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Author Topic: Video pricing  (Read 46728 times)

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« Reply #25 on: November 22, 2015, 12:40 »
+1
I have to post my frustration here. Just about at the end of the rope here for good!  I have 7,038 video files on Getty. In Oct. I sold 28 of those 28 18 were sold for 20bucks or less!  I think the future is curation with higher prices coming from hard to get unique content. I am formulating Plan B. 


« Reply #26 on: November 22, 2015, 12:56 »
0
I have to post my frustration here. Just about at the end of the rope here for good!  I have 7,038 video files on Getty. In Oct. I sold 28 of those 28 18 were sold for 20bucks or less!  I think the future is curation with higher prices coming from hard to get unique content. I am formulating Plan B.
Greetings, I may be getting people mixed up, so I apologize up front either way, but didn't you report within the last month or so how pleased you were with how many sales you were getting and the amounts you received for each sale? Not trying to call you out or anything, like everyone, I'm just trying to move through this minefield we find ourselves in as safely as possible. And yes I fully understand your frustration.

« Reply #27 on: November 22, 2015, 12:57 »
0
Very glad I jumped on 4K early on since I'm starting to win business from clients who are producing 4K TV documentary series. I just licensed 68 4K clips to a production - the market is certainly growing.

That's awesome. Congrats.

An anonymous account with 3 posts, I'm going to take that with a grain of salt...

Agreed, just giving benefit of doubt is all.
And I doubt the benefit ;)

« Reply #28 on: November 22, 2015, 13:12 »
+1
The last half of this year is very slow I did have one month in the summer that was decent. I am down around 12k on the year and frustrated. If I have a good month I post that as well. I only hope things turn around. I have been exclusive in video at iStock since 2006. I know this business and you can call me out anytime! Several changes at iStock has me worried and I do not want to be in a race to the bottom. I think curated sites like Stocksy are the future for serious full-time producers. This is not a hobby or side job for me so when I have several low months in a row durning high buying season it is a concern.

« Reply #29 on: November 22, 2015, 13:25 »
0
The last half of this year is very slow I did have one month in the summer that was decent. I am down around 12k on the year and frustrated. If I have a good month I post that as well. I only hope things turn around. I have been exclusive in video at iStock since 2006. I know this business and you can call me out anytime! Several changes at iStock has me worried and I do not want to be in a race to the bottom. I think curated sites like Stocksy are the future for serious full-time producers. This is not a hobby or side job for me so when I have several low months in a row durning high buying season it is a concern.
Thanks for sharing the info. Yes I agree, curated sites with a long term interest in both the vendor and and contributor is likely the way of the future if you want to survive the stock dystopia we live in now.

« Reply #30 on: November 22, 2015, 15:23 »
0
My sales with 4K at $199 are few and far between.
4k seems to be a bit of Field of Dreams scenario at the moment. I don't have a lot of it myself but I just don't hear of many sales of 4k at an any price.

Yes someone will jump in next post and tell me they have their BME because of 4k sales but I'm still sceptical.

indeed -- the entire 4K thing may either be a flop altogether, or it's at least way-premature to "push" the market in a direction that is neither supported nor warranted by surrounding technology.

Take a 4K video on YouTube, for example: does this stuff ever play well, does it play well on any (other) site on the Net, period? I don't think so, haven't seen it yet, and am not overly eager to do so because we ought to be a bit more down to earth with our resources and how we allocate them... And I am using a 100MBits/sec fiber optic line (that falls back to 10MBits/sec, but that is still way enough for playing all sorts of HD 1080 footage).

4K-supporting internet bandwidth for every rubbish, seriously? I mean, we are watching TV in 480x640 or similar stuff. And, no, don't get me wrong: I am not totally against all 4K, it may have its niche, and it may or may not develop from there in in the future -- but this is FUTURE not now. HD1080 is wayyy-sufficient for most everything, including stock, unless you dream of selling to IMAX-style productions or similar. (And even then you may be better off increasing the frame rate than the overall resolution -- and file size...)

