We present a simple framework for multicasting video in an active network, in which we overcome heterogeneity in the quality requests by filtering the video stream at some properly located active nodes. The framework includes the requirements for the underlying active network and outlines the video multicast application. We then introduce a heuristic algorithm for electing the filtering nodes to conform a multicast distribution tree, in which we use an objective function to, for example, minimize the required bandwidth. We evaluate the performance of our algorithm comparing it with simulcast and layered encoded transmission through simulation experiments, showing some advantages of using active filtering.