23 Jan YouTube Film Festival, XFINITY, McDonalds, Sam Adams | Topics That Are Igniting
YouTube Launches Online Film Festival
Last week, YouTube continued its efforts to become a more serious media platform announcing the Your Film Festival, a competition for aspiring film makers. The festival is a collaboration between Youtube, famed director and producer Ridley Scott, Scott Free London, the Venice Film Festival, and Emirates. Applicants from all over the world will be able to submit their 15 minute videos of any genre to the Your Film Festival channel starting February 2nd. After the videos are wittled down by the Scott Free Production company and YouTube users, ten finalists will have their films screened at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. One winner will then be crowned by a jury headed by Ridley Scott and receive a production grant to work with Scott’s team for the value of $500,000.
XFINITY Hosts Social Media Job Contest
XFINITY recently launched a nationwide contest to find their next social media voice at this year’s biggest sporting events. The contest is called “XFINITY Presents: The Ultimate Sports Social Media Job” and runs through March 25th. Contestants submit a :30-2:00 video on the Ultimate Sports Social Media Job contest Facebook tab demonstrating their sports knowledge, social media expertise, personality, and passion. The five entrants who get the most votes will compete by covering one of five premier sporting events. The winner receives a one-year salary, enough electronics to create the ultimate sports pad, and the opportunity to share thoughts, insights, and content with fans nationwide via the @XFINITYSports Twitter handle.
McDonald’s Not Lovin’ Out of Control Hashtag Campaign
When McDonald’s began promoting the #McDStories hashtag Wednesday on Twitter, the idea was to get people talking about their experiences with the fast-food giant. The phrase exploded in popularity as Twitter users across the country shared stories of their visits to McDonald’s. Unfortunately, McDonald’s learned a harsh lesson in social media marketing: When you encourage people to talk about your company, they’re not always going to say nice things. Among the numerous remarks bashing the fast food chain was a heavily-retweeted comment from an animal rights activist criticizing McDonald’s cooking practices.
Samuel Adams “Crowd Craft Project” Taps Drinkers Via Social Media
The Samuel Adams brewers are teaming up with Guy Kawasaki to create a crowd-sourced beer in the first ever Samuel Adams Crowd Craft Project. Through February 5, drinkers can visit the Samuel Adams Facebook page to weigh in on all aspects of the beer, including color, clarity, body, malt, hops, and yeast. This crowd crafted beer will make its debut at Guy Kawasaki’s Girl + Guy party in Austin during SXSW. The beer will be on tap in select bars throughout Austin and at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery. Samuel Adams’ Facebook fans will be the first to know when this beer will hit new markets.
