How to Build the Next Generation of Video Sharing Sites Washington DC

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Originally published at Internet.com

What's next for online video sites? The people behind Openfilm think viewers want better content, higher quality video, and more social networking. Take a preview look at the post-YouTube world.

Is the moment just about over for 15-second clips of skateboarding accidents? Are viewers hungry for something better? When it launches later this month, Openfilm will feature a library of premium video content as well as a host of social networking tools.

The company is pioneering the next generation of online video sites by combining the best aspects of video sharing (including user uploads, social networking, and ratings) with the content selection, high-quality video and rich presentation of commercial video sites.

The idea is for Openfilm to give content creators the ability to showcase their work in high quality. The site is currently building a library of original videos from its growing user base, along with its own collection of Web video series produced at the company's Miami-based studio. Openfilm is also partnering with film schools and film festivals to provide content. The site offers 50/50 ad revenue sharing to all contributors.

We spoke to Justin Heber, Openfilm's vice president of business development, who said that the company is working with Limelight to provide the video streaming. While the company is based in North Miami, its data servers are in the Ukraine, as is its data management staff. The Miami office is based in a soundstage, where Openfilm will create original content.

The site will be free for viewers, and will eventually be ad-supported. Video creators can upload content which will need to be approved by the in-house team. Selected videos will be converted to high-resolution Flash Video, and will be tweaked by hand for the best appearance.

"We think we're providing an excellent opportunity to promote independent and student filmmakers, as well as the organizations that serve them, and we want to create the most outstanding venue for all indie content creators," said Heber.

So how will Openfilm improve the viewing experience? By upping quality: * Custom processing of all video submissions * Large video player displaying resolutions larger than 640 x 360 (16:9) and 480 x 360 (4:3) - the final size hasn't been determined yet * No limitations on video duration * Allow submissions as Internet uploads or as mail-in DVDs * Large variety of upload file formats, including Flash animation * Cast/crew information and production photos * Custom user channel images and Flash banners for shows and channels created by the Openfilm designers * All standard video sharing features including favorites, playlists, star ratings, and comments

"It's our intention to select a limited quantity of the very best content we can find. And we've go the best looking video player on the Web," said Heber.