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METASTAR, METASHELL, METASITES
In the next millennium, the ambiance of theaters, arenas, museums, sound stages and other venues is poised to change in exciting ways: new forms of technology become an integrated part of the structure’s architecture. A new theatrical “experience” is born.
A Global community Model that has been long sought by the visionaries.
METASTAR is an international holographic network which manages a new concept in theater/performance venue/television studios – a holographic concept in the fact that the media paradigm can be rethought, because there is now the capability of broadband interactivity.
Dale N. Hatfield and Susan Ness (FCC Commission: Advanced Telecommunication service) call for local communities to open up to create competition to the monopolies in telephonic, broadband digital, E mail, and financing. (Speech to Wireless Commission Association, November 8, 1998). The Telecommunication Act of 1996 calls for diversification and more competition. This gives the local communities a model to answer that call.
These projections were written in the 1990s. New numbers will have to be placed but this gives an idea of the layout of the spread sheet for return for the Global MetaStar.
METASTAR FIVE-YEAR BUDGET PLAN
MetaSite Revenue (theater/club studios) for license, leasing equipment and programming from the MetaShells. Revenue from distribution of programming created in the MetaShells and MetaSites revenue is not included. METASTAR extended plans not included.
DESCRIPTION 0000 0000 0000 0000 0000
Number of venues (Domestic) 30 150 300 450 600
New Venues (Domestic) 30 120 150 150 150
Number of Venues (International) 0 50 200 400 600
Number of Countries 0 5 10 20 30
New Venues (International) 0 50 150 200 200
License Fee (per venue) 60K 60K 60K 60K 60K
License Fee (per country) 500K 500K 500K 500K 500K
Monthly Charge Per License
Hardware:
Domestic 5K 5K 5K 5K 5K
Service:
Domestic: 10K 10K 10K 10K 10K
International 2K 2K 2K 2K 2K
Advertising Revenue per venue 0 1K 3K 3K 3K
Programming Cost/Week 200K 575K 625K 650K 700K
Sales and Promotion:
New Licensees (Domestic) 50K 50K 50K 50K 50K
New Licensees (International) 100K 100K 100K 100K 100K
Weekly (Per Domestic Venue) 100$ 100$ 100$ 100$ 100$
Operations:
Satellite/fiber 300$ 300$ 350$ 400$ 400$
Hours/day, 7 days/week 24 24 24 24 24
REVENUES (in millions)
License Fees:
Domestic 1.8M 7.2M 9M 9M 9M
International 0 2.5M 5M 10M 15M
TOTAL: 1.8M 9.7M 14M 19M 24M
Monthly Revenues (Full Year)
Hardware 0 0 0 0 0
Service 3.6M 19.2M 40.6M 63.6M 86.4M
TOTAL: 3.6M 19.2M 40.6M 63.6M 86.4M
ADVERTISING (low estimate) 0 3.9M 23.4M 36M 46.6M
(Video streaming revenue or revenue from METASTAR Channel not included)
TOTAL REVENUE 5.4M 32.8M 78.2M 119.6M 159M
EXPENSES: (in millions)
Hardware 0 0 0 0 0
Programming 10.4M 29M 32.5M 33.8M 36.4M
Sales and Promotion:
New Licensees 1.5 6.5 8 8.5 8.5
Current Licensees 0.16 0.79 1.6 2.5 3.1
TOTAL: 1.66M 7.29M 9.6M 10.8M 11.6M
Operations
Satellite/fiber/uplinks/interlinks 0.51 1.12 1.4 1.55 1.6
Web structure for video streams
G & A
Salaries 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.55 0.6
Rent/Utilities 0.15 0.25 0.3 0.33 0.4
Other 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3
TOTAL 0.55M 0.8M 1M 1.13M 1.3M
TOTAL EXPENSES 13.12M 38.21M 44.5M 47.28M 50.9M
_______________________________________________________________________
OPERATING PROFIT -7.72M -5.41M 33.7M 72.32M 108.1M
TAX (30 percent) -2.31 -1.62 10.1 21.69 32.4
PROFIT AFTER TAXES 7.72M 5.41M 23.6M 50.83M 757M
CASH FLOW
Laser Projectors (Capital Expense) -4.5 -25.5 -45 -52.5 -52.5
Laser Projectors (Lease Revenue) 1.8 12 30 49.2 58.2
NET LASER PROJECTOR CASH -2.7M -13.5M -15M -3.3M 5.7M
PROFIT AFTER TAXES IN MILLIONS -7.72 -6.36 19.45 49.92 75.68
NET CASH -10.42 -19.86 4.45 46.62 81.38
CUM CASH -10.42 -30.28 25.63 20.79 102.17
LASER ROI (in thousands) HOLDING COMPANY: BUYS THE PROJECTORS
METATRON RETAINS LICENSE TO LEASE
Laser Expenditure -150000 (includes system products)
Revenue 60000 60000 60000
Net Cash -90000 60000 60000
NPV @ 10% 12600
ROI 15% or 7% over prime
FINANCIALS:
HOLDING COMPANY:
$7.5 M 15% RETURN.
