Could it be that a new partnership with film studio Lionsgate holds a clue to how YouTube plans to finally make a little money?
A first glance the deal seems pretty straightforward:
While details of the deal are still being worked out, the revenue-sharing agreement will formalize the creation of a Lionsgate-branded channel where advertising will be placed on clips of Lionsgate assets ranging from the "Saw" franchise to classics like "Dirty Dancing." Lionsgate’s TV programming, including "Weeds," is also a part of the deal.
Then Curt Marvis, president of digital media at Lionsgate, drops a little easter egg:
Marvis noted that the deal also could allow Lionsgate to set up a transactional model in which YouTube users consuming a particular clip could be served a link to a relevant full-length digital download for purchase.
The emphasis is mine, but it’s important to not miss the possibility that YouTube might enter the pay-per-view business. I’m sure there’ll be no official comment from Google, and the above is not even a direct quote from Lionsgate, but it’s still intriguing.
What do you think? Would you pay to download full-length movies? Do you think this might give Android cell phones movie watching features?
(via)













