How Vimeo Staff Picks Actually Work

In this episode, GG Hawkins sits down with Derick Rhodes, VP of Community at Vimeo, to dive into how Vimeo continues to be a crucial hub for independent filmmakers. Derick reveals the behind-the-scenes process of how Vimeo Staff Picks are curated, the platform’s renewed focus on supporting creators, and the company’s evolving role in global film culture. From new streaming options to global partnerships and grassroots community support, this conversation paints a comprehensive picture of where Vimeo is heading and why it remains vital for indie creatives.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Derick Rhodes discuss...

• The origin story of Derick’s involvement with Vimeo and his background in indie filmmaking
• How Vimeo balances creator tools with community-building and high-level business solutions
• The human-led process behind Staff Picks and how to get noticed
• Vimeo’s new global partnerships and outreach efforts in places like Brazil and Japan
• The newly launched streaming and monetization tools for filmmakers
• A candid look at Derick’s own micro-budget filmmaking journey
• Advice on how to get involved with the Vimeo creator community and maximize the platform

Memorable Quotes:

• “We don’t staff pick using algorithms… it’s all a team of people at the company that are obsessed with short films.”
• “Making shorts is taking yourself to film school, especially when you're doing it in a low-stakes way.”
• “Nobody is coming to pick you out of the crowd and take you to the path of like, you're going to be a film director now.”
• “We want to be an open playground and have people do work that's just playful and inspiring and try weird stuff.”

Guests:

• Derick Rhodes - VP of Community, Vimeo

Resources:

• Vimeo Staff Picks
• Moomin by Zach Dorn
• Yes, Daddy
• Podcast episode: Why Indie Film Distribution Is About To Go Punk Rock

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•  📩 Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

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