Alan Saperstein
Alan Saperstein | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 1, 1959 Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, media executive |
| Known for | Streaming media pioneer, co-founder of Visual Data Corporation (Onstream Media) |
Alan Saperstein (born February 1, 1959) is an American entrepreneur and pioneer in streaming media and digital video technologies. He is credited with launching one of the first commercial video streaming services on the Internet, HotelView, in 1993.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Saperstein was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 1981 with a degree in cinematography.[2]
NFL Films and concert filmmaking innovation
[edit]Saperstein began his career at NFL Films in the early 1980s, where he served as Director of the Entertainment Division. From 1983 to 1988, he led a production team that repurposed NFL camera crews in the off-season to film major arena rock concerts for artists such as Journey, Billy Squier, Cyndi Lauper, Ronnie Dio, Thin Lizzy, and Bruce Springsteen.[3]
First use of Skycam in concert filming
[edit]In 1984, Saperstein became the first producer to integrate Skycam technology into live concert filming. A Billboard article from October 1984 noted that he rented the Skycam for $16,000 to film a Billy Squier concert, marking one of the earliest uses of the "flying" camera outside of experimental sports coverage.[3] "Skycam provided unique angles," he said. "It could fly low and then reel back up to the highest tier in the concert hall."
His crews also worked on Bruce Springsteen's 1984–85 Born in the U.S.A. stadium tour and worked on music videos for Michael Jackson. National press, including the Mix Magazine (November, 1986), reported on Springsteen's work with NFL Films.[4]
Streaming media
[edit]In 1992, as technology progressed, Saperstein co-founded Visual Data Corporation with Randy Selman. The company launched HotelView in 1993, an internet-based video library showcasing hotel properties. This was the beginning of webcasting.[1]
By 1998, the company introduced VisualWebcaster, allowing public companies to broadcast earnings calls and investor communications online. Visual Data later rebranded as Onstream Media Corporation in 2004.
In 2009, Onstream produced a notable pay-per-view online concert for The Allman Brothers Band’s 40th Anniversary at the Beacon Theatre.[5]
Virtual events
[edit]In 2011, Saperstein and Selman launched MarketPlace 365, a browser-based virtual trade show platform. Though initial adoption was modest, the platform proved instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]
Patents and recognition
[edit]Saperstein and Selman hold multiple patents in the field of streaming video technology, many of which have been cited in major litigation involving digital media companies.[7]
Current work
[edit]In 2023 Saperstein and Selman created Xcyte Digital, a global events technology company, specializing in next-generation applications for physical, hybrid, virtual, and immersive events for companies worldwide.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Visual Data Corporation's HotelView Begins Video Webcasting over the Internet : History of Information". HistoryOfInformation. Archived from the original on January 17, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Alan M Saperstein". Bloomberg. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Dupler, Steven (October 20, 1984). "Sound Investment" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 96, no. 42. p. 35. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ Daley, Dan (November 1986). "NFL Films: From Goalposts to Guitar" (PDF). Mix Magazine. Vol. 10, no. 11. p. 16. ISSN 0884-4720. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ "Allman Brothers Announce Beacon Theater Web Cast". Guitar World. February 27, 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ "Market Research Global Alliance to Go Virtual". EDN.com.
- ^ "Patent US12120452B2 – Onstream Media". Google Patents.
- ^ "About Xcyte Digital". XcyteDigital.com. Retrieved May 31, 2025.