OMN News:
Public Broadcaster WGBH Gives Online Audiences the Power to Decide in the Prestigious Open Call 6:55 Shorts Competition
Internet users can view finalists and vote online for a winner in short video competition using Open Media Network
June 16, 2006—Palo Alto, CA and Boston, MA—The third winner in a short video competition produced by WGBH public television will be chosen by online audiences who will view and vote for their choices among ten finalists using the Open Media Network (OMN). OMN enables viewers to download, watch, and rate the film submissions. The entry with the highest viewer ranking will be one of three films selected for production by WGBH Boston Media Productions.
Now in its third year, WGBH’s Open Call: 6:55 Shorts is a competition that gives independent video producers a chance for funding and an opportunity to reach a wider audience than ever before. Successful applicants will receive financial and editorial support from WGBH, input during the production process from renowned media makers and a place to showcase their work. Ten finalists were announced today, and three winners will be chosen in the following weeks. WGBH will select two winners, and the online public will choose the third.
Viewers can watch the finalist entries and rank their favorite by going to http://www.wgbh.org/producingfortv. The voting begins on Thursday, June 15 and continues until Friday, July 7.
Open Media Network’s online video uploading capabilities have proven to be a beneficial addition to WGBH’s 6:55 program, enabling video makers from around the country to submit their entries online. WGBH received applications from 23 states, expanding the geographic reach of the competition to a national audience. The number of entries is also higher than ever before, at a total of 150, with only 15 coming from mail-in submissions. Now, in the last stage of the competition, the public will be able to watch the films and vote online through OMN to bring a promising video producer into the winners’ circle.
Open Media Network is already providing viewers with a library of high quality content from public media and non-profit institutions. With easy download, tagging, and rating features, OMN is helping bring worthwhile content to the online mainstream audience. For more information regarding OMN, or to begin enjoying quality media that you can take with you anywhere, visit them at www.OMN.org.
About WGBH
WGBH informs, inspires, and entertains millions of people throughout New England. Boston's last remaining independent TV station, WGBH is the leading producer PBS prime-time programs and online content, a major producer for public radio, and a pioneer in educational multimedia and services that make media accessible for people with disabilities. www.wgbh.org.
About Open Media Network
Open Media Network is a non-profit focused on making it easier to find high-quality video and audio programming created by non-commercial networks, educational institutions, non-profits and community-based organizations. OMN is the leading online audio and video showcase of subjects you care deeply about — subjects that inform, educate and engage the public. More information can be found at www.OMN.org.
Press Contacts:
WGBH
Stefanie Koperniak
stefanie_koperniak@wgbh.org
(617)300-5317
Krause Taylor Associates for Open Media Network
Shanee Ben-Zur
shanee@krause-taylor.com
(408)918-9083 |
