With much of the global economy grinding to a halt, showbiz is no exception. Performers are having to find creative ways to define and monetise their role in societies under quarantine. One option is Cameo.
Cameo has been around for a few years now, but has become increasingly popular among content creators whose industries are currently unable to operate.
Many are making themselves available, for a limited time only, to film videos for fans from the intimacy of their homes.
What is Cameo?
Cameo is an online marketplace where people can book personalised shout-outs from celebrities.
It’s accessible as a website and (for US residents only) an app, selling performances from across the entertainment sectors. Actors, musicians, comedians, athletes, reality stars and more can be found in its directory.
Cameo’s proclaimed mission is “to create the most personalised and authentic fan experiences in the world”.
How does it work?
To purchase a video first you have to subscribe as a user. A 10 per cent discount is available for first-time buyers.
You can browse the directory, searching for celebrities by name, profession, TV show, and so on. If you scroll down the homepage you’ll find them sorted into featured categories, such as “Perfect for Mom”.
Each performer sets their own price, which can range from a few quid to a few hundred quid (see examples below).
A mailing list informs you about new “talent users” signing up. You can highlight particular people you’re interested in and will be notified if they become available.
Creators will have star ratings, reviews, and recent videos available to view on their Cameo page, so you know what you’re getting into.
Once you’ve chosen your performer, you fill out a form detailing your request. You have 250 characters to build your personalised message, and will be asked if you want the video for yourself or someone else, what the occasion is (if relevant), and for any special instructions. For example, you might want James Buckley (who plays Jay in The Inbetweeners) to proclaim “friends!” to the recipient of your video.
You can either request a personal video or a promotional one, in which the performer advertises your company or product. Inevitably, different terms apply here: rights expire after three months, a Cameo watermark must be visible, and only some performers have opted in for this option.
Once you’ve placed your order, a hold will be put on your debit/credit card. You’ll only be charged when the video arrives.
Performers have seven days to complete requests (though some offer “24-hour delivery”), and, of course, maintain the right to accept or reject them.
When your video is ready, you’ll be sent a download link and it’s yours to share at will, if it’s personal, that is. Commercial videos can be put on your company website and social media platforms only.
Most performers are doing it for personal income, but there is a Covid-19 relief campaign running on the site, to which many creators are donating proceeds.
