Edelman PR Studios - How will they get professional submissions?

Last week Edelman PR announced they are working with 4 major ad clients to produce professional campaigns in the digitial space with independent companies. The clients are BIG names like Burger King, and this is a unique opportunity for up-and-comers working in the industry. According to Edelman's press release: "The studio will solicit and develop creative content, such as television shows, short and feature films, and "webisodes" from screenwriters, producers, and directors who will have the opportunity to compete for major assignments from top marketers."

see http://studios.edelman.com/news

My opinion: Most of the submissions Edelman receives will be from amateur creatives. Most of the submissions will NOT be quality and will NOT be acceptable to present to clients. Why? Those that submit ideas get a mere $2,500 IF Edelman exercises their option. And you automatically grant an exclusive option to them upon submitting.

There are many talented people out there trying to "break" into the biz. The true and authentic talents always rise to the top. BUT, they are often discovered by agents, managers, and friends of friends of friends who refer them to agents and managers. OR, they are independent and they read the fine print to protect themselves (see below).

I am not trashing Edelman, but I am curious why the terms of the submissions are SO BAD. You have to grant a 3-month option beyond the client deadline, and if they exercise the option you get a mere $2,500 and MAY be considered to further develop the project with Edelman. What?! Bye bye idea.

This might be a good opportunity for a college kid wanting some extra cash, but professionals CANNOT work on a budget and terms like that.

However, the clients listed ARE HUGE, and if selected, would do wonders for up-and-comers' resumes. Also, this is a great way to forge some relationships with young, up-and-comers.

My conclusion: this was a "feel good" move for Edelman to "hype" with clients and the press.

Please post your comments. Thanks everyone.

Here are the Terms taken directly fromt the Edelman website:

"By submitting the Submitted Material you agree that you grant Edelman an exclusive, irrevocable, royalty free, worldwide option to obtain the license (beginning on the date of submission and ending three (3) months after the submission deadline stated in the assignment) and right, but not the obligation, to use, copy, modify, display, distribute, download, store, reproduce, transmit, publish, transfer, adapt, create derivative works for the purpose of considering whether to option and/or use the Submitted Material further. During the term of the initial three (3) month option period, Edelman and/or its client shall have the right to exercise the option in exchange for the payment to individual/team of $2,500. Upon exercise of the option, Edelman and/or its client shall obtain the exclusive irrevocable, worldwide license and right, but not the obligation, in perpetuity, to use, copy, modify, display, distribute, download, store, reproduce, transmit, publish, transfer, adapt, create derivative works in any manner, in entirety or a portion of, your Submitted Material and in all media now known or hereinafter developed. You and/or your team will be provided creative credit and will be considered for inclusion in the development/production team." Source: http://studios.edelman.com/terms