Websites that Pay Filmmakers for Videos
If you are a freelance "Preditor", meaning a Producer/Shooter/Editor, there are some great websites that will pay for producing videos for them. These sites usually require you to apply as a filmmaker, but once accepted you will be paid for the work you do. There is NO waiting to be paid based on video views. Here are some websites that are worth look:
1. Expert Village - This site produces "how to" videos, but they also offer side projects to their top filmmakers. They are loyal to those who do the best work, they pay weekly and pay via paypal. They are the number one video provider for online websites and average a million hits a day. Expert Village is owned and operated by Demand Media. These guys were involved in making Myspace what it is today, so they are more then just a little internet savvy. Pay per clip on "how to" videos is generally about $20, so If you do a series with one expert and can get 50 segments from the shoot, the money is pretty good. They only accept High Def submissions. You can check them out at www.expertvillage.com
2. Turn Here - This website produces one minute marketing promos for Yellowpages and AT & T. Again, you have to submit to be accepted as a filmmaker. Depending on where you live, the jobs may be many or few. They generally pay $225 per one minute promo you produce. They key to making this system work is making sure the company you are shooting is well prepared so you don't spend more then two hours tops at the location. Currently the pay 30 days after receiving the finished project and they pay by check. Rumor has it that they hope to start paying via Paypal soon. You will find them at www.tunrhere.com
3. MonkeySee - This is another "how to " video website, somewhat like Expert Village. Once you are approved as a filmmaker, they send you emails weekly of the topics they are looking to have videos produced for. You can also suggest topics for approval. They also pay $20 per clip.They pay once a week via paypal. www.monkeysee.com
4. Vimby -Vimby stands for "Video in my backyard." It's a bit harder to get accepted as a filmmaker for this website. They are on the look out for hip young filmmakers with a great knowledge about the happenings in thei particular city. Catagories include Nightlife, Music, Life, Sports, and such. I pay around $500 per story you produce. It's a website with a lot of personality. You can visit them at www.vimby.com
When production is slow, these websites provide great opportunities to keep filmmakers working and earning a living
