After garnering instant fame and becoming an internet sensation, a selfie-taking tourist might earn a substantial fortune from his recent footage of getting kicked in the head by a Peruvian train driver, UK MailOnline reported.
The video, which has attracted more than 23 million YouTube views, is being sought by media companies who want to take advantage of the hilarious misfortune of James Frank.
Frank, from Regina, Saskatchewan, is being offered thousands of dollars for advertising and licensing opportunities of the footage.
"On Monday, Frank, 22, signed with a California-based representative called Jukin Media, who has told him his video could earn in the range of $2 to $16 per 1,000 views and he can expect a 70 percent share of the profits," according to UK MailOnline.
Although YouTube has not released its mid-month report on view tallies, it is estimated that Frank can generate as much as $250,000, CBC News reported. Licensing agreements may offer additional revenues.
"I'm a little worried, but I have a decent relationship with the licensing company, so I trust them," he said on Monday. "I did a lot of research first."
In the video, the student is seen taking a selfie while standing beside the tracks. As the train approaches, he gets smacked by the train engineer's black leather boot.
"I pressed play and was going to look at where the train was, but by that time, I already got kicked in the head," he recalled.
However, the Canadian claimed that the shock of getting hit canceled the pain out. But he confessed to appearing foolish in the footage, UK MailOnline reported.
"Honestly, even the truth is a little ridiculous and it does make me look stupid," he said. "But it was an accident and I got it on film and I think it would have been a shame to just throw it away."
