Honda the Power of Dreams Video

Automakers have continued to push forward with their digital campaigns, making significant investments in web video. Honda is the latest to develop original video series wrapped in a branded content portal with their Dream The Impossible documentary web series.

Paid distribution on the Ad Network

The ad network is there for you to buy your audience impressions. Brands increasingly expect distribution guarantees from WebTV producers. Paid distribution and distribution guarantees — where shows cut deals to get placement as if they were ad campaigns — are phenomena we’re seeing more and more these days. To be distributed like an ad, a video doesn’t necessarily have to be branded content, though any integrated sponsorship would travel along with the video itself. This guarantees a minimum number of viewers and appeases the demands of sponsors, easing the process of finding investment.

Microsoft pitches new Web series

Microsoft presented a handful of new online series concepts to a gathering of media buyers on hand for the company’s second annual digital showcase event at Le Parker Meridien Hotel in New York last week, as the company’s sales executives looked to send a clear message that Web video is core to the software giant’s ongoing media strategy. Microsoft plans to let whatever advertiser that comes on board guide the direction, storylines and format of the shows, based on that brand’s target audience.

MySpace Gets Hitched

MySpace has tapped Endemol, the producers of "Deal or No Deal," to create a 13-episode reality Web series, "Get Married on MySpace." Slated to debut on MySpace TV this spring, the show will bestow a free wedding upon one lucky couple in exchange for letting MySpace users--and several brand sponsors--plan and experience the big day with them. MySpace is in discussions with a number of advertisers about brand integration opportunities for the show, which will debut on MySpace in May.