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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: New York on May 08, 2006, 07:19:25 PM

Title: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: New York on May 08, 2006, 07:19:25 PM
A friend of mine told me that they're not having ppv for the O this year. Did anyone else hear the same?
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Ron on May 08, 2006, 07:23:44 PM

I am not sure that it has been decided that there will be no PPV at the moment for the 2006 Olympia. There are some factors to work out on this.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: New York on May 08, 2006, 07:33:23 PM
Factor's like what? You got some inside info?
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: HERACLES on May 08, 2006, 08:02:18 PM
how couldnt they? now that WOULD be retaded..as ive watched the mrO the past 4 years on PPV// morons.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 08, 2006, 08:05:36 PM
how couldnt they? now that WOULD be retaded..as ive watched the mrO the past 4 years on PPV// morons.

Christmas is coming in October for Mr DeMilia
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Captain Equipoise on May 08, 2006, 08:46:35 PM
Maybe the PPV network doesn't want to carry it anymore due to poor numbers ??..
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: onlyme on May 08, 2006, 08:58:07 PM
Maybe the PPV network doesn't want to carry it anymore due to poor numbers ??..


That is more than likely the reason. 
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 08, 2006, 08:59:34 PM
Well, I guess we can settle for the BBing.com webcast then.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Havenbull on May 08, 2006, 09:05:15 PM
Well, I guess we can settle for the BBing.com webcast then.

oh gee wiz, i'll be dying with anticipation
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 08, 2006, 09:16:45 PM
unless of course BBing.com can't secure a contract for the O.  How are those discussions going?
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Tre on May 08, 2006, 09:19:10 PM
They should drop the costly high-production PPV deal and hire one schmoe to bring in his broadcast cam to handle it.  For about $1000, they could start printing money. 
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Karl Kox on May 08, 2006, 11:10:34 PM
Well I don't give a shit I have a dish and they would not carry it last year.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: rocket on May 09, 2006, 12:06:43 AM
Its only the US and maybe canada who get the olympia PPV.

If bb.com bring a paid webcast (even a couple of dollars) to a worldwide audience, first building up the base by offering free ones they could do very well.

I guess thats probably what they are doing.  I've seen one of the webcasts, it was fine. 
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: tommywishbone on May 09, 2006, 12:24:26 AM
The good folks at the IFBB will never miss a chance, to miss a chance. :(
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: New York on May 09, 2006, 03:35:25 AM
Say word.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: rocket on May 09, 2006, 04:54:40 AM
word
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Rich2 on May 09, 2006, 06:43:00 AM
that blows. i got the past 2 Olympias, on PPV and i was looking forward to seeing one that was Challenge-Round-Free.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 09, 2006, 06:46:34 AM
that blows. i got the past 2 Olympias, on PPV and i was looking forward to seeing one that was Challenge-Round-Free.

that's because the IFBB is in the 'milking' phase of operations.  At this point it is more cost-effective to skip it, rather than risk taking a small loss and invest in a greater fanbase for the future.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: The Showstoppa on May 09, 2006, 06:46:54 AM
It wouldn't be to a lack of making money as far as the PPV networks go.  They charge you to broadcast on their network, so as long as they get paid, they wouldn't care.  More likely case is that it isn't cost effective from the IFBB's standpoint.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 09, 2006, 06:50:38 AM
It wouldn't be to a lack of making money as far as the PPV networks go.  They charge you to broadcast on their network, so as long as they get paid, they wouldn't care.  More likely case is that it isn't cost effective from the IFBB's standpoint.

Of ALL years, THIS would be the year to take the hit financially and just leave it up.  Armed with this news, Wayne could make a great advancement by delivering a quality webcast or PPV of his show a month before the O.

Then again, with all the stage effects and creativity that the PDI is bringing, it might make sense for the O to get out before they get upstaged.

Am I the only one that sees this as a serious blow to the O?
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: The Showstoppa on May 09, 2006, 06:55:39 AM
Of ALL years, THIS would be the year to take the hit financially and just leave it up.  Armed with this news, Wayne could make a great advancement by delivering a quality webcast or PPV of his show a month before the O.

