Ideate

1 min. with a superhero: Tristan Owen of MyVideo.co.za

by Fred Roed on 12/05/08 at 3:19 pm
7 comments

Today we’re chatting to Tristan Owen, founder of the uniquely South African video-sharing site MyVideo.co.za. Tristan started MyVideo as an online video website featuring a wide selection of South African-created videos. Every user becomes a ‘channel’ at the site, which gives them a distinct and customizable space on the site to share their videos. The idea is that videos are able to be shared and spread amongst social networking and bookmarking sites.

Tristan, there are a couple of video sites out there. What makes MyVideo different?
MyVideo differentiates itself from other local and international sites by focusing on South African video content. The videos on the site are South African in nature, or created by South Africans, and thus appeal to a South African audience – whether this audience is within South Africa or expat South Africans living overseas. The nature of the content has a local edge, ranging across comedy, entertainment, music, sports and news. We’re also able to innovate, integrate and extend new ideas on top of the current MyVideo platform.

How did you get into this industry?
I was completing my undergraduate degree in the Interactive Media stream in the programme for Film and Media Production at UCT, where amongst other things, we explored and practiced imagine editing, web design, flash animation, 3D modelling, film production and editing. It was during this time that I applied my learnings in a practical sense for SAcamera.co.za and became fascinated by the possibilites that online afforded. Being able to integrate and adapt filming and editing for the web has now become a strong and intriguing passion of mine.

What about your job makes you lie awake at night?
I don’t see it as a job but more of a project that I’m trying to help build and see made a success. That said, I would say I worry about saucy video content being uploaded to the site and not reported/flagged, much to the disgust of the males in our audience I’m sure.

You’ll be happy to know that the guys in the World Wide Creative studio have tried, and failed, to find saucy content. What background do you have?
I have a Bachelor of Arts: Film and Media Production and a Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management, both from UCT.

Tell us one MyVideo disaster story…
Our site went down for an hour just when journalists where trying to get to a video on our site and potentially write an interesting story.

Ouch. Despite the invariable glitches every now and then, what is MyVideo’s secret to success…?
Quality content. Also being able to maintain a consistent offering that can also adapt, grow and shift with interaction and ideas.

You’ve pitched yourself as ‘the South African video site’. Describe the typical MyVideo supporter?
I think it’s people who enjoy sharing their own or others’ video content. For example, we had a lead singer strip down to his undies to help promote his band, we have a wide selection of music videos, funny viral videos, news videos and even completely random videos. It appeals to somebody who is interested in the ‘South African’ in all of that.

Do you think that South Africa’s waking up to the potential of the net, or do you think we have some way to go?
I think it’s a mixture. While we are way behind in broadband penetration, we are seriously investing and promoting communication technologies such as 3G, Wireless and Mobile. I think the potential of the mobile and its potential access to information has alerted us to the need for improved broadband infrastructure, which is happening, albeit slowly (Neotel where are you?!). There is talk that South African internet use in many instances will grow dramatically in the coming years. If we can imagine what the rate of growth and development is with mobile technologies currently, combined with the development of broadband penetration and usage, then I think the future is certainly an exciting thought.

Tell us something that no one knows about you…
I’m an avid Chess and ‘Bawo’ player.

Erm, ok. Is that like an African banjo? So, besides playing on your bawo, describe your average day…
Online by 8-ish, working on various projects and tasks, reading, meetings, filming/editing, running around Oranjezicht/Table Mountain in the evenings, cooking, social interaction or working, reading, sleeping. Just a humble city life really.

How many people do you have in your team?
There’s myself and my business partner, Rowan. And we have a lead developer, Paul. I’ve just finished the e-book from 37 Signals titled Getting Real. It’s an amazing book and in it they say ‘being small can actually be a huge advantage, especially when it comes to communication’.

We certainly agree. What is your BHAG?
To pioneer, nourish, grow, enable and promote a new form of entertainment industry that inspires individuals and creates value for South African’s across all demographics.

Nice one, that brings a tear to the Ideate eye. With regards to South African industry, what is the best new business you’ve seen recently?
Although not really ‘new’ I think Travelstart has done exceptionally well. They established themselves early and understood their model. I would also say MXit. They have been clever every step of the way.

And, finally, especially for Ideate readers, what is the best business lesson you’ve learned so far?
When you’re making an art of what you’re doing, life becomes much more interesting. And also, very importantly, perserverance.

Thanks Tristan. Love your work, and hope that your project continues to grow faster than the speed of broadband in this country. Keep it up, and keep in touch.

Fred Roed is the marketing guy in the Ideate crew. Fred is the CEO of web marketing company World Wide Creative and the co-founder of online learning portal Heavy Chef. Fred loves writing about people out there doing marketing right. Follow Fred on Twitter here. View more articles by Fred Roed.

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