Vimeo is launching a new program for independent filmmakers, promising to dole out up
to $500,000 to help them market their films if they have raised at least $10,000 from crowdfunding
sites. In exchange, the filmmakers must grant Vimeo an exclusive digital window on the site’s
on-demand service. The company said it will grant free one-year Pro accounts and access to
a $500,000 audience-development fund to help select filmmakers market their projects.
Vimeo said it will review “distribution-ready” films on crowdfunding platforms including
Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Seed&Spark and then pick projects that will receive Pro accounts
and marketing dollars. The company will create promotional campaigns on and off vimeo.com,
with selected partners receiving at least $10,000 in marketing funding. “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,” said Greg Clayman,
general manager of audience networks.
The Internet video company, a subsidiary of IAC, is timing the announcement for the Sundance
Film Festival. Vimeo On Demand, introduced last March, lets the service’s premium subscribers
sell content on their own terms. Vimeo offers a 90/10 revenue split, with 90% going to the content
owners. This month Vimeo added in-player transaction support, allowing creators to sell their
work on their own sites or embedded across the web.
Variety