Television
While the web TV industry is still waiting for its first blockbuster hit, the big players are starting to invest in quality content and audiences are slowly coming out for a look, reports media writer Aymar Jean Christian. more
The Sparkbeat
Booze, bunda and bright shiny objects. That’s modern-day Mardi Gras in a nutshell. Theologically, the celebration heralds the season of lent, when Christians practice repentance, prayer and almsgiving for the 40 days leading up to Easter. Across… more
Q&A
You’re familiar with fan fiction and brand storytelling, but you’ve probably never heard of brand fiction – that’s because Helen Klein Ross made it up. We sat down with the woman behind social media sensation more
The Sparkbeat
An award-winning music video, appearances on Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show, millions of YouTube views and Twitter dominance – no, it’s not Justin Bieber. It’s the Muppets. The Jim Henson-created franchise has been in a slump for… more
The Sparkbeat
Next year, YouTube will launch roughly 100 channels in collaboration with entertainment heavyweights like Madonna, Ashton Kutcher and Emmy-nominated producer Anthony Zuiker (CSI). A couple of major production companies are linked to the new online… more
The Sparkbeat
In light of Alex Rowland’s latest column on the rise of performance-based online video advertising we thought we’d share a few strategies that some of the top independent content creators on YouTube are using to make money. Lots of money. As it… more
If an ad plays on YouTube and nobody watches it, does it make an impression? In his latest column, Alphabird's Alex Rowland breaks down the increasingly complex online video advertising game and why it all comes… more
The Sparkbeat
Earlier this year, Sparksheet columnist Alex Rowland from Alphabird schooled our readers on the differences between branded entertainment and viral videos. Every brand wants its content to go viral, but in the end it comes down to what Alex calls… more
Best of the Web
Jennifer Aniston helps Smartwater go viral, AdAge remembers Elizabeth Taylor as a leading pitch lady, and Twitter celebrates its fifth birthday in this week’s roundup of content, media and marketing stories. more
Every brand wants its content to go viral, but that’s like winning the lottery in the crowded online media world. Online video expert Alex Rowland explains how brands can find the sweet spot between viral video and branded entertainment – and why… more