Collateral: 5-year payment contract from MetaSites; Ownership of equipment
MDT-P Equipment is now estimated at $350,000 per site.
$150,000 is built into the above plan.
This adds a payment of $3500 more for equipment per month.
Thus the monthly payments from the site will be $20,000 instead of $15,000
Advertising dollars will be much greater return than estimated.
MetaSite local group signs 5-year contract. $60,000 for franchise, 5-year lease.
$60,000 X 100 MetaSites: $6M
STRUCTURE:
MetaSite buys a franchise MDT-P turnkey studio.
Franchise cost s $60,000 for each site.
I$500,000 per country (average: depending on size of country)
MetaSite pays a monthly lease fee for the MDT-P equipment
MetaSites pay a month fee for programming delivered from the MetaShells
METASTAR: INTERNET PORTALS ARE GREAT INVESTMENT NOW!
Promotion values are very high with this plan
Great horizontal revenue for AFTER HOURS LIVE
MetaSite Programming: 100 THEATERS x $10,000= $1M MONTHLY
600 METASITES: 6M MONTHLY FOR PROGRAMMING
AD dollars, corporate sponsorship, and distribution revenue pay for programming
METASTAR CORPORATE manages:
Tiered distribution of MetaShell and chosen MetaSite programming
Features to be distributed through MetaSite network
Payment plans for feature producers and other programmers
Advertising framework and deals (Corporate sponsorship with MV Foundation)
Advertising promotions for selling famous artists DVDs. Mechanizing
Projections of MetaStar returns
Structure for merchandising
Costs of broadband network: Hub for video streaming (MetaTronics)
Returns for MetaStar programming
Returns to independent producers
Set up benefits & specialized programming for MetaSites (MV Foundation)
Distribute special programs to other outlets (Network, syndication)
AUDIENCE CAPACITY OF METASITES: advertising
800 plus capacity per MetaSite X 100 theaters = 800,000 people:
Projection for METASITE RF audience (average of 100,000 per 35 mile radius)
(This average takes into account less densely populated areas, such as the city of Weed, California near Mount Shasta, which has a great-renovated MetaSite ready theater).
LOCAL METASITES:
Government packages for training can be gotten for low-income communities
Programming created by all ages
Benefits can be given for low-income communities for setting up programs for in-kind services that pay for equipment.
Special fundraiser or benefits are set up for attacking the community problems, often in concert with the MetaShell After Hours Famous Person program.
Much support comes from FCC, other government agencies, and Foundations, which want to improve the information/education process within this country and the Global community.
METASITE/LOCAL STUDIO GROUP
$60,000 franchise
$20,000 monthly payment (equipment rental and programming)
Programming produced in MetaShells has corporate sponsorship attached
Local group responsible for broadband feed- local advertisement, RF fees
MetaSite signs 5-year lease and follow licensing rules (with upgrades).
MetaSite submits best programming for MetaStar of streaming: $$$ paid
One good program will pay yearly fee
1. Local group has option to open interactive game theater in local shopping center. This theater can have interaction with MetaSite and their can be cross promotion.
2. Local group has option to place Ad screen in shopping center.
3. MetaSite portal acts as community digital library for these sites.
4. Local group gets paid for local management of these sites.
INTERNATIONAL APPROACH:
The United Nations had set a RF standard internationally. Many of the developing countries are working with this easy signal for their infrastructure.
