a user interface; and    b. a web page associated with the Internet website;    c. wherein the user interface is configured to display the web page, and the web page is configured to make content related to a broadcast program available to the user.    
   
   
       17 . The subscription distribution channel according to  claim 16 , wherein the web page is configured to make the content available for purchase by the user.  
   
   
       18 . The subscription distribution channel according to  claim 17 , wherein the web page is configured to include a link that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the content.  
   
   
       19 . The subscription distribution channel according to  claim 17 , wherein the content appears in the broadcast program.  
   
   
       20 . The subscription distribution channel according to  claim 16 , wherein the content is made available to the user via the subscription distribution channel approximately contemporaneous with an airing of the broadcast program.  
   
   
       21 . The subscription distribution channel according to  claim 16 , wherein the content is selected from the group consisting of an episode of the broadcast program, a season of the broadcast program, an additional video sequence, a piece of behind the scene footage, a video journal for a character on the broadcast program, an exclusive clip, a cast interview, a teaser regarding a future episode of the broadcast program, a game, a wireless content, a magazine, a copy of a script, a character playlist, a photograph, a novelization of the broadcast program, a scrapbook, a greeting card, a comic book, a piece of merchandise that has been autographed by an individual affiliated with the broadcast program, a screensaver, an alert, a sweepstakes, a giveaway, an article, a prop, or a piece of apparel used by an actor or actress on the broadcast program, and a duplicate of the article, the prop, or the piece of apparel used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program.  
   
   
       22 . The subscription distribution channel according to  claim 16 , wherein: 
 a. the content is a piece of music selected from the group consisting of an entire song and a portion of the song that is included in the broadcast program;    b. the subscription distribution channel is coupled to a database that includes information related to the piece of music selected from the group consisting of a name of the song, a name of an album that includes the song, a name of an artist that performs the song, a profile of the artist, a release date for the artist, a concert date for the artist, and a name of an episode of the broadcast program that includes the song; and    c. the database is configured to be searched in response to a request from the user.    
   
   
       23 . The subscription distribution channel according to  claim 22 , wherein the web page is configured to include a link that the user can select to initiate a function selected from the group consisting of purchasing a copy of the piece of music, purchasing a copy of a music video associated with the piece of music, and purchasing a ticket to a concert to be performed by the artist.  
   
   
       24 . The subscription distribution channel according to  claim 16 , wherein: 
 a. the content consists of is an article that appears on the broadcast program selected from the group of a prop, set dressing, a piece of apparel or accessory used or worn by an actor or actress, or duplicates of the props, set dressings, or piece of apparel or accessory used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program;    b. the subscription distribution channel is coupled to a database that includes information related to the article such as availability for purchase, pricing, color, size and shipping cost; and    c. the subscription distribution channel is configured to include a link that the user can select to initiate the purchase of the article.    
   
   
       25 . A web page associated with an Internet website and configured to be displayed to a user on a user interface, the web page is associated with a broadcast program, the web page comprising a link that the user can select to initiate the purchase of content related to the broadcast program.  
   
   
       26 . The web page according to  claim 25 , wherein the content is selected from the group consisting of an episode of the broadcast program, a season of the broadcast program, an additional video sequence, a piece of behind the scene footage, a video journal for a character on the broadcast program, an exclusive clip, a cast interview, a teaser regarding a future episode of the broadcast program, a game, a wireless content, a magazine, a copy of a script, a character playlist, a photograph, a novelization of the broadcast program, a scrapbook, a greeting card, a comic book, a piece of merchandise that has been autographed by an individual affiliated with the broadcast program, a screensaver, an alert, a sweepstakes, a giveaway, an article, a prop, or a piece of apparel used by an actor or actress on the broadcast program, and a duplicate of the article, the prop, or the piece of apparel used by the actor or actress on the broadcast program.  
   
   
       27 . The web page according to  claim 25 , wherein: 
 a. the content is a piece of music selected from the group consisting of an entire song and a portion of the song that is included in the broadcast program;    b. the Internet website is coupled to a database that includes information related to the piece of music selected from the group consisting of a name of the song, a name of an album that includes the song, a name of an artist that performs the song, a profile of the artist, a release date for the artist, a concert date for the artist, and a name of an episode of the broadcast program that includes the song; and    c. the database is configured to be searched in response to a request from the user.    
   
   
       28 . The web page according to  claim 25 , wherein the web page further comprises another link that the user can select to initiate the purchase an item selected from the group consisting of a copy of the piece of music, a music video associated with the piece of music, and a ticket to a concert to be performed by the artist.