Posts Tagged ‘Watchitoo’

A few words from Max: Watchitoo’s 2010 Summer Intern

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Maximillian's Inspirado Show

Our Watchitoo intern Max P who joined us this summer, came on road with us to Chicago  to help with the  the multi-streaming live production we did from the Mashable 2010 Summer Tour. After his experience he shared his impressions with us, and created his own Watchitoo show that you can click here to view:  http://watchitoopro.com/show/wue-507

Max we enjoyed your time here at Watchitoo HQ, thanks for all of your help!
~The Watchitoo Team

“Multi-streaming seems to be the way of the future. So much information and entertainment is available online and maximizing communication capabilities is an obvious step in technological growth. Watchitoo’s platform is right on the cusp of this development and with a lot of work and maybe some good voodoo I have faith they can become an innovative leader for the concept.


Following Mashable on the road for the summer tour opened my eyes to the amount of power in the new internet enterprises. There is a lot of development going on that will take the internet in many new directions, and what it restored in me was belief that this is a good thing. There is some widespread concern that as everything becomes digitized we are losing some type of quality, longevity, or even dignity. Seeing all the new platforms and the interesting minds that created them led me to believe that these people will be putting it back.


Live streaming is going to let the world see events big or small in an increasingly interactive way. Something that television has laid the groundwork for but stepped short of on the interactive front. Through live streaming we can increase collaboration throughout the globe, in a much more accessible fashion, and let anybody watching at home get involved as well.
So for my live streaming choices I tried to get a good range of what I believe defines myself, hope that sounds as cliche as I didn’t intend it to. : )

I started out with the obviously shameless self promotional plug of me and my friends website, HAHAfuntime.com, and then included some solo skate footage shot during the last 2 years. Then gave a glimpse at what my good buddy and entrepreneurial powerhouse, Jason Valencia, is doing with his new company JSLV. From there it just goes into pure inspiration including: the aesthetically pleasing skating of Jahmal Williams from the DNA video, the amazing guitar playing of Paco De Lucia, a mini expose on one of my favorite artists’ – Picasso, a kid I went to high school with’s interesting new band – Last Good Tooth, and finally a short animation by William Kentridge.”

Hope you enjoy!

~Max P

Mashable Summer Tour Next Stop: DC

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

StartingShortly- 4 HostsTonight from 7pm-10pm EST the Mashable Summer Tour event will be held at the USA Today Headquarters in DC.

Rachel Sklar (Editor at Large at Mediaite) our on-site host will be interviewing SummerMash attendees at the event live, while virtual participants and viewers watch from around the country and participate.

We will have Vanessa Rae hosting live in New York accompanied by Watchitoo’s own Nyle Emerson to engage with online viewers through the live chat and twitter feed.

Comedian @Alison Rosen will also have a guest cameo as a virtual participant around 8:15 EST!

Don’t miss it! www.mashable.com/summermash/live

Mashable Summer Tour: Stop 1 Seattle, then SF!

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Hi All,

Watchitoo Team (@hilaraz @BrianAugust @donkthought)  is on the road with the wonderful @mashable team for their Mashable Summer Tour 2010. First stop this past weekend was in Seattle at the Hyatt Olive8 where all guests/sponsors/social media personalities were featured on the exclusive Watchitoo Multistream embedded on mashable (Please RT: http://bit.ly/mashlive)

We had a great time out there with Rachel Sklar who interviewed  Mashable CEO and Founder: Pete Cashmore and many others. Recap footage and highlights will soon be featured on the Watchitoo Blog & on Mashable. We even had @adventuregirl join us when Brett Petersel & Karen Hartline were on the Watchitoo Carpet. Look below at our awesome photos.

Mashable also posted great event photos not to be missed!

Tour Stop #2 is tonight Live from Grand Hyatt in San Francisco starting at 7:15 pm PST and will include cameos from various virtual guests joining us live from around the country: Sarah Evans, Marc Ostrick, Stephanie Michaels, Lauren Perkins, Jonathan Morvay, & Vanessa Rae.

Join us and make some fun youtube contest submissions to be featured LIVE on Watchitoo for the rest of the tour with stops in DC, NYC, & Chicago early August!

