I don’t watch much television. When I do, it’s usually of the educational-type. And if I can be entertained in the process, well that’s just an added bonus.
Over the past year, I been both educated and entertained by a channel called Current TV (it’s on channel 366 for all you DirecTV subscribers). Current TV is a station where all of the programming is user-generated. That means it’s an actual real, live TV station, but people just like you and me create everything they air.
So what does all of this have to do with web video?
Well, much of the content appearing on Current TV originally gets submitted through the web. You can go to their web site, see what stories they are looking for (or submit your own)…and if your video makes the cut…they’ll not only pay you for it, but they’ll broadcast your video to be seen by 50 million viewers around the world. Full details on how this works can be seen here.
But perhaps even a bigger benefit of Current TV is what you can learn in terms of video editing and storytelling. While their videos are user-created, they are a far cry from the junk you see on web based video sharing sites.
This weekend I saw a piece on Current TV that is a perfect example of excellent video editing and storytelling. I could describe it here, but it would be easier (and more effective) for you to just watch what I’m talking about.
It’s a story Current TV aired about how people are “hooking up” by meeting each other through Skype. Watch how the video is edited. Notice the storytelling. And…be prepared for a “you’ve got to see it to believe it” moment (I won’t spoil it for you here).
The video is done in two-parts. You can watch, learn and be entertained by them here:
Dave,
Thanks a lot for your response about h.264.
Recently I stumbled upon a few excellent educational sites like howcast dot com where small pieces of information are served in incredibly entertaining style like How to Use a Squat Toilet of How to Learn Abusive Chinese Watching Olympic Games. All of these episodes represent kind of a performance with actors playing along with tips and tricks (often very humorous).
Current TV is yet another and very persuasive example of what small studios or even individuals can do these days using skills and knowledge of video editing software.
I believe that the trend towards both educational and entertaining video will be used more and more not only in the Internet but also in brick-and-mortar TV (not sure whether I can use this adjective here). And your Web University course will greatly help people to produce these gems. I hope to take your course soon.
Alex.
The first video was great. I wonder how much time that took to put together. However, there was no “got to see it to believe it moment” in the first video. When I went to watch the second video – it was “no longer available”…so now I’m dying to know what happened?
So…what happened?
(You were right – good videos by the way…it felt just like watching real TV.)
Hey Brooks,
At the end of the first video, it’s revealed that both guys are “dating” the same girl. The second video goes on to say what happened from there.
But you’re right, for some reason Current has taken down the second video. Maybe they’ll have it back up again soon.
Unfortunately, the second part is not available 🙁
Similar stories are constantly happening since chatting was programmed! I remember when cu z me (I am sure it’s misspelled, it’s been too long I can’t remember) came out with video chatting and these people started popping out looking for their ‘victims’. Today it’s even worse with so much technology. Got to be careful!
The cuts on the video where nice and helped to keep interest.