Looks like distributors are catching onto the rise in online, grassroots, and crowdfunded content, and are finally making a major investment in the process.

As the online platform Vimeo on Demand sees its one-year anniversary, Vimeo has announced a $10 million global expansion of support for creators selling their work directly online. 

The investment will provide creators of every level and genre direct financial support and access to online marketing services—including website development and translation services—in exchange for distributing their content on Vimeo On Demand.

The $10 million fund will support the following:

–       Expansion of Crowdfunding Program: Vimeo is expanding on its crowdfunding program announced at the 2014 Sundance Festival by extending access to part of its $10 million fund to select titles that have successfully raised $10,000 or more through a leading crowdfunding platform in exchange for an exclusive window on Vimeo On Demand.

–       Expansion of Film Festival Program: Building on its successful 2013 Toronto Film Festival program, Vimeo will use the $10 million fund to offer guaranteed funding in exchange for an exclusive distribution window to any film that has premiered at one of the 20 leading global film festivals throughout 2014.

–       Expansion of Title and Catalog Acquisitions: Vimeo will work with filmmakers and distributors to accelerate its investment in quality individual titles and catalogs suited to Vimeo’s unique audience. 

–       Vimeo PRO Grants: In addition to direct financial support for exclusive distribution partnerships, filmmakers that have successfully raised $10,000 or more through crowdfunding or have had a film premiere at one of the 20 leading global film festivals in 2014 will be granted one year of Vimeo PRO for free with distribution on Vimeo On Demand.

Qualifying filmmakers interested in receiving a free PRO account and/or access to the marketing fund can find more information HERE.