Freelance Opportunities for Video Producers
About.com's online videos help millions of users learn new skills to improve their lives and reach their goals. Whether it's cooking a delicious recipe for your kids or trying a fun new workout, our videos are a trusted source of tips, advice and information. We are looking for passionate, experienced video producers to contribute premium video content.To become an Freelance Video Producer for About.com, an applicant starts by completing a Be a Producer application. If the application is selected, then the prospective freelance video producer may choose to submit one original HD test video based on a topic provided. Based on the test video, About.com will determine if it will offer an independent contractor services agreement to the Video Producer. Should the Video Producer accept the contract, About.com will pay the standard rate of $250 for the test video once the video meets About.com's standards as described in the services agreement. About.com may also offer the candidate the opportunity to produce more video content.
Interested in becoming an About.com Video Producer? Check out our application.
For reference, check out some great examples of About.com How-To Videos:
- Health: Warm-Up Stretches for Golf Weight Training
- Home and Garden: How to Replace a Wall Outlet With a GFCI
- Parenting: Cool Shaving Cream Egg Dye
- Style: Tips for Wearing Floral Jewelry
- Food: How to Make Sofrito
- Travel: Best Places to Visit in Morocco
FAQ
May I have other clients?Yes! This is not an offer for employment, but rather an opportunity to become an independent contractor for About. About expects its independent contractor video producers to have multiple clients and be actively engaged in video production outside of About.com.
How are About.com's video producers paid?
Depending on the video type, producers are paid $100-$350 per video. All videos are reviewed on spec. There is no payment for rejected videos. If you become an About.com producer, you will need to provide a completed W-9 form, which will be entered into our vendor payment system. The timing of payment is based on successful delivery to and approval by About.com.
Will I be paid for my test video?
If an independent contractor services agreement is offered by About.com and accepted by a prospective producer, and if all necessary paperwork is submitted, the producer will have an opportunity to make revisions (if required to conform to About's video content quality, technical, and style standards) to the test video to prepare it for publication. If the video is accepted for publication, the producer will be paid for the fee specified in the original test video spec. Prospective freelance producers are encouraged to closely review the terms of the independent contractor services agreement.
Do you reimburse producers for expenses, like hiring talent or buying supplies?
Test candidates and producers are responsible for all costs related to producing videos that they submit to About.com. Freelance producers are responsible for all expenses accrued related to the video's production.
How are video producers selected?
Qualified freelance video producers with experience in the field of online video production will be invited to produce a test video. Prospective freelance producers will work with one of About.com's Video Editors to choose a topic for a test video. At the sole discretion of the About.com Video Team, the prospective freelance producer will be considered for a producer opportunity.
How will the test video be evaluated?
Video Editors evaluate the production quality of the video (audio, camerawork, lighting, editing), as well as the content and how the information is presented. A Video Editor will review your test submission based on our quality guidelines and content criteria, and also answer any questions you have regarding About’s technical, style and quality requirements.
What are elements of a typical test video?
About.com videos are typically instructional, featuring quality, expert hosts, and using original video footage shot by the Producer. The majority of the video should be b-roll, not talking heads. About.com Videos usually run 1.5-2.5 minutes in length.
How long does the application process take?
If an applicant is chosen to create a test video, s/he will be given a test video topic and four weeks to return the test video. A Video Editor will typically review the test within two weeks of submission.
Can other About.com contractors apply to be Video Producers?
Our policy is that we do not enter into contracts with Freelance Video Producers who are also currently About.com Guides or Topic Writers. If you are already contracted with About.com and are an experienced on-camera host and are interested in appearing in About.com videos, please contact the video team and we can discuss potential options for presenting as a host in videos produced by an About.com Video Producer.
