This continues a shake-up in the way big-media works, the latest in a trend giving more power to artists and less to the big media companies. Normally, television owners keep revenues, and separately negotiate payment with artists. In their deal, Parker and Stone get a cut of the proceeds from wherever the show appears on the net, mobile platforms or video games.
South Park is popular for skewering celebrities and status quo ideas. It has spread virally over the internet without Viacom getting paid, through free, full-length episodes. The show’s libertarian creators have said they are in favor of free downloads of episodes because it helps more people watch the show, which of course is contradicted by this latest deal.
It is a deal both parties describe as an attempt to become a major player In Hollywood's transition to the Internet. Or, as South Park’s lawyer said, a demonstration to new video-entertainment start-ups (think YouTube et al.) that they’ll have to pay premiums for top content creators.
Parker and Stone originally retained the rights to a percentage of revenue brought in by non-cable distribution channels, the web, mobile devices and video games, due to a subtle clause signed as part of a contract renewal between the parties during the dot-com bust years.
The caustic duo are guaranteed advances from profits on merchandise, DVDs, international sales and methods of syndication. The agreement will also include a talent studio called SouthParkStudios.com. The deal is worth $75 million to the two creators over the next four years, the article says; the show has already made hundreds of millions for Viacom.
Cybercast credit: Comedy Central / Viacom
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