A new platform for crowdfunded photojournalism which aims to build a community around projects has received more than USD 20,000 in backing, just over a week since it went live, according to journalism.co.uk.
Some details: [Link]
Emphas.is works by inviting story proposals and an expenses budget estimate from professional photojournalists, to be reviewed by a board of advisers working against a set list of criteria. Individuals can then make a contribution to approved projects, giving them access to a 'making-of' zone, where photojournalists communicate with their 'backers' through blogging, video and pictures as well as directly.
After going live earlier this month with nine projects, the site reported thousands of dollars in backing just days in, reaching USD 21,000 at the end of last week. Each project is given a deadline by when 100 per cent of funding must have been raised. If the target is not reached then all contributions will be returned to the backers, the site says. Where targets are met the funds are transferred to the journalist, with 15 per cent kept by Emphas.is.
Karim Ben Khelifa, co-founder and CEO of Emphas.is, said the aim of the site is to get journalists out on the road "where they belong". He added that the production platform is about sharing the experience of photojournalists, and potentially writers in the future, rather than focusing on the end product. Emphas.is claims to have reached an agreement with Reporters Without Borders and Escapade Insurances in Canada to offer insurance plans to participating photojournalists.
