Vimeo wants to fund indie films to expand on-demand business

Vimeo wants to help out independent film producers at the same time broaden its Vimeo On Demand by giving filmmakers premiering their feature-length movies at the Toronto International Film Festival this week a $10,000 advance if they agree to distribute their films through the platform.

It’s not exactly enough to shoot most films but it is important to note that the 150 eligible movies showing at the festival have already been shot so the money can go to promotions. Vimeo On Demand offers the film creators a 90 percent cut of any sales and those who opt for the $10,000 advance agree to giving Vimeo a 30-day digital exclusive. This means they can go through traditional distribution channels after the 30-day period is over or once the initial $10,000 has been recouped. Filmmakers have to set a minimum download price of $4.99 on the platform.