Then again, with all the stage effects and creativity that the PDI is bringing, it might make sense for the O to get out before they get upstaged.

Am I the only one that sees this as a serious blow to the O?

I totally agree with you, 240.  They are finally facing some real competition.  No way should they shrink back, if anything try to upstage them.  BIG mistake if they don't do something, IMO.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 09, 2006, 07:01:57 AM
Initially, I thought it was just a cost/benefit analysis.

Then, I remembered back when Tre broke down the costs of a webcast/PPV- it's really cheap.  So that didn't make a lot of sense, unless they were losing money on their PPV advertising.

So I thought about the PDI.  I've heard about a few of the guys' routines, and they're going to involve acting, music, props, creative lighting, maybe even a little pyro...

All kidding aside, it's going to make the Olympia look like a 3rd grade science fair.  So maybe the IFBB doesn't want to have to follow an amazing PDI show, a month later with a bland standard O, predictable finishes, and no challenge round to make things controversial.

The IFBB might be a lot more nervous than they're letting on.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Shawn Ray on May 09, 2006, 07:04:22 AM
There will be no PAY Per VIew.
End story, next............... ::)
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: The Showstoppa on May 09, 2006, 09:03:33 AM
There will be no PAY Per VIew.
End story, next............... ::)

Why roll your eyes like it doesn't matter?  Only the best exposure the IFBB has, so yeah, screw it, just bend over and take one from the PDI because Shawn Ray doesn't think it matters..... ::)
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Tre on May 09, 2006, 09:16:35 AM
The good folks at the IFBB will never miss a chance, to miss a chance. :(

Excellent statement, and so true.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Tre on May 09, 2006, 09:17:26 AM
Do a pay-per-view webcast - pure profit.

It's like printing money.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: HERACLES on May 09, 2006, 11:42:57 AM
I thought the 2005 Olympia was PISS POOR anyhow..very badly managed. I felst sorry for the athletes, as they worked so hard for this day, and the TOOL promoters couldnt put a great show together.

If they dont broadcast PPV, Fawk'em, ill save $49 or whatever it is..

 >:(
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 09, 2006, 12:03:44 PM
It would be crazy for the PDI to NOT do a PPV or webcast now.

Hell, half of the IFBB cronies would pay for it, just to be able to crap all over it.

LOL... I still can't believe the IFBB is cutting out the PPV... if I was a shareholder, I'd be selling fast.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: HERACLES on May 09, 2006, 12:16:54 PM
It would be crazy for the PDI to NOT do a PPV or webcast now.

Hell, half of the IFBB cronies would pay for it, just to be able to crap all over it.

LOL... I still can't believe the IFBB is cutting out the PPV... if I was a shareholder, I'd be selling fast.

Didnt it make them money? I still cant figure it out. I was in LV last year, but left the day of the MRO, in the AM, when I got back to PA<, I watched it in PPV, and I was glad...Anyhow, I would still order i bc I am interested, but why on earth would they cancel PPV is beyond me.   Jay, might be a good year to pack it in and work with your investments, it may not be worth it anymore man..(after this year) The organization is taking a shit- the wheels are falling off..
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: onlyme on May 09, 2006, 12:27:09 PM
It would be crazy for the PDI to NOT do a PPV or webcast now.

Hell, half of the IFBB cronies would pay for it, just to be able to crap all over it.

LOL... I still can't believe the IFBB is cutting out the PPV... if I was a shareholder, I'd be selling fast.

Both the Webcast and PPV for BB is just not viable in terms of revenue.  Just to expensive to put on a quality show with less than equal returns.  Plus, the webcast as good as it sounds takes money out of the promoters pockets.  It allows potential fans who support BB to sit home and watch it anytime.  It allows them not to skip work or be with family because you can watch the show anytime.  Instaed of paying high ticket prices why not just sit home and watch it for free.  You can bet allot of people do this.  Allot of shows count on family members to show up to support their kid or parent.  But with ticket prices being high, a family could easily spend $150+ to watch the show live.  Now, they have the option of staying home and watching for free.  The competitor still knows his family is supporting him, plus saving money.  Allot of venues are union too, so fee have to be paid.  Now the webcast company like BB.com should pay any fee it cost to produce the show.  But they should also pay the promoter a guaranteed amount equal to a percentage of potential loss in ticket sales.  Maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of the potential ticket sales.  

