Last year, TIME magazine named “You” person of the year. Specifically, they called out the steadily growing percenage of the population using the Internet as an outlet for creativity and greater exposure through Web sites like YouTube.
This honor, given in the past to such influential figures as Bono and George W. Bush, confirms the consensus that the Internet is a new tool shaping what is big and important in today’s technologically—driven popular culture. In this environment of immediate communication and sharing of files, online videos can become known around the country in no time at all, making their creators famous.
Taking note of this new source of power, politicians like Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton have recently announced their presidential campaigns on their Web sites, hoping to reach out to the younger crowd currently making the Internet a hot bed of information.
In order to compete in the constantly evolving entertainment industry, companies have started to take advantage of the untapped talent that, before the rise of this current Internet culture, had less opportunity for creative expression and notoriety.
One such company, cable provider Comcast, has recently launched a new Web site generated and run completely by user-submitted videos. Ziddio.com allows users to show off their talent in video submissions as varied as comedy, animation and music.
Users can also compete in specially designed contests for prizes, which give contestants the chance to follow their dreams and ambitions. Ziddo is representative of Comcast’s recognition of the young talent and potential out there today.
To these ends, Ziddio has launched two new contests especially appealing to the creativity of students. The first, “Ten Days Take,” is offered, in part, thanks to the independent production company Endemol.
According to Jon Vlassopulos, Endemol’s vice president of business development, digital media and strategic planning, the contest “allows anyone with a great concept for a show to take it from idea to broadcast.”
“Ten Days Take” gives contestants the chance to turn their small ideas into a TV pilot. Those interested simply need to submit a short clip or preview that makes an impression on the voters of the Ziddio community who will, in turn, vote on the best submission.
The lucky one chosen will be flown to Hollywood for a whirlwind 10-day production of their TV pilot with a $50,000 budget and team of advisors provided by Endemol.
During this shoot, a film crew will follow the winner, documenting the making of the pilot for a reality series to be broadcast both on line at Ziddio.com and through Comcast’s On Demand service.
This reality series will give “people insight into how shows get made in Hollywood,” said Vlassopulos.
The contest ends less than a month from now.
The second contest, “No Talent Nation,” is being offered in conjunction with online music center Rhapsody.com and gives aspiring comedians the chance to submit short, comedic videos or musical parodies to compete for one of 10 spots performing at Ziddio’s showcase at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colo. The festival, begun in 1995, runs from Feb. 28 to March 4 and frequently showcases comedic greats, while still acting as a launching pad where up-and-coming talent can get noticed.
In addition to getting the chance to display their comedic skills in such an important venue, winners will be followed and documented for a reality series charting their experience.
The contest ends Monday so, if you are not already entered, interested individuals should act fast.
For more information about these and other contests, visit www.ziddio.com.
