Shopflick Filmmakers Marketplace FAQ

What is the Shopflick Filmmakers Marketplace?

• The Shopflick Filmmakers Marketplace provides a place for filmmakers to find creative, challenging and paying work in their communities. Through the Marketplace, filmmakers are matched with local merchants, designers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to create compelling videos about who they are and what they sell.

How do I sign up?

• Signing up is easy. First, register on Shopflick and get a Shopflick username. Then, simply fill out and submit the SfM Application located on the Filmmakers Resource Page, and wait to receive an e-mail confirmation from our staff.

How much does it cost?

• Signing up, and membership, is free for all filmmakers.

How long does my membership last?

• As long as your feedback indicates that you are producing quality video in a timely manner in accordance with SfM policies, then your membership will continue until you terminate it. Shopflick has the right to terminate your membership if we determine that you are not meeting this basic standard.

Where can I find a complete set of the requirements, guidelines, and forms I need to be a Shopflick Filmmaker?

• The information in this FAQ is not enough for an active, informed Shopflick Filmmaker. Click on this link SfM Requirements & Guidelines and download our pdf that contains a full set of requirements and guidelines. Be sure to check back frequently as we are continually updating and adding to it. Also, please visit our Filmmakers Blog to find more filmmaking tips, example videos and user comments.

What are the basic equipment requirements?

• Shopflick Filmmaker's Marketplace members must have the following equipment:
  • 3-CCD video camera (All video should be in SD, NTSC, 4:3)
  • Tripod
  • External microphone (shotgun, lavalier)
  • Small Lighting Package
  • Digital Still Camera
  • Computer with Professional Editing Software
  • Headphones
  (See Equipment in our SfM Requirements & Guidelines for complete information.)

How much experience do I need to be a Shopflick Filmmaker?

• The SfM is committed to creating a community of Filmmakers who can learn and grow from each other. However, you should be comfortable with the different technical elements of production. You should know how to set up lights, properly use sound equipment, frame a shot, and edit simple videos. Less experienced Filmmakers will go through a learning process that will increase their Filmmaker Rating, resulting in more jobs and more money for each assignment (see FAQ below).

How will I find out if I've been accepted?

• You will receive an email confirmation of your acceptance in the SfM soon after you apply.

Can I set up a Filmmakers Store on Shopflick?

• In the near future, each Filmmaker will have a Store on Shopflick. Shopflick users will be able to search for you, see samples of your work, exchange messages, arrange and complete a transaction for your services, and provide feedback -- all through your Filmmaker Store. In the meantime, the SfM staff will perform this function on your behalf. We will notify you when this feature is available.

How many videos are included in an assignment?

• An assignment is one shooting session during which you shoot enough footage to create a short "profile" video and up to 6 "product listing" videos by editing the footage. (Peruse Shopflick.com and it will quickly become clear what we're looking for (and while you are there, buy something nice for yourself!) A "rough cut" (first draft) and a "final cut" will be required for each of these videos. See the FAQ below and Editing and Delivering Completed Videos in the SfM Requirements & Guidelines for complete information.

How do I get an assignment?

• We will email you Assignments as they are received. (In the future, you will get assignments through your Shopflick Store.) They will be assigned according to geographic location, your indicated availability, your suitability for the assignment, and your Filmmaker Rating.

How far in advance will I hear about an assignment?

• We will let you know about a shoot as far ahead of time as possible. We will make every effort to provide you with at least one weeks notice before a Video Assignment shoot date.

How do I accept/decline an assignment?

• You will receive an SfM Assignment Form in which you will be able to either accept or decline the Video Assignment. If you accept you will be sent an Assignment Confirmation. If you Decline you will not receive any further information regarding this particular Assignment. Remember, you must accept an assignment within the time frame indicated in the Assignment Form or we will assume you have declined.

How much will I be paid for an assignment?

• You will be paid according to your Filmmaker Rating on the Rate Card. All SfM Filmmakers must observe the Rate Card pricing scale. It is designed to make quality video available to many merchants and entrepreneurs. The Shopflick Filmmakers Marketplace offers four Filmmaker Rating levels, each with an applicable Rate Card: (1) Student; (2) Standard; (3) Preferred or (4) Shopflick Pro. Shopflick will assign Filmmakers a Rating based on their work, experience, credits and status. (The Rate Card is available from the Filmmaker Resources Page and the SfM Requirements & Guidelines) .

