In a world moving toward instant gratification ““ instant messaging, instant popcorn, instant news updates ““ television seemed to stand still, sticking to a strict, regimented schedule that never catered to the individual.
But with video-on-demand growing to more accessible proportions, television may become as disposable as rented ““ or downloaded ““ DVDs. With VOD, television shows and videos can be readily accessed at any time at the viewer’s convenience. Viewers are even beginning to supply their own content.
“VOD is consumed differently because it’s a new programming model,” said Caroline Marks, general manager of videos at Comcast cable. “It’s not the same as regular television since there are no schedule restrictions.”
More familiar by its use on Internet sites such as YouTube.com and the growing Peekvid.com, VOD has become a new platform for cable television companies, such as Comcast, to attract viewers who are taking their television needs online.
With the recent launch of video players on the Web sites of major television networks such as ABC and NBC, anyone can watch “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Heroes” at any time, even in segments. Viewers then have less reason to tailor their schedules to their favorite program.
This convenience may account for the over 3 billion videos sold to Comcast cable users using VOD, according to Marks. The service offers shows from many different stations, such that a subscriber can access any episode of “I Love New York” by browsing the VOD selections under the VH1 channel.
While this development might seem like a welcome improvement, third-year film and television student Emily Yoshida said that as a result, television may become less of an event, lacking the anticipation and reliability of regular weekly programming. This is a mentality which has also been bolstered by the popularity of TiVo and other video recording services.
“Ten years ago, you would call all of your friends over on a certain day at a certain time because it was “˜Dawson’s Creek’ time,” Yoshida said. “Now you can download your favorite television shows and that time isn’t special anymore.”
But what users lose in program scheduling events, they gain in specialized content. With the launch of Ziddio.com, Comcast cable’s user-generated site that allows members to upload any video, virtually everyone can create their own television show to be broadcast on the site, much like YouTube.
Because all material is welcome for upload with little or no censorship from the hosts, Ziddio and YouTube are both promising creative outlets and potential cesspools for junk.
“The problem is that it’s so easy to put up anything that it detracts from the real committed artists, putting the pressure on the audience to figure out what’s good and what’s not,” said second-year architecture student Jonathan Crisman, a producer for UCLA resTV. “For example, (the Kelly music video “˜Shoes’) on YouTube is kind of funny, kind of stupid, but it never would have existed if not for sites like this.”
As a way of bringing creative talent to the surface, Ziddio hosts contests that encourage users to submit original works. “Ten Day Take,” which ends Feb. 28, awards the participant who has the best TV show idea with a chance to create a pilot in 10 days using industry professionals and resources. The final product and documentary of its creation will be shown on the Comcast VOD network.
“The television industry is harsh because it’s incredibly difficult to get a show made,” Crisman said. “It usually has to go through so many steps and approved by different people so this (contest) is a really good opportunity that we might not get anywhere else.”
“Facebook Diaries,” a contest set to debut in March, has a similar premise. Facebook users are asked to submit videos of their lives, the best of which will be included in R.J. Cutler’s (“30 Days,” “Freshman Diaries”) television series of the same name.
“The Facebook generation will be able to define themselves because it’s not about searching for the world’s greatest filmmaker, it’s about finding a voice,” Marks said. “It’s not about users creating masterpieces. That’s what Cutler will do.”
Through these contests, even the average Internet user can find a way to host a video, but only the worthy will find airtime. As user-generated content continues to garner attention, cable companies will undoubtedly be lining up to tap into that creative line.
“It’s like discovering a crude oil fountain but you haven’t refined it yet,” Yoshida said. “It’s a great resource but you need people who know how to harness it and make it into good quality programming content.”