This allows an international network. As stated, Canada is also looking at this plan and has set up broadband RF localities.
METASITE MODULAR LAYOUT:
Removable comfortable seats, dance floor, cabaret set up, balcony, bar/food/kitchen, Hollywood Palladium Model (I have all layouts, costing and projections from consulting with Hollywood Palladium management)
This concept is a new type Bijou/ Juke Joint that serves the community.
This MODEL is self-supporting in the fact that the programming from the local site streams to the homes on an advertised driven channel, thus creating much needed new product (video streaming). This MODEL is organic in the fact that it constantly evolves from a grassroots base reaching out to the global community.
What groups started the first digital revolution? Church channels that provided programming and raised money? They were the first groups who used the new available video equipment and configured a new space through satellite. This happened out of the Midwest in the early 70’s. Turner also did a coup: satellite Super station. So we throw MTV, Public Television, United Way, the 700 Club and a little Ted Turner ingenuity into the mix and we have Studio of the Future.
And how is the studio of the future created? Fast work with evolving systems integration using off the shelf commercial and a little government lab and military innovation for a new studio Immersive space: MDT-P for creating new content.
Strategy, structure, financial projections and steps to fruition mapped in MODEL.
MetaSites are:
Autonomous Community Visual Resource Centers
Portals to the new intranet provided by fat pipes.
Town meeting spaces for celebration, creation and communication
Portals that are transmission stations to local homes through broadband RF
This is a licensed RF frequencies giving immediate solution for the last mile.
Interactivity needs to be addressed as part of this solution.
Voting, share on local issues, access to local health providers
Play games and other video streaming applications
Provides in home supplemental educational tools
MetaSites produce programming for their local areas.
MetaSites are interactive portal to the MetaStar Network.
MetaSites: interactive portals to the regional MetaShells Production Studios
The MetaSites are interconnected, worldwide.
Innovative and exciting content "video streaming" to local areas
Sharing MetaSite programming content through video streaming.
The best of this content is shown on the Global MetaStar Network.
Homes in 35-mile radius receive a new stream of content usually not available. .
Examples: a family who has a French background and wants their children to learn French might want to watch a fun game show from the Montreal MetaSite, which is in French. In fact the family could participate in the game show if it is live. An organic herb farmer in Iowa might be interested in knowing more about herbs that are grown in Hungary. The farmer receives the herbal video-streaming program produced in the MetaSite in the Hungarian town.
MetaSites are charted and licensed from MetaStar management
MetaSites are owned by profit of non-profit (library system) or group
MetaSites are not run by elected city council or city government.
The owners need to sign the MetaStar charter and follow the format rules.
Advertising/ promotional space provided for the local merchants in radius.
Corporate advertising contracted by MetaStar also has follow through to homes
Artists or their labels can promote CDs and other merchandising.
Money from ticket sales for independent features and programming.
Provides another very direct way for giving artists a way of sharing their work.
We have located many theaters in many cities that are available to be MetaSites. The plan is to connect these MetaSites with the fat pipe for interactivity and ability to stream MetaSite programming.
Virtual Tour: One of the main draws will be the Famous Artist celebration through the After Hours format. The regional MetaShells are interactive with the MetaSites. Also there can be other programming from the MetaShells sent in a package programming deal that the MetaSites pay monthly to MetaStar.
TURNKEY:
The MDT-P platform cost estimate is $350,000 for each MetaSite
This includes projector, cameras, editing and graphics capability, sound, lights, scanner, digital storage, and beta players.
The cost covers training management by the MetaStar Group.
MetaTronics covers training, documentation and MDT-P upgrades.
Cost will have to be estimated for the wireless transmissions.
Price projections are based on many MetaSites being signed.
MDT-P MetaShell is upgraded by local Zeons in conjunction with MetaTronics. Upgrades are documented with the MetaTronics (overseer of MDT-P platform). Password web documentation is advantageous for MetaSites because:
Licensing revenue return back to local MetaSite
Ability to share upgrades or software with other MetaSites and MetaShells
The MDT-P systems integration is pretty much set, so upgrades will be additional software programs and sensor devices for special effects.