Watchitoo & Internet Week NYC

Thursday, June 10th, 2010


Watchitoo has been chosen as the broadcast streaming provider for three Internet Week events sponsored by Pepsico including DigitalFlashNYC’s Conversation with Bonin Bough of Pepsico, SoundCtrl’s Fire-Side Chat and the Hot & Bothered Breakfast.

digitalflashShow“As we prepare to launch our new Pro version in the coming months, opportunities like these events provide us with an ideal venue to showcase why Watchitoo is the premiere platform for live streaming events.”

“We are grateful to have been chosen to provide live, online video streaming for DigitalFlashNYC’s Conversation with Bonin Bough, SoundCtrl’s Fire-side Chat and Hot & Bothered,” said Rony Zarom, CEO of Watchitoo. “As we prepare to launch our new Pro version in the coming months, opportunities like these events provide us with an ideal venue to showcase why Watchitoo is the premiere platform for live streaming events.”

Watchitoo allows users to interact with others via web cam and chat while collaborating in real-time. This all takes place in a synchronized environment within the web browser.

Those not attending the Internet Week events in person can watch the live streams by visiting:

DigitalFlashNYC’s Conversation with Bonin Bough
Details: DigitalFlashNYC is about bringing together a unique cross-section of digital savvy tastemakers and trendsetters for drinks and conversation.
Who: Bonin Bough, Global Director of Digital & Social Media for Pepsico
Location: Fifth Ave Loft, 78 5th Ave, between 13th & 14th St
When: Thursday, June 10th from 5:30-8PM
Link: http://watchitoo.com/pro3/digitalflash
SoundCtrl’s Fire-Side Chat
Details: 2 speakers, 1 tech & 1 exec square off to debate the hottest issues facing the music industry today.
Who: Avner Ronen, CEO of Boxee
Tom Silverman, CEO of Tommy Boy Entertainment
Location: DROM, 85 Avenue A, between 5th & 6th
When: Thursday, June 10th from 7-11PM
Link: http://watchitoo.com/pro3/soundctrl
Hot and Bothered Breakfast
Details: A panel discussing why it’s time to change the gender ratio in new media & tech.
Who: Rachel Sklar, Editor-at-Large of Mediaite (Moderator)
Esther Dyson, Angel Investor & Tech Industry Pioneer
Michelle Madhok, Founder of SheFinds Media
Alexa Hirschfeld, Co-Founder of PaperlessPost
Joanna Stern, Contributing Editor of Engadget
Location: Trump SoHo Hotel, 246 Spring Street at Varick Street
When: Friday, June 11th from 8-10AM
Link: http://watchitoo.com/pro3/hotandbothered

About Watchitoo

Founded in January 2007 by entrepreneur and venture capitalist Rony Zarom, Watchitoo enables users to synchronously view and share content while engaging in multiple video and text chats through a web-based offering.

The company provides a consumer version as well as an upcoming Pro version for business that includes enhanced features ideal for video conferencing and virtual meetings. The platform can also be used for live events, allowing speakers and guests to address conferences, panels and industry gatherings from remote locations.

Personal Democracy Forum 2010

Friday, June 4th, 2010

#PDF2010: How Technology is Changing Politics

Personal Democracy Forum is being held this year at the CUNY Graduate center in NYC is the “world’s leading conference exploring and analyzing technology’s impact on politics and government.”

@HilaRaz & @BrianAugust from Watchitoo attended and demo-ed the platform to leading political constitiencies

For six years, PdF has attracted thought leaders and the most connected, driven people in the industry to come together and learn.
Watchitoo this year chose to partake in PDF’s conversations that are driving real changes in technology, governance, and the non-profit world.

