Curious how much play this has gotten outside of DC. The Smithsonian Institute, paid for in full with taxpayer money, has recently licensed its contents out to the private Showtime network. Through this they created the Smithsonian Network as well as a number of Showtime videos using Smithsonian's content. Should a private company be able to profit from our public treasures? Or is it a good thing that there's a company out there to "manage" it for us and to provide us with the Smithsonian Network and the various other mediums?

http://dcartsjobs.blogspot.com/2006/04/news-smithsonian-film-deal-stirs.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/01/arts/television/01smit.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

I know the story is somewhat old, though refreshed in my mind as I was asked to shoot some behind the scenes work tomorrow. Apparently The Smithsonian, for the first time ever, is allowing a feature film "Night at the Museum 2" to shoot on their premises and Showtime most certainly is getting a pretty hefty cut. Since we didn't discuss it the first time around, and its bound to pop back up in the news over the next few weeks, what's everyone's thoughts?

Via licensing, is the Smithsonian garnering some financial support? I think the idea of being able to show to American citizens, who might never be able to actually visit the Smithsonian, some of the treasures on display there is a great thing. Such partnerships could eventually lead to lowering the need for taxpayer subsidies.

Showtime should have to license what they air to PBS for free (or very cheap), several months after its initial run on Showtime.

Showtime should have to license what they air to PBS for free (or very cheap), several months after its initial run on Showtime.

That what the agreement is? or what you think it should be?

Sorry. What I think it should be.

i like the idea. the Smithsonian is AMAZING. I been to almost the entire collection of buildings.

I think the interesting side though is the one Ken Burns is on. His films that he made for PBS he couldn't make today because of the partnership. Its dangerous to have a corporate monopoly on OUR treasures.

That would be nice if it was put on PBS, I don't have show time nor ever will.