This interview with Jonathan Klein deals with many of the issues that have been raised by photographers in connection with the new Tony Stone Images contract. This contract is likely to set precedents for many stock agencies as they move toward on-line marketing.
At their site www.stockmarketphoto.com, The Stock Market has a weekly survey question that gives some interesting insights into on-line users.
Definitive Stock is launching a new agency in September that will supply both Rights Protected and RF images to the stock photo market. Ellen Boughn joins the team as VP/Managing Director.
In their annual survey 20% of graphic designers prefer to find their images on CD-ROM or on-line. Another 40% prefer to use a combination of print and electronic means to locate stock images.
DreamWorks wants to stop stock agencies from acquiring and reselling publicity materials after an unauthorized frame from ''Private Ryan'' appeared on a Newsweek cover.
The question of ''What is a Similar?'' is becomming a serious issue for photographers as stock agencies define it in broader terms. Many photographers are finding it difficult to earn enough from the images they are allowed to license to offset their costs of production.
Tony Stone Images has revised their agreement with photographers. It gives the photographers 40% of on-line sales rather than the traditional 50%. Other restrictions in the new agreement are causing concern among some photographers.
At National Geographic there are several new developments relative to their CD-ROM production and payment for lost transparencies.
In a series of seminars they are giving around the country Index Stock Imagery is debunking some current ''myths'' about the electronic future. They provide detailed information about their agency's operation that will be useful to all stock sellers.
Corbis has acquired Outline Press which specializes in high quality studio portraits of celebrities. The Edge assignment division of Outline/Edge was not part of the acquisition and is still owned by Jim Roehrig.