Vimeo is putting movie creators on notice. The online streaming video service is looking for films that have raised at least $10,000 in crowdfunding efforts. The goal? To get those movies to grant Vimeo exclusive rights for a set window of time. Vimeo wants to become the preeminent online hub for streaming crowdfunded films.
In exchange for exclusive rights, Vimeo is offering filmmakers access to a $500,000 “Audience Development Fund” for help marketing the fruits of their labor. In addition to marketing money, participants will also receive a Vimeo Pro account for one year. Selected partners will receive a total of at least $10,000 to help in marketing their films, and Vimeo will facilitate marketing initiatives both on vimeo.com and around the web.
In order to be eligible, crowdfunders would have had to raise at least $10,000 on a platform of their choosing; think Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Seed&Spark.
“Vimeo is committed to empowering filmmakers with the world’s best platform for direct distribution,” said Vimeo General Manager of Audience Networks, Greg Clayman. “While crowdfunding has changed the game in getting films made, Vimeo is taking the next step supporting filmmakers to get their work seen and purchased on Vimeo and across the web.”
Vimeo will be displaying crowdfunded films using their Vimeo on Demand service, which wraps Vimeo’s streaming service with some e-commerce-powered tools that allow content creators to monetize their work.
