Video sharing site Openfilm has announced that it will recognize top filmmakers with a $500 reward every month. Openfilm is an online community of independent filmmakers, film schools, festivals and audiences, which launched in July 2008. Ten winners are selected every month, based on various criteria including technical execution, the quality of narrative and acting, the overall popularity and audience feedback.

“Whether [filmmakers] submit their content directly to us or we receive it from one of our film festival or film school partners, we understand the time, effort and passion that went into creating the work. This monthly award is our way of thanking them for their contribution to Openfilm and to support their craft,” said Alan Melikdjanian, Openfilm Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer. “As a filmmaker myself, I know the money will come in handy!”

The prize program is a precursor to the launch of Openfilm’s ad-revenue-sharing program for content providers.

For more information, visit the Openfilm website or email to info [at] openfilm [dot} com.