In a smart move that borrows from trend-setting technology practices of newer image companies, Corbis has launched a contributor Web site to provide a single pace for represented photographers to manage their relationship with the company.
The Corbis Contributor Gateway promises to make it easier to work with the company, which announced it to its photographers at today’s artist forum in New York. “This is the start of a new era in how we communicate and interact with our contributors,” said senior vice president of products Don Wieshlow.
New features include automated upload tools to submit and manage work, such as providing keyword suggestions and model releases. Contributors will also be able to view royalty statements, access latest Corbis research and—in the future—participate in forthcoming community features that will allow photographers to interact online.
At the same time, the company is introducing a new standard contributor agreement, to be phased in as contributors sign up for the new Web site. According to a Corbis statement, “The new Online Agreement includes enhancements designed to provide more flexibility and transparency in line with the practices of doing business in the Internet age.” Contributors will be invited to begin using the Gateway in phases as their contracts come up for renewal.
In yet more news, Corbis has announced that it is eliminating foreign-office fees, where a percentage is deducted from contributor royalties when sales take place outside of their home country. Now, contributor royalties will be a uniform percentage, irrespective of the location of either shooter or licensing transaction.
The Gateway also offers new choices of contributor involvement: exclusive, co-exclusive and non-exclusive. Those who could not be in New York can watch this introductory video.