Floor plans and tech layouts are given so that each MetaSite is a cookie cutter plan. The floor plan is interchangeable for theatrical seating, cabaret setting and an open dance floor. Equipment is bought in gross so the expense is much less than if the theaters all bought their equipment independently.
MetaStar and MetaSite’s licensing agreement is set up very much like local Public television stations are set with the National Public Television
REVENUE FOR THE SITE:
Food, alcohol, concessions
Advertisement for the local broadband network
Admission prices
Own local programming (merchandizing)
Rental for using the studio for private affairs, fund raising, etc.
Dividends from MetaStar if local programming chosen for the network
Dividends for how often local programming chosen: video streaming.
Global advertising can also support the local channel: (Budweiser, McDonalds).
(Iowa Cities raised money from community for refurbishing old Vaudeville Theater in middle of town for future MetaSite).
WHY CAPACITY NEEDED:
800 people seating or 1500 people standing room for concerts and parties: This will allow enough revenue from ticket sales for the payments needed to MetaStar and revenue for the sites. The layout of the theater, however, has an intimate feeling when there are fewer customers. Set lights, sound and television equipment eliminates having union set up fees for each show.
Being considered: Two size MetaSites. The larger theaters will have a huge Cyclorama screen. . Some of the programming sent for both theaters sizes will be the dimensional Digitron auto stereo effect without glasses. This experience will be very exciting and can be compared to the IMAX 3D experience.
CONTRIBUTION AND PROFIT TO STUDIOS OR OTHER
Direct distribution with payback to content owners
Outlet for product (DVD, CD, merchandising).
Return on independent films or studio features
Name recognition for product. Automatic growth through direct sales
GOAL:
MetaStar Global growth is comparable to CNN and MTV.
OPEN ARCHITECTURE DISTRIBUTION:
This plan utilizes broadband that is available now and also keeps an open architecture for on going broadband upgrades. We start with the 35-mile radius capability and can switch that for interactive streaming home delivery if a less expensive and easier way works. Some communities will have fiber to the homes, so the need for the wireless feeds is eliminated, unless there is an integration of both delivery systems designed.
Wireless allows each home in the community to receive product.
Charter rules demand that every home that wants a dish is provided a dish This is not a have and have not system.
This is a delivery system for everyone.
Often there is alignment with a local terrestrial TV station. This could be from using their towers to providing them programming.
Strategy: Leap-frogging: The local wireless areas can be leapfrogged (connect to the next 35 mile area).
BEST APPROACH:
MetaSite portal: The best approach for the MetaStar interlocking delivery system has to considered. The MetaSite portal might very well be the manager of the local server delivery for broadband. This is taking the IBM idea of the local digital library server model into consideration.
RURAL COMMUNITIES: We must remember that there are many rural communities that want broadband and their homes are often the last to receive cable or fiber. Satellite dish reception is expensive and this plan gives a great alternative. Consider this model for developing communities (see article on Eskimo Canadian community included)
ALL AREAS ARE SELF SUPPORTING AND AUTONOMOUS, WITH GREAT POTENTIAL FOR MAKING GOOD PROFIT
The plan is structured as a "living system" model. All entities are dependent on all others with distribution throughout the system. The programming is the blood. The veins are the delivery system, etc. This "living system" model was developed by James Grier Miller. His mentor is Alfred North Whitehead. The model was researched at the University of Chicago and Michigan. It was funded by the United States Army, United States Public health Service, and the Carnegie Corporation. This book "Living Systems" was written in 1978. The GENERAL LIVING SYSTEM THEORY: has become popular biological living system model.
PUBLIC ACCESS THROUGH CABLE WAS A GOOD IDEA, BUT DID NOT HAVE A FINANCIAL STRUCTURE OR BENEFIT; ALSO NO SUPERVISION.
Often, however, the steaming is open channel streaming. MetaTronics will monitor and give tech support for this double tier private and open network
THIS MODEL IS STRUCTURED TO GIVE AN OPEN CHANNEL FOR COMMUNICATION FOR THE ARTISTS, WHO ARE OUR EVOLUTIONARY ADVISORS, AND TO THE MANY OTHER TALENTED VOICES.
This model allows for the many talented people who have not been able to really gain benefit from the set Hollywood system of distribution to have another channel for sharing. Also it allows artists from other parts of the world who do not have the luxury of “Hollywood” to have a stronger voice.