As HD1080 is a big leap forward from mass-market TV, this should be sufficient for the time being.

So the 4K mania should be reserved for off-line DVDs or off-line feature films, and demo reel DVDs -- but these are not microstock. Of all these, there are not so many...

Conversely, this seems to be reflected in numbers and sales for 4K -- as in LLLOWWW.
« Last Edit: November 22, 2015, 15:35 by stuttershock »

« Reply #31 on: November 22, 2015, 19:39 »
+1
Very glad I jumped on 4K early on since I'm starting to win business from clients who are producing 4K TV documentary series. I just licensed 68 4K clips to a production - the market is certainly growing.

That's awesome. Congrats.

An anonymous account with 3 posts, I'm going to take that with a grain of salt...

I've been reading the forums for a while and finally decided to sign up and join the discussion. I can tell you, in certain niches 4K is taking off. Now large deals like that I mentioned don't come along every day however this year I've won a lot of business from 4K productions and more inquiries are coming in (they don't always end in a deal of course.)

Edit: thanks Mantis for your reply earlier!

Cheers,

James - "Earth Uncut TV" on Pond5 and Youtube
« Last Edit: November 22, 2015, 21:20 by thepokergod »

« Reply #32 on: November 22, 2015, 20:57 »
0
We have in our neighbourhood a video store. One of those good old fashioned ones that has all the new releases for  you to rent. I like the place and support it when I can. The thing is, it's greatest amount of shelf space is still dedicated to DVDs, not Blu Ray. Maybe it's the cliental or something else. But the far majority don't even bother to rent on BluRay.

« Reply #33 on: November 22, 2015, 21:12 »
+1
Remember 4K isn't just about what's transmitted to your TV or computer over the internet - it's just as much about the added versatility editors get, even if they're working on HD productions. There's a lot more you can do with a 4K video clip.

My HD sales still far outweigh my 4K sales and I anticipate that to be the case for the next couple of years. But it's been a pleasant surprise to see my 4K material being licensed in larger quantities than originally expected, so soon and at a good price. If and when 4K becomes mainstream my aim will be to have a full stocked portfolio of 4K shots which surpasses the competition.

I'm certainly thankful I didn't jump on the 3D bandwagon and invest in that direction  ;)
« Last Edit: November 22, 2015, 21:18 by thepokergod »

« Reply #34 on: November 22, 2015, 23:43 »
0
Remember 4K isn't just about what's transmitted to your TV or computer over the internet - it's just as much about the added versatility editors get, even if they're working on HD productions. There's a lot more you can do with a 4K video clip.

My HD sales still far outweigh my 4K sales and I anticipate that to be the case for the next couple of years. But it's been a pleasant surprise to see my 4K material being licensed in larger quantities than originally expected, so soon and at a good price. If and when 4K becomes mainstream my aim will be to have a full stocked portfolio of 4K shots which surpasses the competition.

I'm certainly thankful I didn't jump on the 3D bandwagon and invest in that direction  ;)

Great port...are you a news cameraman?

« Reply #35 on: November 22, 2015, 23:54 »
0
Thanks emblem.

I'm primarily a stock footage shooter however I often supply footage to news organisations as and when events unfold. Stock footage commands a far better price than the news market - unless you're shooting UFOs etc!

op

« Reply #36 on: November 23, 2015, 06:55 »
0
Why shoot HD when you can shoot 4K. It is future proof. All my port is 4K since 2013.

« Reply #37 on: November 23, 2015, 14:32 »
+1
We have in our neighbourhood a video store. One of those good old fashioned ones that has all the new releases for  you to rent. I like the place and support it when I can. The thing is, it's greatest amount of shelf space is still dedicated to DVDs, not Blu Ray. Maybe it's the cliental or something else. But the far majority don't even bother to rent on BluRay.
The difference between DVD and Blu Ray wasn't enough for most people but 4k takes it to another level.  Blu Ray will lose out, people will probably go from watching DVD's to streaming 4k, if the internet can cope.

