Vimeo releases six videos for pay-to-view service preview
Users can purchase the movies through the Web site and watch them on any compatible device, including smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and connected TVs.
Vimeo today released six full-length films as part of a preview for its new pay-to-view service coming early next year.
The company said in a blog post that customers can purchase the movies on Vimeo and watch them on any compatible device, including smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and connected TVs.
"Our goal is to provide an open and flexible platform that allows all creators and content owners to earn revenue directly from their audiences," Vimeo CEO Kerry Trainor said in a statement.
Vimeo, owned by IAC/InterActiveCorp, is a video-sharing Web site that allows users to upload and stream video. It started out as a way for filmmakers to share their creative work and has evolved to reach a global audience of about 85 million people each month.The site has traditionally offered free content, but it has been taking steps in the past few months to help filmmakers generate more money from their work through "Vimeo Creator Services." One feature launched in September was "Tip Jar," which allows viewers to make small cash payments to creators to show their appreciation for their work.
Another feature, the pay-to-view service, gives video creators flexible tools to charge for access to their films. Vimeo noted the pay-to-view service "enables creators to upload and distribute work that they depend on for their livelihood, all with easy setup and affordable rates." The filmmakers are able to sell their work directly to global audiences while controlling pricing, viewing periods, release geography, and bonus content features.
Vimeo plans to release the pay-to-view service to all Vimeo Pro members early next year. Pro was designed for small businesses and marketers that need video hosting.
• "Sons of the Clouds: The Last Colony" -- a documentary about the political and human rights issues facing the people of the Western Sahara.
• "We Are Legion: The Story of Hacktivists" -- a documentary that takes viewers inside the complex culture and history of Anonymous.
• "Beauty is Embarrassing" -- a documentary featuring the life and current times of American artist Wayne White.
• "Sunny" -- an action sports film featuring Tom Wallisch, Parker White, and others skiing.
• "Jeremy Jones' Further" -- explores some of the world's remote mountain terrain while continuing Jones' mission to camp deep in the backcountry.
• "Shut Up and Play the Hits" -- a film that captures both LCD Soundsystem's last concert and serves as an intimate portrait of front man James Murphy as he navigates the 48 hours surrounding the show.
The videos range in price from $4.99 to $9.
"These films -- hand-picked by us and thereby deemed certifiably awesome -- are exemplars of a new age of creative sustainability, one in which creators can sell their own work directly to their fans on their own terms," Vimeo's Jeremy Boxer said in the blog post.