BrainEmbededShow

Brian August Watchitoo’s Director of Content and Strategy gave an interactive demo showcasing two use cases for watchitoo- take a look: www.watchitoo.com/pro3/PDF

1. Live streaming political campaigns & interactive virtual townhalls

2. Conducting interactive virtual meetings or webinars for organizations, institutions, and politicians or candidates.

Brian’s (@BrianAugust) thoughts on the demo:

“It’s pointless to create a compelling demo without actually “doing what you do”. But when what you do is live collaborative multi-streaming, there’s a conundrum; go for the glory, conduct a full blown demo, and risk embarrassing technical failure, or scale things back and present something safe but unspectacular. Yesterday, in all of six minutes, Watchitoo demoed it’s platform by presenting to live dramatic use cases: a political organization conducting a virtual team meeting, and a candidate running an interactive town hall. Five live streams being swapped and resized, HD video, remote moderation and me playing the role of the candidate in front of 800 people. And it all worked really well..

Do what you do!”

SoCin: Socializing Cinema #socinnyc

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

View panelists at 7pm EST tonight discuss “Socializing Cinema: Enjoying Film and TV in the Living Room and Beyond.The interactive @Watchitoo live stream can be viewed directly on the SoCin homepage at: www.socin.org

SocinEmbedfinal

the livestream can also be viewed at www.watchitoo.com/pro/socin


It’s a great opportunity to explore Social Cinema and TV with these dynamic panelists and network with industry leaders.

Panelists Include: (Bio’s as seen on socin.org)

  • Frank Radice, Moderator, Definition 6, Expert In Residence
  • Adam Broitman, Circ.us, Partner, Chief Ringleader
  • Ryan Osborn, NBC, Producer, Today Show; Social Media Task Force
  • Bill Hartnett, NBC, SVP of Advertising and Promotion
  • Mike Berkley, Comcast, Product Strategy
  • Brian August, Watchitoo, Director of Media and Content

* Frank Radice, Moderator, Definition 6, Expert In Residence

Frank J. Radice is the Expert in Residence at Interactive Advertising Agency, Definition 6. He is also the Managing Partner of the Promotion, Marketing, Media, and consulting firm, VIDA F.R. Company in New York, Los Angeles, and London. Mr. Radice previously has been EVP of NBC Agency and the former President and Chief Marketing Officer of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). He serves on the Board of Governors of the New York Festivals, and on the advisory boards of World Wide Fan Clubs and The Broadway Walk of Stars. He has 30 years experience in media, marketing, promotion and production. http://Definition6.com/; http://FrankRadice.com/

* Adam Broitman, Circ.us, Partner, Chief Ringleader

Adam Broitman is Partner and Chief Ringleader at Circ.us, an NYC based creative communications firm that helps brands and their agencies tell stories through innovation and participation. Adam is a recognized expert in all aspects of the ever-changing digital media+marketing and advertising landscape. A thought leader in the marketing industry, Adam is known for devising cutting edge marketing strategies for clients ranging from Kraft, Cisco, The New York Times and Panasonic to LVMH, The Energy Project and A&E. http://Circ.us/

* Bill Hartnett, NBC, SVP of Advertising and Promotion

Bill Hartnett is the Senior Vice President of NBC News Marketing. Hartnett oversses brand strategy, creative services and digital marketing for all NBC News Properties, including “Today,” “NBC Nightly News,” “Dateline NBC,” and “Meet the Press.”

Previously, Hartnett served as Senior Vice President of the ABC Agency, East Coast. In this capacity he managed the daily operation of both NBC News and MSNBC marketing and on-air promotion. He also supervised promotion for “Saturday Night Live” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” for NBC Entertainment. Hartnett has been with NBC for 15 years. http://nbc.com/

* Ryan Osborn, NBC, Producer, Today Show; Social Media Task Force

Ryan Osborn is a Producer at NBC’s Today Show, and he gets Social Media. As he works in a broadcast newsroom, Ryan faces a completely new set of challenges than what is typically faces by most newspaper folks. Be sure to check out http://OldMediaNewTricks.com/old-media-interview-ryan-osborn-producer-nbc-today-show/ http://nbc.com/

* Mike Berkley, Comcast, Product Strategy

Mike Berkley presently heads up Product Strategy at Comcast. He is responsible for setting Comcast’s strategy for social innovation on next generation TV products. Prior to Comcast, Berkley served as CEO for SplashCast Media, from 2006 to 2009, pioneering social TV in the online video space. SplashCast provided both real-time and asynchronous social functionality for top content providers, including Hulu, PBS, and Sony, via Facebook applications.