« Reply #38 on: November 23, 2015, 15:06 »
+2
We have in our neighbourhood a video store. One of those good old fashioned ones that has all the new releases for  you to rent. I like the place and support it when I can. The thing is, it's greatest amount of shelf space is still dedicated to DVDs, not Blu Ray. Maybe it's the cliental or something else. But the far majority don't even bother to rent on BluRay.
The difference between DVD and Blu Ray wasn't enough for most people but 4k takes it to another level.  Blu Ray will lose out, people will probably go from watching DVD's to streaming 4k, if the internet can cope.
I actually hope you're right but have my doubts. Program viewing is a pacifier to most people. Good 3D starts to fade as anything unique by mid movie. I make a point of seeing the regular version over 3d now. I remember thinking with Avatar how cool the 3D effect was but honestly couldn't see it anymore after a while. I guess I see 4k similarly. Yes everyone goes "wow this is so cool" but it's always about the content first.

« Reply #39 on: November 24, 2015, 04:02 »
0
I think 4k is much more appealing than 3D.  No glasses required, it doesn't hurt your eyes and it looks great.  With so many 4k video cameras out, I think it has to take off.

weathernewsonline

« Reply #40 on: November 24, 2015, 08:27 »
0
I think 4k is much more appealing than 3D.  No glasses required, it doesn't hurt your eyes and it looks great.  With so many 4k video cameras out, I think it has to take off.

You are probably right, the cameras are everywhere now from consumer level to pro.  Might be a slow take off though due to all the other upgrades needed including storage, storage is a problem, those files are huge and upgrading is not cheap.

weathernewsonline

« Reply #41 on: November 24, 2015, 08:39 »
0
The last half of this year is very slow I did have one month in the summer that was decent. I am down around 12k on the year and frustrated. If I have a good month I post that as well. I only hope things turn around. I have been exclusive in video at iStock since 2006. I know this business and you can call me out anytime! Several changes at iStock has me worried and I do not want to be in a race to the bottom. I think curated sites like Stocksy are the future for serious full-time producers. This is not a hobby or side job for me so when I have several low months in a row durning high buying season it is a concern.

Maybe it's time to upload ALL of your content to VB and P5 and at while VB still locks you in at $49 you get 100% commission at P5 you can get right out of the race to the bottom and set your own price.  Videoblocks has been bringing healthy sales for me as has Pond 5 and I have recently raise prices. 

If all the agencies raised prices to at least what I have raised mine to on P5 then the customers would pay, it's like gas stations, if all four stations on all four corners raise the price of gas at midnight I have pretty much no choice but to pay that price at one of them.  Yes there is grumbling but when I can't get it cheaper anywhere I have no choice.

I don't advocate pricing too high as that will price some customers out of the market and some will just do without but I'd go for something in the middle, after all, they are getting a good deal anyways compared with the cost of having to have something shot for them.   Race to the bottom is not sustainable for the agencies or us, the agencies have massive costs as well for storage and servers, 4K is coming.....time to raise the prices of the commodity.


« Reply #42 on: November 24, 2015, 09:46 »
+2
We have in our neighbourhood a video store. One of those good old fashioned ones that has all the new releases for  you to rent. I like the place and support it when I can. The thing is, it's greatest amount of shelf space is still dedicated to DVDs, not Blu Ray. Maybe it's the cliental or something else. But the far majority don't even bother to rent on BluRay.
The difference between DVD and Blu Ray wasn't enough for most people but 4k takes it to another level.  Blu Ray will lose out, people will probably go from watching DVD's to streaming 4k, if the internet can cope.

