Justin.tv may have waited too long to leverage the hype around its show as Ustream has announced Ustream Lifecaster.
Ustream is offering grants to 10 random applicants who want to live stream their lives for the next 12 months.
Winners will be based on the popularity of their channel (which means Chris Pirillo has to be one of the winners) as well as an original essay explaining why they should be chosen. The 10 lifecasters selected will be given “Lifecaster Grants which pay for a wireless EVDO card and 12 months of service.”
This is so simple, it doesn’t appear to be a masterstroke, but it is.
Of the 10 lifecasters, Ustream only needs one or two breakout stars to cement the site’s usability in the minds of the public. In fact, if
Ustream ever decides to extend its program to bonifide celebrities
(there is a rumor that Natalie Portman wants in on the lifecasting action) Ustream would have to beat investors off with a boom mic.
Where does all this put Justin.tv? Theoretically, Ustream Lifecaster makes Justin.tv just another guy with a camera now that the wireless/live video tech bar has been lowered. But Justin Kan (the man behind the camera) has an entire team devoted to programming his event schedule and making sure he’s at the right parties—all necessary production work to ensure an interesting lifecast.
The key for Ustream will be finding those independent lifecasters that actually have a life—thus, a watchable lifecast. The deadline for Ustream Lifecast applicants is May 31. The game is afoot!
Bonus: A suggestion for Ustream... Ustream Lifecaster Icons: A program featuring well known (mainstream and in geek culture) lifecasters sponsored by major companies. Here are some other suggestions:
Geek
-Dave Winer (watch the tech curmudgeon flip the script on random strangers)
-Chris Pirillo
-Amber MacArthur
-Kevin Rose (feed his Digg groupies)
Mainstream Celebs
-John Malkovich ("Being John Malkovich" becomes real!)
-At least one presidential candidate (this is GOLD)
-Natalie Portman
-Paris Hilton (gotta get that jail footage)
