Google is getting into the entertainment delivery business this fall with 'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane in a deal to distribute via Google AdSense, Web-only episodes of series "Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy."
The series will only be available on the Internet and will be promoted by Google. However, unlike Google's traditional AdSense text and banner ads, the show Cavalcade will be promoted through relatively unknown Google service called Google Content Network. Using AdSense video clips Cavalcade promos will be embedded on thousands of Web sites frequented by Family Guy fans (read males under 30), according to a report by the New York Times.
As the NYT points out this distribution model is unique. It marks the first time Google's massive AdSense network will be used as a vehicle to essentially Web syndicate video content. If successful it could mean a not only a new revenue source for Google, but could also offer a glimpse into the future of how media companies syndicate video content for the Internet.
Both Google and MacFarlane will earn money from TV-like pre-roll ads shown before the "Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy" shows begin.
Google does have a pre-existing Google Content Network for distributing content, but up until now only real estate listings have been carried on the network, according to the Times article.
MacFarlane will cook up 50 two-minute clips for the new experiment, that he describes as a New Yorker cartoon "only edgier."
