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.
Tiger King's Carole Baskin is one of the newest celebrities to join the app. The Netflix star says she is happy to record "any kind of greeting" in return for payment. Reports say that Baskin made around $20,000 (£15,990) on her first day on the app.
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.
Which celebrities are using Cameo?
Cameo's celebs come from the many modern on-screen careers: everything from Hollywood to gaming to social media influencers. It's mainly American-based celebs.
Actors you might fancy include Lord of the Ring's Sean Astin (£244.85)
Ghostbuster's Ernie Hudson (£41.50)
or Dean Norris - aka Hank in Breaking Bad (£166).
There are some throwback TV favourites, like Ugly Betty's Becky Newton (£83), Scrubs' Robert Maschio (£77.19), and Larry Hankin (who plays Mr Heckles in Friends - £24.90).
You'll also find Broadway stars, including various cast members of Frozen.
There are some high profile rappers, like Remy Ma (£83) and Flavor Flav (£207.50) - who makes it into the "Perfect for Mom" category...
...as well as singer-songwriters like Christian Milian (£103.75).
The "Athlete" category tends to lean towards a US fanbase, predominantly featuring basketball, baseball and American football players, as well as Pro Wrestlers.
Brett Favre of NFL fame is bookable for a record - at least from my browse - £322, compared to WWE Superstar Big E (£103.75), and Jerry Harris from Netflix's Cheer (£124.50).
There's a whole host of queens from Ru Paul's Drag Race, ranging from around £15-50.
Not to mention celebrity blogger Perez Hilton (£74.70).
There are famous gamers such as Danielle DeNicola (£41.50) and Nairo (£12.45), and TikTok influencers like Jackson Green (£13.28) and JuceeSaft (£4.15).
Models - from high fashion to glamour - join the Cameo ranks, including Brooks Nader
Holly Madison of Playboy's Girls Next Door fame
and adult star Jewelz Blu.
Reality Stars hold a significant chunk of Cameo floorspace. Real Housewives has everyone from Bethenny Frankel (£248.17) to Frank Catania (£29.05) participating, alongside Chris Harrison, host of ABC's The Bachelor.
The Hills' Whitney Port also makes an appearance.
You'll also find a wide range of comedians and YouTube personalities, among them Trump impersonator John Di Domenico (£145.25).
Animals haven't let the opportunity slip by: Fiona the Hippo from Cincinnati Zoo is just one member of the animal kingdom cashing in (£83).
And last but not least, is Santa Claus... who's in good company.
