User-generated video to broadcast on Dublin streets this Christmas

16 Oct 2009

Ireland will be the first country in the world to bring a concept similar to YouTube, known as “streetcasting”, to Dublin, when ZozzyTV broadcasts across the city centre during the Christmas period to more than 7 million people.

From 15 November to 9 January, 2010, people will be able to broadcast 30-second videos from these screens, which will be seen by passers-by who can view and vote on them.

ZozzyTV is working in conjunction with the Dublin City Business Association’s marketing committee.

Using unique technology developed in Ireland, ZozzyTV will allow members of the public to send Christmas messages via a novel medium that is expected to draw big crowds during the busy shopping periods.

Different videos welcome

ZozzyTV is looking forward to receiving thousands of videos, including Christmas messages to loved ones, singers seeking fame, marriage proposals, dancing pets, comedic sketches and more.

With key sites located on Grafton Street and Henry Street (plus two strategic sites in Dublin City Centre still in negotiation), uploaded videos will be sure to attract many of the 7 million people (figures courtesy of DCBA) who shop in Dublin over Christmas.

Users will record a video of 30 seconds or less, upload it to the website www.zozzytv.com for approval by moderators, and then receive an email confirming the time the video will be shown at their preferred location.

ZozzyTV managing director Billy Brennan said that bringing a virtual stage to the streets of Dublin will be the highlight of people’s shopping experience over Christmas.

“This project is a world first and we are expecting the funniest, wackiest, heart-warming and creative videos that only the Irish public can deliver,” said Brennan.

“Irish people love to perform and what better way to do it than through ZozzyTV? Christmas is all about getting in touch and the immediacy of video will mean that there will be real interaction between viewers and our video stars.”

No cost

“What’s even better is that this is absolutely free for the user,” continued Brennan. “We want to bring a smile to people this Christmas and we’re hoping that the quality of videos we expect to receive will bring a bit of Christmas cheer during these tough times.”

ZozzyTV is already calling for videos to be sent to them in advance of the screens going live.

“We need lots of videos before 15 November, so if you’ve got something you would like broadcast and it’s 30 seconds or less, send it in to us through our website.”

By John Kennedy

Photo: Dublin City Centre will play host to user-generated ZozzyTV videos this Christmas period.

Photo by Conor McCabe

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com