Want-to-be video stars and
content creators got a little help from Google Thursday. YouTube launched the YouTube Creator Institute in partnership with the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, and Columbia
College of Chicago.
Beginning this summer, U.S.-based students at the two schools will have the opportunity to participate in a series of media programs to develop digital media skills and
accelerate careers as a Hollywood YouTube star. Applications will be accepted nationwide through March 25.
The program will provide
content creators with educational courses and access to industry leaders, as well as some of the best film, TV and video professors in the business. The USC program, which runs from May 25 through
June 22, will pick 10 students. Columbia College will begin May 31 and run through July 22.
Both schools will offer online and on-campus components where YouTube Creator Institute students will
get experience in new media, from story arcing to cinematography, monetization strategies to social-media tactics. Students also will use new media tools, build audiences and be promoted globally.
Crowd-sourcing through the YouTube community, to determine who will attend the class in the true YouTube spirit, will run between March 28 and April 8. Applicants will be expected to answer two
questions and provide a two-minute demonstration of their craft. The leading candidates, by votes, will move on to the final round, where USC and Columbia College will determine each inaugural class
for their programs, to be announced on April 20.
Earlier this week, YouTube acquired Web TV production company Next New Networks, which made its fame from scouting for talent on YouTube. It was
the first step to turn the content host into the content creator.