When he has time, Berkley contributes to the TV News Stream Blog, covering all things related to the business of Onlive Video, OTT, and Social TV. http://TVNewsStream.com/ also tweets from @MikeBerkley. http://Comcast.com/Berkley

* Brian August, Watchitoo, Director of Media and Content

Brian August is the Director of Media and Content at Watchitoo, a two way multiple live streaming platform that allows users to collaborate in real time, while viewing a broad array of rich media content. Previously, Brian was the President of Webster Hall Digital Media and the creator of Event Horizons, a unique conference that explored the frontier of how video, mobile and social tools can be seamlessly integrated into live events. Brian also co-founded Plentitube, an online agency that connects television networks with the best original content on the web, creating an agile and innovative new programming paradigm. A digital media attorney with more then 20 years of experience, Brian has had a array of legal and strategic business roles with numerous internet technology start-ups. http://Watchitoo.com/

Producers Guild of America Event – “Going Green in Film Production”

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

PGA_EmbededShow-Final

Tonight we will be providing live, online video streaming for the upcoming Producers Guild of America event – “Going Green in Film Production: Taking a Look at Bigger, Bolder Steps in Greening Your Set.” The event will be held on April 21st from 6:30pm-9:00pm ET at Post Factory NY.

“We’re extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with such an esteemed organization like the Producers Guild of America,” said Rony Zarom, CEO of Watchitoo. “Our Live Events platform is continuing to be recognized as the ideal choice on which to conduct these types of live streaming events.”

“The Producers Guild of America is excited to work with Watchitoo and leverage its unique technology,” said Dana Kuznetkoff, Vice Chair of the PGA East. “This is a great opportunity to share these panels with our West Coast members and those who cannot attend the event.”

“Going Green in Film Production” is a continuing series from the PGA dedicated to raising awareness and educating the film and television community on eco-friendly shooting. This event will showcase how filmmakers can take steps to make their sets more environmentally conscious, including advancements in alternative energies, lighting technologies and waste management. The panelists will include: Tom Leavey (Local 187, Theatrical Teamsters), Demian Resnick (DGA, Locations Manager), Bobby Sciretta (Local 52, Film and Television Gaffer), Steve Wertimer (DGA, Co-Executive Producer TV) and Mari Jo Winkler (PGA, DGA, Executive Producer, Line Producer Feature Films). The discussion will be moderated by documentary producer and PGA member Katie Carpenter.

Those not attending the event in person can watch the live stream by visiting: www.watchitoo.com/pro/PGAGreen.

Red Carpet Recaps with Hosts: Althea, Vanessa, & Sarah Evans

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

MyShape and Watchitoo’s Red Carpet Oscar Show was a real success offering real-time commentary on the fashions that were coming down the Red Carpet before the Oscars began.  http://www.watchitoo.com/pro/oscars/.

Althea Harper, Project Runway’s Season 6 runner-up, and Vanessa Rae, an online host for the Today Show/MSNBC.com, and Sarah Evans, recently named by Vanity Fair as one of “America’s Tweethearts,” provided an interactive discussion with the online audience about the red carpet styles and provided commentary on how real-time video platforms , such as Watchitoo, and real-time conversations like the twitter oscar commentary enabled people around the world  viewing the oscars to experience and enjoy such live events in a new way.

Part of the Watchitoo Team was viewing the Live Red Carpet Watchitoo Show on a large flat screen television in seattle- truly bringing the PC experience to the TV. Viewing the red carpet in such a new and innovative way brought a fresh new experience to Oscar viewing. Even some of the real-time predictions they made ended up happening, like Althea’s favorite Versace Dress pick, ended up being worn by JLo as she came down the Red Carpet.

Here are photos capturing some of the show highlights, feature Althea, Vanessa, and Sarah discussing their favorite dress picks:

Watchitoo Oscars TV

Here is the Watchitoo Myshape Live show being screened on a 50 inch LG flatscreen- now that’s a new online viewing experience!

Oscar Dress Highlight

@Scobleizer joins Seattle Tweethouse @140TC

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Tomorrow we’ll be providing live, online video streaming from “The Tweet House” in Seattle on March 8th. The broadcast will stream during the afternoon from the Bell Harbor Convention Center in Seattle, WA.

