As the number of images entering the market keeps growing, companies that license them are face with the difficulty of handling the technical aspects of volume licensing. The trend has given rise to many a start-up, from technology companies that produce back-end content- and business-management applications to companies that specialize in image editing and keywording.
The traditional commercial market for stock images is slowly declining in number of units licensed, but there is a potential for a huge growth in sales to consumers. Advances in technology make it possible for new still images uses to blossom, but producers and distributors must embrace changing market realities.
The Automated Content Access Protocol project, which aims to devise a universal standard for the automated expression of permissions online, is adopting the semantics of the Picture Licensing Universal System. PLUS standards have been developed to standardize the communications and management of image rights and to simplify automation of related processes via machine-readable licenses.
London-based royalty-free producer Image Source has published Sneak Preview, a promotional catalog featuring a selection of the latest images added to its collection. Alongside its own production, the company is prominently featuring fair-trade brand World Portraits.
At Cannes Lions 2008, the 55th International Advertising Festival, Corbis announced the separation of its rights-services division into a separate business entity. Rebranded as GreenLight, the company is also adding a talent-negotiation service that will help advertisers secure sports, film, television, music and other celebrities for promotional activities.