diff --git a/src/as/com/threerings/flash/MediaContainer.as b/src/as/com/threerings/flash/MediaContainer.as
index 98c13276..487b2cdc 100644
--- a/src/as/com/threerings/flash/MediaContainer.as
+++ b/src/as/com/threerings/flash/MediaContainer.as
@@ -119,6 +119,7 @@ public class MediaContainer extends Sprite
         }
 
         // set up the new media
+        willShowNewMedia();
         if (StringUtil.endsWith(url.toLowerCase(), ".flv")) {
             setupVideo(url);
 
@@ -145,11 +146,21 @@ public class MediaContainer extends Sprite
             shutdown(false);
         }
 
+        willShowNewMedia();
         addChild(disp);
         _media = disp;
         updateContentDimensions(disp.width, disp.height);
     }
 
+    /**
+     * A place where subclasses can initialize things prior to showing
+     * new media.
+     */
+    protected function willShowNewMedia () :void
+    {
+        // nada in here
+    }
+
     /**
      * Configure this sprite to show a video.
      */