STUDIO OF THE FUTURE EXTENDED.
Many talented people are opting to leave Hollywood
They return to smaller communities for a more manageable life
Sites provide broadband, interactivity, built in distribution, local studio space
Direct return to the local producer for creating content for video streaming
Gives built in distribution channel where the producer can test bed programming
Innovative programming is programming people want to see
Producer Incentive is to create good programming people want to view
Also the incentive and facility is available to create programming for the “few”
The artist will not have to worry about distribution, managers, and agents
MetaSites oversee MetaSite programming and choose which is best to license
MetaSites video stream or send best programming to Global MetaStar
Compensation is structured into the formula.
Interactive collaboration over the fat pipe
Editing done in one site, special effects other, etc.
MetaSites provide expensive hardware for production and portal distribution
The ability for Virtual collaboration of the artist/engineers worldwide.
Content developed in home studio in conjunction with a MetaSite
Programming done in concert with MetaSite consultants.
IF PROGRAMMING IS GOOD, THE LOCAL METASITE THROUGH METASTAR, BREAKS THE BOTTLENECK
MetaStar allows free flowing distribution of programming and creates the revenue return model for the local creator
METASITES BRING BACK TALENT AND BRING NEW TALENT TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
Artists/ producers can move back to their home to contribute to building community strength through the MetaSite solution. This “out of the production centers and back to the roots” exodus is all ready happening because of the Internet. The process will be more pronounced as the MetaStar model takes root.
Producers can choose their MetaSite and move to that community to contribute.
Rules are set for modularization and standardization. Close watch will be kept over the books. MetaSite owners can be very creative under the rules, but must share what works for them with other MetaSite owners.
This is an "Open Architecture" model: the equipment can be upgraded and the model changed to work with the line of least resistance. This Model works organically, finding the flow where productivity and cash flow is best created.
Suggested is that at least 3 MetaSite audiences outside the area of the MetaSite programming being judged are given special compensation to rate the programming. This way the programming decision-making is audience driven. Also there can be programming contest that could be great fun. The audience becomes the decision makers about what they like.
MDT-P main MetaShell set
Z*TRON Industries set up (regional) ready to install
MetaStar Management and Model set
Test bed tests proven for VNP and RF Wireless (MetaTronics)
Work with high end media Universities for specialized Network Model
Work With high-end media content universities (educational).
3 Prototype MetaSites set up for proof of concept
Suggest: Iowa City, Purdue, Iowa State
METATRONICS
Crunch numbers-- research, costs, revenue projections
Chose consultants: Suggest SAIC, Interlocity (ATT) or Sonic
Set turnkey structure
Procurement: Bid for product for turnkey cookie cutter MetaSites
Make product strategic alignments:
Example: Apple provides all computers and production. JVC (cameras).
Train MetaSite Mangers (web sites)
RF deals & VPN set up; Monitor the process, Protection of encrypted content
Work with holding company as bank for equipment purchase
Keep abreast of edge of next distribution technology and software
Sell MetaSite affiliate license to local owners
Charter: Hire manager of MetaSite who know production and the industry
Work in concert with Z*Tron Industries to oversee and train installation personnel
Set up MetaShell prototype and then 2 more for first phase
Look at demographics: target areas not covered and set up other MetaSites
Public relations
Sell Premiere show and 5 others to high bidder (cable of Network or PPV)
Make arrangements with Specialty Cinema Chain (MetaRama) for delivery
Premiere After Hours Show (Famous Artist) delivered to 3 MetaSites.
Set Launch date: set target for how many MetaSites in what time period
Legal structure for programming rights for distribution
Plan After Hour Live programming to include:
Example: Special holiday celebrations for the MetaSite network
Interactive Halloween party with MetaSites: virtual contest for best costume and best performance artist Halloween spoof
.
TO BE CONSIDERED
What capabilities are cost effect and can be built in now for the RF frequency
The politics of spectrum availability
Strategic alignments need to be evaluated.
Research & test bed: Interactive broadband wireless system allows telephonic, email, interactivity, banking, buying product. This allows the home with an inexpensive antenna to have the same abilities of DSL.