Netflix and Amazon spark animation revival, spending heavilyin quest for binge-worthy shows (LA Times) - features insight from Fred Seibert and Michael Hirsh: https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-animation-streaming-20181118-story.html “Kids don’t want you canceling and un-canceling,” Hirsh said. Streaming services such as Netflix “discovered that kids programming was the sticky part of the programming that kept subscribers subscribing.”
"Streaming companies, led by Netflix and Amazon, are rapidly increasing their spending on animation content, according to estimates from venture capital firm Loup Ventures. This year, Netflix is expected to spend $1.1 billion, 11% of its overall original content budget, on animation. Amazon is projected to spend $300 million this year, representing 10% of its budget, Loup Ventures said. By 2022, that investment will grow dramatically to nearly $5 billion for Netflix and $1.86 billion for Amazon Prime Video, the firm estimates."
“They are much more meaningful than budgets that we have received in the past,” Stanford said. “We are able to create content that is aesthetically superior and wondrous and what children deserve.”
“Some animators have large fan bases on social media, providing them with ready-made audiences.” (See Frederator's significant positioning per below)
"Dozens of companies, including TV networks, passed on it. Undeterred, Seibert took the idea to Netflix, which eagerly scooped up the exclusive rights and released the show last year. “Castlevania” quickly became a hit."