How can I increase my Filmmaker Rating?

• Student and Standard Filmmakers may progress to Preferred status by showing a Shopflick track record of quality work, which is reflected by earning positive feedback from Shopflick sellers and from the SfM's review of your work. Preferred Filmmakers must be invited by Shopflick to become a Shopflick Pro.

How and when will I be paid?

• All Filmmakers must have a Paypal account (For information on how to open a Paypal Account, see www.paypal.com). Payment will be made upon completion of the assignment: this includes all filming and editing necessary for delivery of the Final Cut Profile and Final Cut Product Videos. Once these Final Versions are successfully uploaded to your Sellers FTP Site Folder (See "Editing and Delivering Completed Videos" in our SfM Requirements & Guidelines) you will receive an invoice from Shopflick. It will contain the information necessary for you to receive Seller/Shopflick payment via your personal Paypal account...

How many jobs a month can I expect?

• Shopflick is a new and rapidly growing community so it is difficult to predict. However, once we are up and running, if you are a Filmmaker in good standing, you may find a continuous volume of work from our community of Sellers.

How many hours can I expect to put in to each assignment?

• Our experience is that, with practice, an assignment can be shot in 2-3 hours and edited/delivered in 6-8 hours. The first assignment or two may take longer. As you become more accustomed to the Shopflick shooting style, the interview questions, and the editing/uploading process, the time required for each assignment should significantly decrease.

Will I be in direct contact with the client Seller?

• Until you accept your Assignment Form you will not be in direct contact with the Seller. However, the Assignment Confirmation form will have the Seller's contact information. You should contact them to finalize scheduling and preparation specifics. The Seller is your client, and you are responsible for working with them to get the best possible product. Preparation is key to a successful shoot! Therefore, make sure to contact them about the shoot before it is scheduled. This way you can confirm the date and time, and talk to them about simple things they can do to increase the quality of the videos (e.g. by having the seller in models, preparing their shop, preparing the products to be shot, looking over interview questions, etc) ahead of time. Maintain the appropriate level of communication with your Seller clients; this relationship and your ability to help them prepare for the shoot is critical for success. Ultimately, the relationship you develop with the seller directly affects your Filmmaker Rating.

What paperwork do I need between me and the client Seller?

• You should be working with the Seller on the specifics listed in the Assignment Form so that both you and the Seller have a mutual understanding of the work. Both you and your client Seller must sign the SfM Contract before you begin shooting: it is a very short and simple form.

What if the client Seller doesn't show?

• The more you prepare by being in contact with the client Seller, the less likely they are to be unready for their shoot. You should have a contact phone number to reach the client Seller. However, there will inevitably be miscommunications. Don't panic. You will presumably be meeting the seller at their store, factory or home. Make sure to double check the address and zip code to insure you're at the right location. Try calling them (they may simply have mistaken the shoot date or time). If you are still unable to reach them, call your Mentor (see below) or contact us.

What if the client Seller doesn't show?

• The more you prepare by being in contact with the client Seller, the less likely they are to be unready for their shoot. You should have a contact phone number to reach the client Seller. However, there will inevitably be miscommunications. Don't panic. You will presumably be meeting the seller at their store, factory or home. Make sure to double check the address and zip code to insure you're at the right location. Try calling them (they may simply have mistaken the shoot date or time). If you are still unable to reach them, call your Mentor (see below) or leave a message on our Video Support Line, which we check continually.

What is a Shopflick Filmmaking Mentor?

• Shopflick is working with a network of talented Local and Regional Filmmaking Mentors to distribute and oversee your video assignments. Depending on your location, you may be working through a Mentor or directly through Shopflick. If you have a Local Mentor, you should contact him/her with any questions or concerns regarding you assignments.

What if I have to cancel or re-schedule an accepted assignment?

• You should make every effort to make your assignments; to do otherwise will result in negative feedback and could result in a loss of Membership. However, if you absolutely must re-schedule, you should immediately contact Shopflick (or, if you are working through a Shopflick Mentor, contact him or her (if by email, with a copy to Raul Gasteazoro, raul.gasteazoro@shopflick.com). If you are unable to get in contact with your Mentor, leave a message on our Video Support Line.

Who can answer my questions?

• Your first contact should always be with your Local Shopflick Mentor. They will be overseeing the progress of your Video Assignment and can offer any help you may need. If further assistance is needed you can visit our Contact Us link and leave a message on our Video Support Line.

