- What is the Demand Media Filmmaker Program?
The Demand Media Filmmaker Program is a program that allows independent video producers to make money producing instructional content for ExpertVillage.com, and other Demand Media properties. Not only will you be making money, and gaining worldwide exposure for your videos, but you will be helping millions of visitors answer their "how-to" questions.
- What are the Terms for Participating in the Demand Media Filmmaker Program?
In order to participate in the Demand Media Filmmaker Program, you must agree to the terms and conditions located here.
- How does the program work?
After signing up, you be listed as a "New Filmmaker," and you will be able to check-out one assignment from our Available Assignments list. Within this assignment, you will be given a list of required clip titles (around 15) that you will use to create, 1-3 minute, video clips featuring an expert in this field. Once you have completed the Assignment you mail the required deliverables to us for review and then promptly receive your payment. Once you have submitted your first assignment, our production staff will review the submission and give Certified Filmmaker status to those who meet our criteria.
- What is an example of an Expert Village Assignment?
A typical Expert Village Assignment will start with a general topic, and then give a list of required video clips. For example, you might see an Assignment that is listed as Car Maintenance with required topics such as "How do I check the air in my tires?" or "How do I change my oil?" A good example of how this format works can be found by watching our Fitness Kickboxing series here. For this assignment Fitness Kickboxing would have been the general topic, with "Kickboxing Stance" and "Kickboxing Punches" being examples of the individual video clips.
- How much do you pay per Assignment?
Our average payment per assignment is $300, but we have assignments that range from $100 to $1,000. The pay per Assignment is based on two factors, the clip scale and the number of clips requested. For more difficult assignments we may pay a higher clip scale, but expect you to complete a fewer number of clips. Likewise, for easier assignments, we may pay a lower clip scale, but expect a higher number of clips. The clip scale, and number of clips requested can be found on the Available Assignments page.
- My assignment calls for X number of clips. Can I produce more or less?
Each assignment will give you a maximum number of clips that you may produce. You will not be able to exceed this number, but you will be able to produce less than the maximum number of clips, if you are not able to cover all of the required topics.
- My assignment has a maximum of 15 clips, but only 10 clip titles were provided. What do I do for the other 5?
Occasionally, we will only be able to provide you with a portion of the maximum number of clips. If this is the case, please work with your expert to come up with the remaining clip titles.
- How will I get paid?
Demand Media pays all of our filmmakers through PayPal, because it is faster and more reliable than the mail. Payment will be made each Wednesday, for all Assignments received the previous week. It is very important that you use the same email address for Demand Media and PayPal so there is no confusion with getting you your payment. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can sign up for one here. Please contact us with any special request you have regarding payment.
- What type of equipment do I need to have to produce video for Demand Media?
First and foremost you need a professional level camera. While the video quality certain consumer cameras may be acceptable for our site, these cameras will not have the audio capabilities of their professional counterparts. Since we require all of our videos to be shot with a professional external microphone, you will need a camera that can accommodate one. Acceptable cameras include the Canon XL1(XL2), GL1(GL2), XH-A1, XL-H1, or a comparable model from Sony, Panasonic, JVC or another manufacturer. You will also need a good tripod, and a lavalier, or a shotgun mic (and a friend to help boom). If you have a question about your specific equipment, don't hesitate to Contact us.
- Am I responsible for finding my own Expert?
Yes. If you don't already know someone who is a credible expert in the topic of your Assignment, these are some suggestions for finding one.
- Visit small and medium businesses. If you've checked out an Assignment on Yoga, look up your local Yoga Studio and approach them about the video. Most businesses are eager to participate in exchange for promotion. We will put a URL for their business on every page that contains one of their videos. Additionally, they will be able to embed their Expert Village videos into their own site, so they will be getting professionally produced videos made for their site at no cost to them.
- Pay someone. While it will benefit you to find someone who will do the videos for free, this will not always be the case. If you've checked out an Assignment on Housecleaning, hire a maid for an hour and pay them for their time out of the money you make from the Assignment. Craigslist and your local classifieds are good places to find service based Experts.
- What makes an Expert "credible"?
When in doubt, ask us first. Certification, education and years of experience factor heavily into determining credibility. Just because someone can demonstrate the topic doesn't necessarily make them an expert. You friend who knows how to change the oil on his car probably isn't a "Car Maintenance Expert", but the ASE certified mechanic with 20 years of experience at your local garage probably is. Some of the Assignments will be less cut and dry as to who qualifies as an Expert. There is not an association or certification that makes you an expert on "Laundry Tips", but a mother of 5 children would definitely count as an Expert.
- How did you come up with the list of Assignments?
The Demand Media staff complies the list of assignments based on popular search terms and concepts that lend themselves well to this medium. While we strive to keep the list as updated as possible, we greatly appreciate any input on Assignments you would like to see added.
- Can I suggest an Assignment that's not on the list?
Yes. There is a link to "Suggest an Assignment" in the left-hand navigation box. Fill in all the necessary information and a Demand Media staff member will review your suggestion. If approved, your suggested assignment will be added to your My Assignments page. We only approve a small percentage of all suggested topics, so please provide as much detail as possible to give your topic the best chance of being approved.
- Can I check out more than 1 topic at a time?
As a New Filmmaker, you will only be allowed 1 assignment at a time. Once you have completed your first Assignment, the Expert Village staff will consider you for a promotion to "Certified Filmmaker." Being a Certified Filmmaker will allow you to check out up to 2 assignments at a time, and suggest an unlimited number of topics. From here, you will be in consideration for promotion to "Preferred Filmmaker" status, wich will allow you to check out up to 10 assignments at a time, as well as the option to produce premium assignments available only to those with Preferred status.
- I am an expert on something, can I film myself?
