An Uber driver, who already has access to a car and tends to cruise the streets at all hours of the day, could make a perfect nightcrawler – a freelance cameraman who shoots breaking news footage. Now, the founders of Stringr are looking to get their video app to Uber drivers in major cities, including Boston and Chicago, with the idea of equipping them to become eye-witness journalists. The new app is free to download on iOS and Android devices.

Stringr writes in a post on the popular drivers’ forum Uberpeople.net:

Hi Uber Drivers! Stringr (available at beta.stringr.com) is another fun way for you to make money. Here’s how it works: Download the Stringr Video AppIOS or Android, shoot video using your phone or camera in response to requests from major media organizations such as TV News stations. You can also capture events as you see them and upload to Stringr. Every time your video is downloaded by a customer, you get paid $40.

The message says the app was designed with input from Uber drivers. “We took a lot of rides with [Uber drivers] and asked you what you thought. Because you are driving all over the city, you are often the first people to see interesting events and so… We’d love to have more of you shoot video and sell it with us. And of course, have some fun too.”

Stringr launched in San Diego last May, and began partnering with local networks in need of freelance breaking news and B-roll footage, Stringr’s Asabe Vincent-Otiono told BostInno in a phone interview Monday. Stringr has since expanded to Boston, where it has already partnered with local media outlets, all of which have requested to remain anonymous, she said.

Stringr is available in beta in the following cities: Boston, Chicago, San Diego, Orlando, Oklahoma City and Houston. Sometime soon, the founders write, Stringr will be live in Dallas, Seattle and Philadelphia.

Now, here’s the trailer to the Golden Globe-nominated film, Nightcrawler, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as crazed freelancer Lou Bloom.

It should go without saying, but just a reminder: Stringr’s aim isn’t to turn Uber drivers into sociopathic freelance cameramen, willing to cross ethical boundaries to get the most compelling footage. But the app does seem to make it easier for the Lou Blooms of the world to shoot and sell their content.

When asked about potential safety concerns for the drivers, Vincent-Otiono said Stringr has been asked to respond to a number of questions on this specific topic, but “Stringr currently is not liable for any damages.” The company is working to address these issues, she added.

One Uberpeople.net member calls Stringr, perhaps sarcastically, a “really neat idea” – specifically, “having cameras on just about every block inside of a few minutes.”

“I can see a pursuit being caught by all ground cameras!”

With there being potential for Uber drivers to shoot footage of a particularly gripping event (an alleged assault at the hands of a police officer, perhaps?), the commenter asks about the potential for bidding wars on Stringr videos. “Would the camera man still get just $40.00? I assume you guys take all the rights to the videos yes?”

One of Stringr’s founders, Lindsay Stewart, who says she is a former TV news producer, understands that all footage isn’t created equal. In response to the commenter’s question, she writes:

Clearly some video is more valuable than others. The good news is, we plan at Stringr to build a bidding platform so that videographers who shoot video like this can be properly remunerated. For now, we have a curation team that views footage as it comes in, and will flag it and we can make sure it gets the proper compensation which clearly is more than $40. Like everything, some current stringers love Stringer, and others have decided to go their own way. The cool part for the ones who have joined — they are able to sell to multiple customers around the country as opposed to the few stations with which they have relationships. In the end, quality video (well framed, with a variety of shots) tends to draw the most attention from customers. So good videographers do well on Stringr.

Stringers can make money by a.) setting up push notifications on the app, which would alert Stringers to news outlets requesting footage of a particular event; or b.) when one of their already-uploaded videos is downloaded. Stringr, in response to other Uberpeople.net commenters, writes that they’re particularly interested in breaking news footage or video tutorials.

But: “Stay safe,” Stringr writes. “In our terms, we ask that no videographer break the law while obtaining footage– which means no driving and capturing footage, of course. No video is worth getting in harm’s way.” (See: Nightcrawler trailer)

In theory, Stringr sounds like an innovative way for Uber drivers to parlay the existing aspects of their job into an exciting side-gig; for news outlets, Stringr is appealing for obvious reasons. But turning Uber drivers – who are already the controversial subjects of plenty of headlines around the world – into freelance cameramen could be risky. The average Uber driver would likely use Stringr in a responsible way, but there’s also some incentive for Stringers to push boundaries in search of a story.

On its beta site, Stringr provides answers to some common questions and explains how “Stringers” can improve the chances their footage is purchased:

How do I make my videos get selected?
Make sure you tag liberally and accurately. The stations search videos by location and keyword, the better tagged your video, the more likely it is to be picked up.

Also, if you’re new to being a Stringr, make sure your videos are broadcast ready: clear images, minimal background noise and if you’re filming from a phone, hold it horizontally.

How do I get assignment work?
Make sure you’re set-up to receive push notices on your iPhone. If you set-up push notifications, Stringr will let you know when the station wants something shot. If they use your video, you’ll get paid.

How many stations does Stringr work with?
Stringr is in our [beta] launch phase in San Diego. We are starting with one station while we make sure the platform works well.Then we’ll be rolling out to other news organizations across the country.

If my video gets selected, how do I get paid?
Stringr has simplified the billing and payment process. Once your video is selected Stringr will pay you in 24 hours.