SuperStock has developed a new two-tier online search strategy that will allow them to make many more images available for customer viewing than is the case with most other agencies.
SuperStock has changed their production strategy and closed their three studios in Jacksonville. In the past they had employed between 4 and 6 staff photographers and 3 producers. Now they believe they can get all the images they need from the photographers who work with them on contract.
Creative Eye, a photographer cooperative, is in financial trouble. Founded in the summer of 2001 as a way to save the MIRA stock photo database originally developed by ASMP, it now is asking photographers to buy Preferred Stock shares at $1,000 each.
The French Royalty Free agency, PR Direct has taken control of the bankrupt editorial agency GlobalPhoto. Photographers may receive no royalties for images licensed by GlobalPhoto before the bankruptcy was filed.
This story looks at some of the issues raised in the Saunders article on Tony Stone (Story 452) and offers some alternative points of view and things to think about.
This interview with Tony Stone was written by Sarah Saunders and first appeared in Visuell in October 2001. It provides insight into where he thinks the industry should be headed, but he is still not ready to define his new role.
Stock agencies need to examine new business models as an alternative, or add-on line-of-business to the traditional agency model. The one outlined in this story focuses on handling Editing and Research for customers and providing Negotiation, Collection and Payment services for photographers.
This issue of the printed newsletter has stories on Resolutions For 2002, New Business Model, Photographer Payment Problems At Getty, Where's RF Headed?, Getting Images Seen, Corbis Reorganization Of Sygma, Other French Editorial Agencies With Problems, and Effective Keywording.
Now is a good time to start your planning for 2002. This story offers a few resolutions for photographers and stock agents to consider.
ImageState acquired International Stock Photography Ltd, for cash in October. Reliable sources indicate that International Stock had gross revenue of approximately $2.5 million in 2000, and that the sale price was the equivalent of approximately four months of sales.
Getty Images has been struggling with the integration of the VCG accounting systems into their new Alliant accounting software. Photographer sales statements have been delayed. This story explains what has been happening as Getty works toward solutions.
This story deals with Financial Problems at Gamma and GlobalPhoto in France, Getty Returns 10 Million Images, New Corbis Stock Market Contract, Conditions of Ad Business Compared to 18 Months Ago, New Zefa Catalog, New Digital Newsgroup and more.
If you are having trouble getting your images where they can be seen by customers this article is for you. It explains why it is happening (it has very little to do with the quality of your pictures) and what you need to do to Get Your Images Seen.
What is involved in Effective Keywording? Should you limit the number of words you use, or keyword extensively? How is the best way to get this job done? What is the process? This story answers all these questions and more about keywording.
Corbis has announced its intention to dramatically reposition and reorganize its production and distribution systems at Corbis-Sygma. In Paris 93 out of 191 jobs will be affected. Forty-two French staff photographers are scheduled to lose their positions.
This edition has shot items on the New SAA, Revised Information on Getty's RF Sales, Grecco Settles With Corbis, Opportunities For Photographers Trying To Produce RF Discs, Corbis vs. Webshots and National Geographic's Promotional Agreement With AOL.
Corbis has made dramatic changes in their online search tool that should greatly improve the customer experience and lead to increased sales. The former problems of irrelevant search results and not being able to find contemporary advertising images have now been solved.
RF marketers were very visible at the recent PhotoPlus and PACA International Conference meetings in New York. This story examines where RF is today, some of the issues facing RF suppliers and some of the opportunities that may now be available to Rights Protected image sellers.
This issue includes stories on: Portal or Print?, Getty 3rd Quarter Results and New Online Site, $135,000 Sale, Jerry Greenberg Wins Copyright Suit Against Geographic, Photononstop, Grill Leaves Comstock, Recession, Copyright Infringement at CCC, Creative Eye and more.
The stock photo industry was in recession even before September 11th. Advertising pages in major magazines were off 9.2% in the first nine months of 2001 compared with the same period in 2000. Advertising spending is not expected to improve before the 3rd Quarter of 2002. Stock photo sales are off as much as 20% at some agencies. This story outline some of the ways the industry is likely to change in the next 18 months.
Getty's 3rd quarter 2001 revenue was $107.5 million, down 12.4% from the 3rd quarter of 2000. The company expects revenue of between $95 million and $105 million for the 4th quarter of 2001 making gross sales for the year about $454.1 million. At this level the revenue for the year would be down more than 6%.
Photononstop (formerly Groupe DIAF/SDP), a French company, has partnered with Envision in New York to expand the marketing of their work into North America, and to market worldwide, the work of the photographers represented by Envision. The new American operation will be branded Envision Stock Photography, Inc, and is a Photononstop subsidiary.
Getty Images Inc. has redesigned gettyimages.com, in an effort to increase scalability and efficiency for the company as well as provide significant benefits to online customers worldwide. The company generates nearly half its revenue on the Web, and expects the percentage to increase steadily despite the fact that in recent quarters it has seemed to plateau at just under 50%.
One of the big questions for people trying to sell Rights Protected stock in the United States is what is the best way to promote the work -- a portal, or a print catalog. This story explores that question.
This story includes short items on: Envision Establishes New Catalog Representation Model, Geographic Loses Greenberg Case, Liaison Pushes to Own All Imagery, Editorial Sales of September 11th in France, Andre Lloyd Promoted, Economic Slowdown Hits Design Community and more.