The future of online is not network TV Google warns

If you thought the future of the web was TV, you would be mistaken as Google issued a warning to companies that think they can broadcast distribute network TV shows and films globally.

The search engine giant warned that the internet should not be used for TV and that services like its own YouTube, which acquired it last year for $1.65bn, and newer arrivals such as Joost will bring the internet to its knees. Google said that was already investing heavily just to keep data flowing.

Many have talked of the internet in some instances replacing TV with its own online shows and content, but Google said that it simply does not "scale".

The company instead said it would work together with cable operators to combine its technology for searching for video and TV footage and its tailored advertising with the cable networks high-quality delivery of shows.

Source: Brand Republic

Tags: google youtube internet tv broadcast cable web

MySpace launches £1m film quest

If you've ever harboured dreams of becoming the next Steven Spielberg, here's your chance.

From tomorrow, budding film-makers can post their shorts at MySpace Movie MashUp, a competition organised by MySpace, the social networking website, and two UK production companies, Film 4.

In the first competition of its kind, the winner will get to direct a feature-length film with a £1m budget, which will be released in cinemas in 2008. Any British resident, regardless of past film experience, can participate. The deadline for submission is April 27.

Five finalists will be picked by a jury that includes, among others, actor Sienna Miller, director Anthony Minghella, Andrew MacDonald, the producer of Trainspotting, and Kevin Macdonald, the director of The Last King of Scotland. The great MySpace public will then decide the overall winner by online vote.

Then, the project's backers will work with the director to pick a project - either choosing from scripts in development, starting a new collaboration with an experienced writer, or considering a project brought by the director.

More at Guardian Unlimited (subscription required)

Tags: feature film competition myspace vertigo+films film+4 film-makers

Channel 4 launches second ‘viral Oscars’

Broadcaster Channel 4 has teamed up with viral site BoreMe.com to launch the annual international viral awards `Germ' to find the Best Commercially Produced Viral.

The Germ viral awards are free to enter and agencies from all over the world can submit as many entries as they wish.

Entries can be submitted from now until the end of March and details of how to submit entries can be found at www.channel4.com/germ.

Last year London based viral agency Maverick won the Best Commercially Produced Viral for a campaign to promote the racing simulation game Juiced.

more at: NetImperative

tags: viral channel+4 germ awards