Philadelphia-based XLNTads has launched Poptent, an online social platform designed to connect independent videographers to advertisers that want video content. The startup launched in public beta on October 8.
Poptent works on several levels. Videographers can upload videos and showcase their portfolio by signing up as members (or “creators” as the site calls them). Advertisers (called “brands” on the site) can view a member’s profile and hire them for an assignment directly if they like their work. Also, members can view each other’s work and find potential collaborators.
The site also hosts assignments from advertisers. In this case, advertisers pay a fee (about $25,000, which includes assignment management and promotion) to post an assignment on Poptent, complete with descriptions of what they want and logos for videographers to use. Poptent members can then make and submit ads for the assignment, and if an advertiser finds something they like they can buy it.
For example, currently listed on the site is an assignment from Brand Affinity Technologies looking for a 30-second video ad aimed at convincing advertisers why baseball Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson is a good talent choice. The media company says it will purchase two videos at $1,000 each, and the deadline is November 7.
Poptent also uses a “following” system that lets videographers keep track of brands they like and in turn allows brands to follow and view portfolios of videographers. Members can also follow one another and find collaborators through threaded discussions, private video sharing and media versioning. A ‘search’ function on the site allows users to better locate videographers by region.
“Poptent is the only one-stop shop for everything a videographer needs to manage projects from start to finish,” says Mark Schoneveld, community manager of Poptent. “Whether members are trying to break into professional commercial work or simply meet people who share their passion, Poptent has the tools to showcase video creative talent like never before.”
Source: Mark Schoneveld, Poptent
Writer: John Davidson
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