If a dispute comes up how do I resolve it?

• The best way to avoid disputes is to have full and precise communication with your client Seller and the SfM about the plan for, and status of, each assignment. It is also essential you learn and follow the SfM Requirements & Guidelines. However, filmmaking is a complex and artistic service, so disputes will inevitably arise. There are several ways to resolve a dispute. Your Local Shopflick Mentor should be able to help you with any problems you may encounter with the Seller. If you need further assistance please visit the Policies link in our SfM Requirements & Guidelines. If you are unable to resolve disputes through this process, leave us a message on our Video Support Line.

Do I have to supply my own tapes?

• Yes. Filmmakers are responsible for their own tape stock. The Rate Card provides an allowance for tape costs.

What do I have to turn in?

• Filmmakers are required to do the following in compliance with the SfM Requirements and Guidelines:
  • 1. Upload Rough Cuts.
  • 2. Upload Final Versions.
  • 3. Upload Still Photos
  • 4. Note: all cuts and still images must be named using the File Naming Conventions*.

Where and how do I deliver my edited videos?

You must upload Rough Cut and Final Videos to a server that is shared between Shopflick, Filmmakers, and Sellers, for the purpose of reviewing and delivering video in accordance with our naming conventions (see FAQ* below). It is called the “Shopflick FTP Site.” Your Assignment Confirmation email will have all the information you need to download free software that enables you to upload video to the FTP Site**. Your client Seller will already have an identifiable folder created for him/her on the FTP Site. You will use your username and password to upload your video files to the Seller’s FTP folder. For complete information please see the Editing and Delivering Completed Videos section of the SfM Requirements and Guidelines. Once you have uploaded the videos to the FTP Site, email both your Seller and Shopflick to let us know the videos are available.

** If you need to upload FTP software, there are several FTP clients that are free and easy to use. For instance, SmartFTP (for PC) and Transmit (for Mac) are free to download off www.download.com.

How long do I have to edit?

Delivery dates for both Rough Cuts and Final Cuts can be found on the assignment sheet prior to shooting.

How do I get feedback on my videos and how many cuts are necessary?

Filmmakers are required to make 2 cuts: a Rough Cut and a Final Cut. You will submit a Rough Cut, receive Seller and Shopflick notes via an emailed Feedback Form, and turn this feedback into edits in the final cut. For complete information please see the Editing and Delivering Completed Videos section of the SfM Requirements and Guidelines.

What type of graphics should I use?

Shopflick does not require the use of graphics or titles in your videos, but we do encourage videos that are creative, professional, and successful sales tools. A restrained use of graphics may help achieve these goals. Peruse Shopflick.com and the Filmmakers Blog for examples. Follow the best practices you see, and use graphics sparingly. Too many distractions can take away from the videos overall message. Instead of trying to add production value to your videos through your graphics and titles, use them as tools to move the video along and to give the buyer added information.

What are Shopflick File Naming Conventions?

Due to the large amount of video content we will be receiving at Shopflick we must standardize file naming to avoid confusion. You must make sure to upload all videos to the appropriate Seller’s FTP Folder in accordance with this convention. The method is quite simple and is explained below.

It is essential you USE ALL LOWER CASE letters when naming these files. DO NOT have any symbols (#,(,),!,*) in the file name. Use a _ (underscore) to separate names, reference numbers, etc.

Name each video file separately using this template:
Seller Last Name, First Initial
Filmmaker Last Name
Profile= profile
Product Video #1-6 = pv1-6
“rv” Should be used for the Review Version of each video..
“fv” Should be used with your Final Version of each video.

For Example:
Seller Last Name, First Initial: Patterson, B
Filmmaker Last Name: Frade
Product Video #4
Review Version

EXAMPLE #1: pattersonb_frade_pv4_rv.mov -NO SYMBOLS! LOWER CASE!

Another Example:
Seller Last Name, First Initial: Erickson, D
Filmmaker Last Name: Cartwright
Profile Video
Final Version

EXAMPLE #2: Ericksond_cartwright_profile_fv.mov

Still Photos:
Seller Last Name, First Initial
Filmmaker Last Name
Product #1-6 Photo = p1-6photo

EXAMPLE: pattersonb_frade_p5photo.jpeg

NOTE: If you have any other questions please visit our Guidelines for Editing/Delivering Completed Videos in the SfM Requirements and Guidelines.