Submitting to Video Out

Video Out accepts submissions for consideration on an ongoing basis, which are reviewed by committee quarterly. All Submissions to Video Out will also be considered for inclusion in the Video In Library.

Video Out will only consider independently produced artwork on video or digital formats. Programs that use film footage will only be considered if it is available for distribution on video or digital formats only. While the collection is international in scope the focus of the collection is on Canadian, West Coast work. Student projects may be submitted but it is encouraged that the submissions are the result of a professional practice. Video Out strives to maintain a diversity of topics, styles and themes within the collection.

A VHS preview tape should be delivered to Video Out with a brief letter indicating why it is being submitted to Video Out. Return address and contact information is required, additional documentation may be provided but is not necessary.

Services for Producers

Video Out provides a non-exclusive, non-commercial distribution service for media based artists that is founded on the principles of respect for the artist and community activism. Video Out focuses its activities on alternative venues such as galleries, educational institutions and festivals that pay artists fees.

Video In Library

All works in distribution become part of the Video In Library and are made available for in-house viewing in our resource centre. For work that is accepted only into the Video In Library, the producer may submit a Beta SP, DV or 3/4" Submaster for conservation purposes.

Distribution Activities

Video Out works actively to promote the programs in its collection while trying to ensure that the artist is properly compensated for their work. On average, over six hundred packages of previews are sent out to local and international festivals, broadcasters, libraries and galleries a year. Video Out also attends various local and international markets where representatives promote the collection. Vide out maintains established relationships with many of these venues but is always researching new opportunities for dissemination.

In addition to responding to calls for submissions Video Out also sends tapes out upon a producer¹s request. If an address and a deadline are provided, Video Out will ship preview tapes to an unlimited number of paying venues and a maximum of four non-paying venues per year.

Tape Documentation

In order to ensure that the collection is accessible to anyone interested in media art, Video Out has endeavored to make information on its collection readily accessible. This has been done through the combination of printed, online and database resources. These information sources allow access locally and internationally.

Video out prints and distributes a catalogue featuring lists and descriptions of the productions in distribution as well as all the tapes in the Video in Library. This comprehensive document is a useful research tool and guide to the collection. It is available free of charge.

Video Out maintains an online catalogue of all the tapes in distribution. To visit the site go to www.videoinstudios.com, then follow the Video Out link. This listing provides the most up to date information on the status of the collection and is the place to find information on recent acquisitions. It is useful tool for programmers and researchers looking for media art content.

Video Out also provides access to our entire tape database on site, in the Resource Centre. This database provides a powerful and effective tool for locating tapes in the Video In collection.

License fees

Video Out offers a variety of licenses for use of the programs it distributes, however, the program always remains the property of the artist, who retains all copyright. In addition to the cost of the license Video Out may add GST and the costs of shipping and handling.

While Video Out strives to obtain remuneration for the use of artist¹s work, however, this is not always possible. Many of the organizations that use the resources provided by Video Out are often non-profit with little to no budget. In these cases, Video Out will pass on a request, from the organization, to the artist to waive their screening fees.

Without written consent from Video Out, a program leased from Video Out:

1. May not be duplicated in whole or in part.
2. Will be exhibited in its entirety and may not be altered or excerpted in any way.
3. May not be transferred or lent out by the licensee to any institution or individual.
4. May not be broadcast in whole or in part.
5. May not be submitted to any form of government classification.

Producer Payments

Video Out retains 1/3 of all licensing fees (Artist 67%, Video Out 33%), with the exception of tapes produced in conjunction with Western Front Video. In regard to Western Front productions, one half of all monies generated through Video Out from the licensing of a program shall be paid to the artist. The remaining half shall be divided equally between Video Out and the Western Front (Artist %50, Western Front %25, Video Out %25). Payment to the producers will be made by Video Out, conditional upon the receipt of payment from the licensee. Any monies generated by a tape related to awards or competition will be paid directly to the artist

Video maintains records on where tapes have been sent for preview and exhibition. These activities are reported on twice annually for Canadian producers and once a year for international producers. The reporting period end dates are Oct 1 and May 1 (international). If a tape has been licensed for a fee the amount owing to the producer will be indicated in the report and a cheque will be issued.

It is the responsibility of the producer to keep Video Out informed of any change in address. Video Out will continue to distribute and license a program despite having incorrect contact information. The monies generated by a program will be held for two years, after which time the monies will revert to Video Out.

In a situation where there is more than one owner of the program Video Out forms a distribution agreement with only one of the owners. Video Out reports to and remits payments only to that person. Subsequent distribution of reports and payments are their responsibility.