Microsoft Looks to Users for Xbox Live Video Content

Microsoft said Monday that it will sponsor a contest that asks participants to create a new television show. The winner will have his concept premiere as an exclusive TV show for Xbox Live.

The Redmond company has made a strong push to promote its Xbox 360 console as a media center rather than just a gaming console. Xbox Live now hosts some 1,500 hours of television and movie content, with plans to continue to expand that number in the coming months.

While Microsoft has signed deals with several major media companies, the contest marks its first steps into social video. The company sees the initiative as a novel way to enter into what has become a major new entertainment industry.

A $100,000 budget will be awarded to the winning entry, along with a six-episode commitment. A pilot of the winning show would be shown at the annual New York Television Festival in September, Microsoft and the event said.

"Not only can aspiring TV producers from across the globe try their hands at creating new TV shows, but because of Xbox LIVE Marketplace, they can now win a chance to have more than 6 million people worldwide see their work," Xbox Live director Bill Nielsen said.

A short comedy pilot of between five and fifteen minutes is required to enter, and entries will be accepted in any of the 25 countries currently supporting Xbox Live. Finalists will be shown on Xbox Live in July, with a winner announced at the end of the month.