A method (400) for online collaboration among users at different locations sharing common motion imagery (302). The method involves storing data defining the motion imagery (MID) in a data store (104) associated with a motion image server (MIS) and communicating the motion imagery to a first client device (FCD). The method also involves generating at the FCD (106) an annotation (304, . . . , 308) capable of being displayed together with the motion imagery. The annotation is defined by metadata distinct from the MID and containing information to associate the metadata with the motion imagery. The method further involves communicating the metadata to the MIS (102), storing the metadata in the data store, and communicating the MID and the metadata to a second client device (SCD). The SCD (108) selectively displays the annotation together with the motion imagery in response to an input command of a second user.