Thursday, June 25, 2009

Content on the Cheap

Another fine story of an entertainment company reaching out a helping hand to hungry artists.

Starz Digital Media announced the launch of ABEToons.com this week, the self-styled “source for independent, alternative and underground animation ...

Through August 31, animators can enter a two to six minute animated short in the contest, which is handing out $4,000 for first place, $1,000 and $500 for the top two runners-up, and $500 for the video with the highest view count.

Such a deal. And if you "win," they get to buy your film. (And -- I'm guessing here but I know how these things go -- all rights thereto. Neat, huh?)

There are ways of breaking into the business ... and then there are better ways.

On the other hand, it's a free country, and everybody is entitled to sell their sweat and inspiration for a nickel if they want to, but my advice is: Read the freaking fine print. Don't give away rights and ownership for a few thousand bucks. Better that you find a venue that gives you some real long-term upside, rather than donating work to a site that is paying peanuts.

My opinion, anyway.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is great! just like what FOX is doing. Although they a pay a few dollars more. Jeez.

They will get somebody's films though...

Anonymous said...

I'll be rushing to participate in this.

Anonymous said...

Hi Steve,

Perhaps, The Animation Guild can post a link to Legal Aid or Lawyers for Artists? Therfore, our members can make more informed judgements and be more effective in their negotiations?

If you haven't done this already, I hope you will.

Thanks.

Anonymous said...

www.hadisdefteri.com is begining of the world , thanks

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