Online Video rivals Traditional Broadcasting

Over 70% of US web users watch video clips on the internet, making online video the leading social media platform, ahead of blogging and social networking, according to the Global Web Index. The US data from the Global Web Index has been released ahead of the full report, which covers 16 countries. It is compiled by Lightspeed Research for social media research consultancy Trendstream. According to the data, in the US online video now rivals traditional broadcasting and is the fastest growing media platform in history.

Unilever's Alchemist for Lux

Unilever has rolled out a seven-minute Hollywood-style mini film starring Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones to market its Lux shampoo in China and Japan. The film, called 'Alchemist', features a motorcycle chase at a high security laboratory where a youth-enhancing beauty product is being produced. The product turns out to be Unilever's Lux Super Rich Shine shampoo and its benefits are demonstrated by Zeta-Jones's shimmering hair when she attends a red carpet ball. 'Alchemist' was created by agency JWT from an original screenplay by Jeffrey Caine, who also wrote the screenplay for James Bond film 'GoldenEye' and thriller 'The Constant Gardener'.

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.

Scorched scoops digital Emmy

Australian online interactive drama Scorched picked up an International Digital Emmy Award for the best multi-platform production at MIPTV in Cannes last month. Set in 2012 in a world ravaged by an environmental crisis that leaves 2 million Australians without water. When Scorched aired on the Nine network it won the ratings in the 25-54yr demographic group. The online component, scorched.tv boasted 300,000 video views in less than 8 weeks.