Stock Footage and its Benefits

In simple terms stock footage involves short clips of moving pictures that are perfect for any film or video production as they haven’t been filmed with any specific production in mind. This means that it can be used in any number of productions; common uses for stock footage are documentaries, television programmes, news items, sports reviews, independent films, commercials, and movies.

There are many advantages to using stock footage, it is so frequently used these days that the majority of us are not even aware when we are watching it and the key to its popularity is its low cost to create and acquire. Entire story lines can be created by means of stock footage and the price is much more economical than anything produced in-house.

Other reasons as to why stock footage is in demand is the way it can be used to link two scenes together in order for a story to flow, if there is no appropriate footage shot for a segment then it can be used to fill this slot. It can also be used to provide the opening shots for a movie or scene.

Producers choose stock footage over filming the shot themselves for various reasons. One of the main reasons people choose to use it is because of the freedom and creativity it allows them, for example if making a short movie clip, art film or commercial, then a famous person or a significant past event can be incorporated into the scene. The movie ‘Forrest Gump’ sees the main character talking to John F. Kennedy and John Lennon; this is thanks to stock footage. It is convenient for getting a definite idea across to your audience.

Another advantage to stock footage is that it can be downloaded instantaneously with just a click of the mouse. There is no waiting around for crew to arrive, equipment to be set up or filming to be processed. Current technology makes digital format possible, and with software allowing for file-downsizing and fast internet access, the capacity to buy and download stock footage over the web is simple and quick. You can find plenty of websites offering direct downloads of QuickTime clips.

Stock footage is of particular use to filmmakers as it is far cheaper than shooting a needed scene. In the last few years the cost of footage has declined due to improved technology.

You don’t have experience as a filmmaker to use stock footage, anyone can use it. If you have to produce something for work or come up with an original idea work assignment, a school project for instance then a short clip is a great way to demonstrate creativity. Have a presentation to make in your new job? Incorporating stock footage into your presentation will ensure it is remembered and put you well ahead of any competition.

Adding video or music stock footage to your website can be a huge advantage as visitors browsing your site visually find it a lot more appealing than having to read through written content to get the message. Video clips are quickly downloaded and a lot simpler to understand than normal written content. If your site is selling exotic holidays to the Caribbean for example, will it be more fun to read about it, or watch a fascinating short clip showing the actual destination? For example, if your site is selling African safaris, a stock footage video of the prairies and animals in the wild is a very cost effective method to use for promotion and takes away the need to travel to Africa and film the shots you require there.

If you are looking for high quality stock footage, there are services on the internet that have libraries with thousands of hours and more than 1 million stock footage shots. Using HD stock footage, 35mm, S16mm video footage, they are continually reorganizing to bring you new content, you can be sure to come across something suitable for your news feature, short film or commercial. Whatever kind of footage you are searching for, travel stock footage, animal stock footage, or people stock footage, have a look online today for high resolution clips that can be delivered digitally the same day you order it.

In simple terms stock footage involves short clips of moving pictures that are perfect for any film or video production as they haven’t been filmed with any specific production in mind.

Michiel Van Kets writes articles for Absolutely Wild Visuals, a stock footage library archive with an online database of preview clips available for download in Quick Time 7 and compressed in H.264. Find high end video footage with a focus on people stock footage, nature stock footage and Travel stock footage.

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