PPV is worse.  The production costs are enormous.  Production costs are close to $100,000.  Have you ever seen in person what it takes to do a PPV.  This is more money out of the promoters pocket. And again the audience is not enough to cover costs and make any kind of profit.  This ain't a Tyson fight where a million people may purchase the fight.  PPV costs what $25 (lets say), the PPV gets 50% of that right off the top, plus other costs.  You come out with $10.  Production costs are around $100,000.  YOu need about 10,000 people to purchase the PPV show.  Just no money in it.  It is nice to have for the people who can't make it to the show, but it cuts into the bottom dollar for the promoter and thats what counts.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Tre on May 09, 2006, 02:26:06 PM
Keith - you're deadly accurate about the television PPV - it costs a tremendous amount to produce and you need a ridiculous number of sales just to break even.

But the webcast PPV is different.  It doesn't need to be a television production - it just needs to be a simple single-cam webcast.  You can put a premium price tag on it if you want, or you can charge a reasonable price in hopes of increasing the sales volume. 

A webcast takes *nothing* from the promoters.  People are traveling less right now thanks to the high fuel costs brought on by Bush's War.  The economy is in horrible shape, so that means there's less money available to make trips to Vegas to watch bodybuilding events with pre-determined outcomes.  The Olympia has never attracted 'families', so there's no reason to expect that would be any different this year. 

If you're a promoter for an event that's on life support, you should be looking for every revenue stream possible

It's not unrealistic to think you could sell 3000 $20 webcast packages.  That would be $60,000 extra in the kitty right there...and the only cost would be a person to man the main cam and then a volunteer to monitor the system for glitches. 

I know this isn't about me, but I'm a hardcore bodybuilding fan.  I will be traveling to Vegas and will visit the $10 Olympia Expo again this year, but I will not be paying $150 for a ticket to watch the show.  The events are cost-prohibitive and I just won't be able to participate until they deliver more fan-friendly pricing at these things...either that, or give me a show as entertaining as Cirque du Soleil, since that's the kind of price these promoters are charging.   


Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: onlyme on May 09, 2006, 02:55:02 PM
Tre I think you are partly right about the Webcast.  But realistically you will need three or four cameras.  One guy running around doing everything would just be impossible.  You have to worry about lighting, sound (including a tremedous amount of background noise), shadows, batteries (I mean a battery can only last so long, you'll have to change it at some point), focus.  There are just so many varibles with a quality show.  To do a quality show you will need at least 3 cameras.  Plus, you really have to anticipate technical problems no matter what.  You need a sound guy.  No way could you charge for a show that isn't top quality.  I think when it is free people take into account there will be some problems alomg the way.  I mean you get what you pay for. 

Sure it shouldn't cost the promoter anything but the webcaster will want to get money back from somewhere.  He can sell advertising but how much will that bring in.  No one would pay more than $500 for a 30 sec. spot.  VYOtech has Hypoderm financing everything they do.  They are the real money makers in that company.  There is no way VYOtech can afford to finance all these promotions they do.  But Hypoderm is huge and has been around.

