Big Brands Buy into Bebo’s “Gap Year”

Bebo, the UK web company recently bought by AOL, is launching its latest original web series, GAP YEAR.

According to NewTeeVee:

“six young people…will be sent on six-month trips around the world…They get a per diem allowance based on what guides like Lonely Planet recommended for the country they’re in. Each person travels individually, accompanied by a cameraperson/director, and will send in one 3- to 5-minute video per week.”

Not sure what will make this a deeply compelling series but I was amazed to see how many sponsors are involved:

“Endemol and Bebo have set up some activities and challenges along with its sponsors: Sony PSP, Trident, Canon (which is providing cameras), The Royal Air Force (RAF), Acuvue, Doritos, STA Travel, and Tourism Auckland and Tourism Australia (who are helping with activities).”

I’ll be extremely curious to see how the brands are intergrated into the content and if any of their target demo decides to watch.

Bebo has had success with the lonelygirl15 follow up “Kate Modern” and the currently running “Sophia’s Diary.”

Check out some Gap Year here.

Shot from a Canon

There is a really fun article in the LA Times about Lim Jeong-hyun, who became internet famous with his 5 minute YouTube Video featuring his electric guitar cover of Pachelbel’s Canon.  The video has been viewed close to 40 MILLION TIMES and has allow Lim to putt together his own world tour:

“Lim describes the staggering exposure from “Canon Rock” as mostly “a good thing,” though he has hardly tried to turn his online fame into fortune. His answer to cyber-stardom was to take a break from his computer science studies at the University of Auckland in New Zealand and travel the world, mostly as a busker.

Carrying a small 15-watt amp, he visited 42 countries over 300 days, playing onstage at the Whisky a Go-Go on the Sunset Strip and in public squares from New York to Amsterdam. “Canon Rock” always drew a crowd, he says.”

This is one of the big ways the internet is changing the whole business of music.  Sure, it takes a ton of personal initiative, but the possibility exists. 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjA5faZF1A8&hl=en]