We’re always on the hunt for new technologies, companies or programs that help our online filmmaking students earn a profit from their films and documentaries (Learn more about our online filmmaking course here). There are an increasing number of programs and services available to indie filmmakers. One such company we’re happy to introduce to you, if you don’t already know about them, is a company called Dynamo.
E-commerce Enabled Video Player
Dynamo allows filmmakers to set up an account for free and upload their film to be viewed online. Filmmakers can embed their film on their website, blog, Facebook account and so on. Audience members will be able to watch the trailer or a short scene from the film, but will then be promoted for their payment information if they want to watch the entire program. Payments are accepted through Paypal or Amazon. Dynamo splits the rental fee with the publisher, giving the publisher 70% of each transaction. The other 30% goes to Dynamo for their services (video hosting, delivery and US transaction costs).
The player itself is stylish and user friendly allowing audience members to watch a film immediately after paying for it. Filmmakers are given access to a variety of marketing and publishing tools as well. For example:
- Filmmakers can set their own rental prices.
- Filmmakers can embed their video within their own website, blog or Facebook account.
- The player is 1080 HD compatible. It also comes with an SD option.
- Filmmakers can use the geo-blocking feature (to limit streaming to certain geographic areas).
- The player is iPad compatible.
- Publishers are given immediate accounting statistic when they are logged into their account dashboard.
- Filmmakers are also giving access to other metrics (player loads, interaction, payments, playback and trailers played).
- Filmmakers can sign up for an account for free. Dynamo only makes money if you make money.
- Publishers can upload their videos through a user friendly interface. There is no need to snail mail anything. Simply upload your film and get started selling right away.
- Allows viewers to watch your trailer or scene preview. This gives your audience a sneak peak at your film and it allows them to purchase right away without having to visit another website.
- Share and embed buttons making viral marketing easier for you (facebook, twitter and “gift for a friend” options available).
See the example below for the service at work. Simply click on “Watch a Free Preview Now” to see the trailer for a film that is currently using the Dynamo service.