There’s been just a little bit of attention lately on web video. Seems video hounds just can’t get enough; last month more than 40 million people tuned in to video content on Yahoo! alone. You’ve probably read about the trend — the abundance of broadband and the proliferation of cheap video equipment has spawned videographers everywhere.

The consequence: a lot of great videos… and a whole lot more bad videos. Don’t get me wrong — there’s always room for things like Bob’s retirement speech, Bob the cat chasing a ball, and Bob the video clerk. But I know there’s a lot of hidden talent out there waiting for just the right encouragement.

Today, in our quest to discover the next great Web celeb, we launched the Yahoo! Talent Show. Entries could be traditional filmmaking, animation, stand-up comedy, performance art, or whatever. Even bad can be good, if it’s compelling. But the key here, people, is sustainability, because the winner takes home not only a $50,000 prize, but also a deal to star in or produce his or her own online video show on Yahoo!. So if stupid pet tricks are your thing, just make sure they’re interesting, funny, or outrageous enough to entertain a discerning web audience day after day.

You can submit up to 50 videos (tip: the more you submit, the better your chances) until November 27. Beginning November 13, tune in daily to watch our host Mayleen Ramey (recognizable from MTV and E!) run through the submission highlights and cast your vote to help a panel of judges select five finalists.

After our five finalists are chosen on December 4, they will complete a series of creative video challenges. We’ll even send field producers to their homes to help. The final challenge will take place in New York City, where the finalists will put together their own pilots. Ultimately, like all good social media ecosystems, users and their votes will decide which talent reigns supreme.

So, if you think you can be the next Ninja, submit your video today and maybe we’ll see you in New York in December!

Geraldine Martin-Coppola
Executive Producer, Yahoo! Studios