In addition to the live streaming coverage, Watchitoo will also remotely “beam-in” special guest speaker Robert Scoble, a technology blogger and one of Forbes’ Web Celeb 25 for 2010, to address the in-house audience.

robert scoble tweethouse embed


This is the second event in which Watchitoo and the Parnassus Group have teamed up to provide streaming coverage to outside audiences. In January of this year, Watchitoo remotely brought Jimmy Jean-Louis, of NBC’s Heroes, to the “The Tweet House” at Sundance to address the recent earthquakes in Haiti.

Parnassus Group founder Steve Broback said, “We are extremely pleased to have Watchitoo on board again for ‘The Tweet House.’ The Watchitoo platform has become the ideal tool for us to ‘beam-in’ guests from around the world and provides a layer of interactivity for those who cannot attend events to digitally mingle with conference goers.”

“We’re very happy to be working once again with the Parnassus Group,” said Rony Zarom, CEO of Watchitoo. “Given the recent successes at Sundance and CES 2010, Watchitoo is proving itself an ideal platform for events of this stripe.”

Those not attending the event in person can watch the live stream by visiting: http://www.watchitoo.com/pro/show/wph-836. Footage will also be available after the event for playback by visiting: http://www.watchitoo.com/pro/seattle140tc/.

Oscars Live Red Carpet Fashion Commentary

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

MyShape and Watchitoo partner up

to Offer Exclusive

Oscars 2010 Fashion Coverage:  

Live Streaming Commentary on Oscar Fashions

OscarBannerImageUpdate

MyShape and Watchitoo, a real-time social collaboration platform, are partnering to provide live streaming online commentary of the Academy Awards®’ red carpet fashion. Coverage will start at 4 p.m. (PST) on March 7, 2010, and will be available at http://www.watchitoo.com/pro/oscars/.

Althea Harper, Project Runway’s Season 6 runner-up, and Vanessa Rae, an online host for the Today Show/MSNBC.com, will offer live critiques of the night’s fashions worn by the hottest stars. Sarah Evans, recently named by Vanity Fair as one of “America’s Tweethearts,” will join the discussion about the red carpet styles and also will discuss how new online platforms, such as Watchitoo, allow people around the world to experience live events in a new way.

“Oscar night is one of fashion’s biggest nights,” said Althea Harper, fashion designer and Project Runway Season 6 runner-up. “I am very excited to be partnering with MyShape to show women how they can translate these red carpet looks and trends into their own wardrobes. And what’s great about MyShape is that you don’t have to be a certain size or shape to find great clothes that flatter you.”

MyShape pioneered Personal Shopping as a solution for women of all shapes to select from only the clothes that fit and flatter™. MyShape lets its members build a Personal Shop™ by submitting their specific measurements and their taste and style preferences.

“We’re thrilled to have Althea, Vanessa and Sarah as hosts for our coverage of the Oscar red carpet,” said Mercedes De Luca, president of MyShape. “This is a great opportunity for women to hear from the experts about what’s hot this year, ask questions and learn more about how they can wear the trends of the red carpet in their daily lives.”

Users joining this Watchitoo Live Event will have the option to simply watch the hosts report live or to use video chat and instant messaging in order to pose questions for the hosts and engage in discussions about the evening’s fashions. During the event users will receive an exclusive promo code for a special deal on www.myshape.com.

“The Oscars has always brought people together and started discussions about fashion,” said Rony Zarom (@Ronywatchitoo), founder and CEO of Watchitoo. “With the Watchitoo Live Event platform, people will be able to connect and comment with others outside of their living rooms and with our expert hosts.”

For more information, please visit http://www.watchitoo.com/pro/oscars/. *A recording of the livestream broadcast will be available for playback* connect with us on twitter @watchitoo!

For more information on Althea Harper, visit http://www.altheaharper.com/ or follow her on Twitter at @altheaharper.

For more information on Vanessa Rae, visit http://www.vanessarae.net/content/home or follow her on Twitter @vrageous.

For more information on Sarah Evans, visit http://prsarahevans.com/ or follow her on Twitter at @prsarahevans.