Plus, it isn't the cost to the promoter that is the problem with a webcast rather than what a webcast does to his ticket sales.  Believe me a family of four ormore would rather stay at home order some pizzas and beer and sit there routing on their kid or friend and save money by not paying for a ticket.  People like love free things.  Webcasting only benefites BB.com right now.  Like they need more money.  They can afford to pay $30,000 to $40,000 to put on a nice show they do in order to get the emails and contacts they get.  Plus, I have never seen a webcast before until this weekend but I bet most of the commercials are related to their products.  So they make out very pretty.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: MB on May 09, 2006, 03:27:01 PM
Providing a television broadcast of the Olympia should be a priority for the IFBB, whether PPV or cable.  There is $50k available for a possible "audience applause" round, but no money for PPV?  They've already downgraded the venue, started charging $10 for the expo, increased the ticket prices, combined men's pre-judging with the women's finals, and now cut the PPV?  Where is all the money going?  If this is what it takes to get the athletes a 30% increase in prize money, then it's not worth it.  The fans are being squeezed harder than ever, and they are offered less and less each year. 
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: xavmaster on May 09, 2006, 05:46:40 PM
Think of how much money it will make if you put it on bodybuilding.com and charge a couple of dollars.
China alone has 1 billion people living there.
Not everyone lives in the US and Canada.
I live in Australia and I have no way of watching the olympia and I would be happy to pay to watch it on bodybuilding.com and so would alot of people I know.
Shawn why not do this I believe alot people would watch it and it would help bodybuilding the only way people help bodybuilding is going the hard way about it doing tiny small things to help, so why not do this.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: CQ on May 09, 2006, 05:52:44 PM
Its only the US and maybe canada who get the olympia PPV.

If bb.com bring a paid webcast (even a couple of dollars) to a worldwide audience, first building up the base by offering free ones they could do very well.

I guess thats probably what they are doing.  I've seen one of the webcasts, it was fine. 

Actually, the Olympia ppvs were carried in quite a few countries....Our region always had them.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: onlyme on May 09, 2006, 09:46:08 PM
Guys it's great that some of you love the PPV.  It is awesome concept for most sports and activities.  But, it costs allot of money to do these.  PPV does not get advertising revenue so they count on subscibers.  10,000 paid sunscibers to the Olympia is not enough.  And the number wasn't near that.  Unless it is profitable then it won't last long.  It is great to have it but unless it is generating money then why do it.  Now, if the IFBB really cared about BB and the fans they would actually flip the bill for every IFBB show to be either on PPV or webcast and eat the money and take it for a marketing and advertising deduction.  I think this would be awesome.  But the IFBB is notorious for being cheap cheap cheap.  So it won't happen. 
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 09, 2006, 09:51:08 PM
Where is all the money going? 

For the 20 or less people who benefit from cutting costs at the O, it is going into their pockets as income.  Horizon problem- they are not worried about the longterm effects on fan retention.  They are looking at THIS year's numbers, and their paycheck, THIS year. 

A smarter group would sign a longer term PPV deal to lower the costs, and take a hit, if it means retaining that hardcore audience that ALWAYS gets the PPV.  Why? Cause this same loyal group also buys FLEX, attends closer shows, etc.  But hey, they're in the milking stage.  More of these cost cutting moves will continue to become evident as the end comes nearer...
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Tre on May 09, 2006, 09:56:10 PM
Another thing about webcast is that - like PPV - you can re-broadcast it for ~$0 and pocket the revenue. 

I don't know if the paying audience is that big, but what if 10,000 people bought the weekend webcast for $20 each? 

Now we're talking serious cash...with very little outlay.

What this speaks to - yet again - is the IFBB's (and associated entities') inability to take advantage of the gold mine that is the internet. 
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: 240 is Back on May 09, 2006, 09:57:11 PM
The IFBB makes the best darn buggy whip out there.

And they'll have a whole warehouse full of them, which we'll drive past in our brand new model T's.
Title: Re: No PPV For The Olympia?
Post by: Wombat on May 09, 2006, 10:09:23 PM
Think of how much money it will make if you put it on bodybuilding.com and charge a couple of dollars.
China alone has 1 billion people living there.
Not everyone lives in the US and Canada.
I live in Australia and I have no way of watching the olympia and I would be happy to pay to watch it on bodybuilding.com and so would alot of people I know.
Shawn why not do this I believe alot people would watch it and it would help bodybuilding the only way people help bodybuilding is going the hard way about it doing tiny small things to help, so why not do this.


So with Chinas Billion people, i would take a guess that less then 100 would watch...