We don't recommend it. It can be incredibly difficult to properly shoot the Assignment, and be the on-screen talent at the same time. We will make an exception in the event that you are extremely well qualified, but for the most part, we will not approve requests that have the filmmaker listed as the expert.
- What happens if I am going to miss my due date?
Contact us explaining the details and we will do our best to accommodate you. We do reserve the right to cancel any assignment from your My Assignments page if it is past the due date.
- What release forms do you require me to submit?
As a part of your deliverables, we require that you submit signed and dated copies of the following forms.
- Appearance Release - This mist be signed by everyone that appears in your videos. This includes your Expert.
- Location Release - This must be filled out by the location that you film at. It is generally not required for public locations, but when in doubt, get it signed.
- W-9 (US Citizen) or W-8ECI (Non-US Citizen) - In order for us to pay you, we must have a copy of the proper IRS tax form on file.
- Can I use previously shot footage?
Yes, but only if you own the complete rights to it. If you have shot something previously that will add value to your Assignment then you are welcome to use it. Keep in mind though that we still need the Appearance Releases from anyone appearing in previously shot footage. If you have a special situation regarding previously shot footage, please contact us at filmmaker@expertvillage.com so we can accommodate you.
- What if my Expert/Location refuses to sign the release form?
Given the thorough nature of our release forms, this may happen on occasion. We will handle these types of incidents on a one-off basis. Will we not be able to accept Assignments without the completed set of release forms though, so make sure that you get everyone to read the releases BEFORE you begin filming.
- Can you choose not to accept my Assignment?
Yes. While we don't ever want to reject an Assignment that you've put so much effort into, we do reserve the right to do so. Some of the reasons we might reject a video are:
- Technical Quality - You need to make sure that you're audio levels are good and clear. Bad audio would be the number one technical reason we would reject a video. If we can't understand what the Expert is saying, this videos are useless to us.
- Expert Quality - The Expert you use needs to be a qualified Expert. Take care in making sure that the person is well-qualified to be giving advice on their particular subject. This is why we have you submit the Expert's bio. If you have questions contact us BEFORE filming.
For all complete submissions that include all necessary releases, and adhere to the format of Expert Village, that we do not accept, we will pay a one-time, $50 non-acceptance fee as outlined in the Terms and Conditions. Keep in mind that this is a one-time fee, and that you are only eligible to receive it one time.
- What do I need to submit in order for Demand Media to accept my Assignment?
For each Assignment, your deliverables will be:
- DVD(s) with a full resolution QuickTime file of each of the 15 edited clips. We will add all of the necessary Expert Village Graphics.
- A 50-100 word bio of the Expert, complete with any necessary URLs;
- The necessary, completed release forms.
All of these items must sent through FedEx to us (we will provide you with a FedEx Account Number) and you will need to provide us with the FedEx tracking number.
- Why do you require me to send my deliverables through FedEx?
We require that you send your deliverables through FedEx, because it is the easiest way for us to track and locate each assignment. We provide you with a FedEx account number, so there is no additional charge to you.
- What happens to my videos once they are submitted?
Once we receive your deliverables, we will have an Demand Media staff member review them and then submit them for payment. We will contact you if we have any questions or need anything additional from you. You can check the status of submitted assignments on your "My Assignments" page. Your assignment will be marked "received" once we have received the deliverables, and "paid" once we have processed your PayPal payment. You can expect your videos to appear on our site within 2 weeks.
- My Expert would like to promote their business in exchange for doing the videos.
We're more than happy to let the Expert promote themselves or their business in their videos. Every time their video is played, their bio will appear alongside it, so please make sure that you supply a link to the Expert's website so that we can put that with the bio. If the Expert would like to promote themselves on camera, they can do that as well. Refer to the Production Guidelines located on the Filmmaker Files page.
- Am I responsible for paying taxes?
Yes. All of the work you do for us will be subject to IRS regulations, so you may be required to pay taxes on work you complete for us.
- Can I submit the completed videos to another site?
No. The footage release that you sign gives us the exclusive copyright to the videos, so you may not post them to another video sharing site. Doing so would imply that you own the copyright of the video, and you will be violating the terms of use for these sites. You will however, be able to use our embedded player to post your videos on any website you choose.
- Can I use the videos as part of my work reel?
Yes. While we own the copyrights to the videos, you are more than welcome to use them for self-promotion in an online or physical demo reel.
- Can I make a copy of the videos for the Expert's personal use?
No, but the expert is free to use the embeddable player to put the videos on their site.
- Who is Expert Village?
Expert Village is owned by Demand Media. More information can be found here.
- What is a Certified Filmmaker, and how do I become one?
A Certified Filmmaker is someone who demonstrates a solid technical background in filmmaking, while adhering to the specific guidelines of the Demand Media Filmmaker Program. Our staff will thouroughly review all submissions from New Filmmakers in consideration for Certified status, and provide those filmmakers with specific feedback. Once you become a Certified Filmmaker, you will be able to check out multiple assignments, and be eligible for Preferred Filmmaker status, which allows you to check out 10 assignments at one time, and access our premium assignments.
- I submitted my first assignment, but was not given Certified Filmmaker status. What now?
Our goal is to promote all of our filmmakers to Certified Filmmaker status, so we will work with all New Filmmakers to help get their work up to that level. There is no limit to the length of time you can remain a New Filmmaker, but remember, you will only be allowed to check out one assignment at a time.
- My assignment calls for 15 clips, but I'm still confused. What exactly do you want?
We are not looking for 15 different shots on one demonstration. We are looking for 15 separate clips that are each 1-3 minutes in length. See an example here. In this example the Assignment would have been Kickboxing, and the filmmaker would have created all the clips, from "Kickboxing Technique: Stance" to "Kickboxing Demonstration Video" as the 15 separate clips.