I disagree.  The difference between standard and HD is huge.  The current resolution is enough that I can't see the pixels from my couch.  Adding more pixels won't change that.

op

« Reply #43 on: November 24, 2015, 12:38 »
0
We have in our neighbourhood a video store. One of those good old fashioned ones that has all the new releases for  you to rent. I like the place and support it when I can. The thing is, it's greatest amount of shelf space is still dedicated to DVDs, not Blu Ray. Maybe it's the cliental or something else. But the far majority don't even bother to rent on BluRay.
The difference between DVD and Blu Ray wasn't enough for most people but 4k takes it to another level.  Blu Ray will lose out, people will probably go from watching DVD's to streaming 4k, if the internet can cope.

I disagree.  The difference between standard and HD is huge.  The current resolution is enough that I can't see the pixels from my couch.  Adding more pixels won't change that.

The difference is as huge as the difference between standard and HD. Just go to any store and it is obvious. HD also looks like **** on my computer's retina screen. It is all about resolution and pixel density.

« Reply #44 on: November 24, 2015, 13:55 »
0
All I can say is what I see when I walk into Costco or Target and see the demo sets.  Looks like slightly clearer HD.  Not the miracle difference between HD and standard.

« Reply #45 on: November 24, 2015, 16:24 »
0
All I can say is what I see when I walk into Costco or Target and see the demo sets.  Looks like slightly clearer HD.  Not the miracle difference between HD and standard.
I agree there is a big difference between  DVD and HD, but we're visual artists, we see it. My point was that even though HD(Blu Ray) is readily available, and I would think that if you are going to rent a movie you would rent the HD version and enjoy the much nicer picture, this doesn't seem to be the case. Most people just rent the DVD. I expected DVDs to experience the same rate of decline from Blu Ray as VHS did with DVD. I hasn't. So I am going to believe there is a coming 4k revolution. No

op

« Reply #46 on: November 24, 2015, 16:55 »
0
It is not a revolution, just an evolution. And 8K is next.

I don't know for America but in France or Korea, I haven't seen a DVD for years. And Blu-ray had no chance to replace it. People just want VOD or streams and those are HD for quite some time ago already.

weathernewsonline

« Reply #47 on: November 29, 2015, 17:47 »
+1
Quick update on the original topic of this thread, I am into week two of the new pricing and no plans to turn back and rejoin the race to the bottom yet, record sales and revenue since I made the changes.....not looking back.

weathernewsonline

« Reply #48 on: November 29, 2015, 17:54 »
+1
The last half of this year is very slow I did have one month in the summer that was decent. I am down around 12k on the year and frustrated. If I have a good month I post that as well. I only hope things turn around. I have been exclusive in video at iStock since 2006. I know this business and you can call me out anytime! Several changes at iStock has me worried and I do not want to be in a race to the bottom. I think curated sites like Stocksy are the future for serious full-time producers. This is not a hobby or side job for me so when I have several low months in a row durning high buying season it is a concern.

Not sure if you do video or stills or both but you can come to videoblocks and get 100% commission and also Pond5 which does photos and video and lets you set an appropriate price for your work as opposed to agencies that sell it for next to nothing and give even less to the contributor.

I am on three sites, P5, VB, SS and thinking about a 4th but my goal is to get all of my content on three sites but I can tell you that my record sales and revenue are coming from VB and P5. 

When I say record I don't mean I am getting rich and out of debt in a month but I have seen a huge turnaround, cautiously optimistic but I have to keep the pedal to the floor, not out of the woods yet.   

Something I noticed when I raised my prices to a more middle-tier pricing on P5 was my clip views dropped in half but my sales and revenue went up by double.  I am wondering if at low prices we get more buyers browsing but less actually buying, at the higher prices maybe more serious buyers coming through the door?.

« Reply #49 on: November 29, 2015, 20:47 »
0
Glad to hear your sales are doing well - October to early December is traditional a bumper period for stock footage sales before the holidays kick in.

If you're going to do any price experiments it's worth running them for at least 6 months - comparing data over a week or two is pretty meaningless since the stock footage market is generally a roller coaster for most people. Great one week, quiet the next.


 

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