Hank Green, champion of YouTube community, launches 'guild' for creators
LOS ANGELES -- Hank Green, the voice of Team Internet, announced early Wednesday the launch of a first of its kind nonprofit designed by creators for creators.
The Internet Creators Guild, which will open to creators in late June, aims to "increase the number of people in the world who can be create [sic] professionally...by providing the protection, representation and guidance that, thus far, has been tremendously lacking," Green wrote in a Medium post.
Green began his successful YouTube channel Vlogbrothers in 2007 with his brother, bestselling author John Green. Now the pair run a digital empire, co-organizing the annual VidCon convention and tackling many philanthropic and educational endeavors.
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He is hoping the new guild -- which he specifically describes as "not an industry association" -- can fill a void missing in the digital creator space.
YouTube has long been known for its democratic structure, one that gives anyone and everyone the opportunity to freely post videos and build their own audiences.
But 10 years ago, when the platform first launched, the digital video world was uncharted territory. It was a difficult world for creators to navigate, especially as online video surged in popularity and more platforms began popping up.
In response, many turned to "multichannel networks," (which now prefer to be called multi-platform networks or digital entertainment companies).
These for-profit companies -- like Fullscreen, Maker Studios, Studio71 and others -- formed specifically to help digital stars navigate the digital landscape. They have since evolved into full fledged production studios, and while they have the may best interests of their talent in mind, they still have to generate revenue with the content they help make.
As the digital space continues to evolve, Hank said he felt there was a need for a nonprofit that was solely dedicated to protecting and aiding creators.
"The landscape of professional creation continues to get more complex," Green wrote. "Organizations and platforms of all sorts are vying for a slice of the value created by the relationship between creators and their audiences. Creators, on the other hand, are only loosely connected through friend groups and occasional collaborative projects."
This type of guild is not uncommon. Many industries have their own professional associations or guilds that provide information about what is standard in their industry.
Digital influencers are a newish industry, as Green points out. But now, it's not uncommon to see a New York Times profile on a digital influencer, nor is it as odd to hear someone say "professional internet creator" is their job title.
Thus it made sense for Green to create a nonprofit to help these creators -- very few of whom work in the same place physically -- unify under one Internet group.
"I’m ten years into this and I kinda can’t believe that there’s still no centralized organization representing creators," Green wrote. "There is no system for protecting creators, many of whom have no experience in any industry, let along the notoriously cut-throat entertainment industry."
Green outlined a list of 11 things he wants the ICG wants to achieve, including help the press "talk intelligently about online video" and "act as a bridge between creators and platforms."
Not on the list: "picking and choosing what kind of content is or is not good for the world," "riling up angry mobs" and "tech support."
Green is kicking off the organization with help from $50,000 from VidCon, and Laura Chernikoff, who has worked on VidCon since its first year, will serve as the ICG’s executive director.
Creators Anna Akana, Erin “Aureylian” Wayne and Wengie, as well as video producer Satchell Drakes, entertainment lawyer Jonathan Katz, social justice vlogger Ashley Mardell and comedian/filmmaker Olan Rogers will serve on the board of directors.
Green will serve on the advisory board alongside Burnie Burns (Rooster Teeth creator), Akilah Hughes, Louise Pentland and Casey Neistat (cofounder of BeMe and YouTuber).
Membership will cost $60 per year, or $5 per month.
Team Internet already seems enthusiastic.
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Topics YouTube
Saba was a Los Angeles-based reporter who covers all things digital entertainment, including YouTube, streaming services and digital influencers. Prior to that, she spent two years at the Los Angeles Times covering entertainment for the Calendar and Company Town sections. Saba grew up in Santa Monica and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in journalism and B.A. in political science. When not reporting, she is usually binge watching shows online or looking for new coffee shops to frequent.
