What is a

content

creator?

According to current studies 1 out of 3 young people want to be a content creator. As an educator I decided to see what it actually takes, so six months ago, I started a YouTube channel. I offered free tutorials while I work on my next feature film, also researching how creative distribution is currently working in 2026. As I slowly approach monetization, what I have learned surprised me.

There are over 160 million YouTube channels, with around 2 million in the YouTube partner program. The average monetized channel will take 12-18 months, requiring between 50-100 videos to reach partner status. Upon monetization, creators will get a 55/45 split of ad revenue for all qualifying views. According to Youtube over 96% of monetized channels make less that $12,000 per year.

So what does that mean for creators that don’t have the means to create for up to two years for free?

What if I we attempted to monetize a channel together?

VHF 21 is as an experiment in media consumption and distribution, putting creators first. VHF 21, originally designed as a T.V. station for my next feature “Yours, Mine, Ours”, I decided to see what would happen if I took this idea into the real world. What would happen if we created together?

VHF 21 aims to explore what is possible when we share resources. To do this, I will be looking to collaborate with 5-10 artists so we can see what moves the machine, together.

If you are looking to upload your short films to youtube, lets see if we extend the reach together.

Let’s Create together

faq

  • VHF 21 is a fictional television station from the film “Yours, Mine, and Ours”. As I learned more about modern creatives experiences, I thought this might work as an experiment in the real world as well.

    Aa filmmaker and educator I have spent my career exploring the economics of creativity, and this project has taught me way more than I expected. So much so, that I want to share it with others.

    What would happen if creatives were more involved with the building of something that supports their creative, instead of extorting the creation?

    Read the Full article about this initiative by clicking HERE

  • Over the course of 2 decades of creating, I have seen multiple avenues of distribution. Most options leave creators out of the decision making for their films.

    An average youtube channel will take 6-18 months to monetize, VHF 21 is attempting to by pass this and partner in the success of your work on day 1. You made it, you should get paid for it.

    Creators will become collaborators and receive a 55/45 split of any ad revenue starting day 1. This is an experiment in transparency so all contracts are 1 year. Hopefully this serves as a springboard to starting your own channel.

    At the end of the year, the video can be removed or extended for another year with the same terms. The goal is to offer creators a financial stake from the moment they upload. Not everyone can do this for 6-18 months for free.

  • As a filmmaker and educator I consider myself to be collaborative, honest, and transparent. I’m here to be a partner, not a boss. This will only work if we both buy into the goal.

  • Join the waitlist above and select I am a creator. More details coming Spring 2026