Definition of editorial stock footage
As a content creator, I have come across the term “editorial stock footage” multiple times in the course of my work. So, what is it, exactly?
Well, editorial stock footage refers to video recordings that are shot and published for use in non-commercial productions such as news, documentaries, and educational videos. Unlike commercial stock footage, the use of editorial stock footage is generally restricted to these specific contexts.
Editorial stock footage is particularly useful for content creators who need to visually convey a particular time, place, event, or person in their productions but doesn’t have the time or budget to produce their own footage. Since editorial footage is generally captured by professional videographers, users can generally expect high-quality recordings that are optimized for the intended purpose.
In terms of licensing, editorial stock footage is typically licensed on a rights-managed basis, which means that the customer pays for the right to use the footage for a specific purpose and duration. Additionally, because of the nature of editorial footage, the licensing is usually non-exclusive, meaning that multiple parties can use the footage to tell different stories.
Difference between editorial and commercial stock footage
As a content creator, using stock footage might be an essential part of your work routine. Stock footage generally refers to video clips that you can license and use in your video projects. It saves you the time and costs of creating a shot from scratch for your projects. However, it is important to understand the difference between editorial and commercial stock footage.
Commercial footage is content that requires a release for use in commercial projects. It means that the person or people filmed in the footage, and any branded materials visible, have given permission for their use in commercial projects. This includes advertisements, commercials, and promotions for a product or service. Therefore, commercial stock footage is generally more expensive than editorial stock footage.
Editorial stock footage, on the other hand, is content featuring landmarks, people, or events that doesn’t require a release. This means that such footage is not permitted to be used for promoting, advertising, or selling products or services commercially. It is instead used for reporting and informative purposes only, allowing usage in documentaries, news segments, education, and other non-commercial videos.
One of the primary differences between editorial and commercial footage in terms of licensing is the price. Editorial footage tends to be more cost-effective than commercial footage because there are no right of publicity or copyright protections to consider in terms of release forms. This is why editorial footage is often used by small businesses, students and independent filmmakers who are dealing with budget constraints.
Furthermore, in terms of content, editorial footage provides added value to a piece, as it can provide contextual information to viewers that can increase engagement, interest and understanding. For example, if you’re creating a video on climate change, you can use editorial stock footage to show protests, natural disasters, or other climate-related phenomena.
Overall, when choosing between editorial and commercial footage, it is important to evaluate your project’s purpose and weigh your budget into account. Editorial footage is not only more affordable but also provides valuable extras that can add depth and nuance to your project.
Examples of editorial stock footage use cases
Editorial stock footage can be useful in a variety of situations. Here are some of the most common examples:
News segments: Editorial footage is often used in news stories to add context or visual interest. For example, a story about a local festival might use stock footage of similar festivals from other cities.
Documentaries: Many documentaries are made up entirely of archival footage. But even when new footage is being shot, editorial footage can be used to provide historical context or to show what life was like in a certain time or place.
Corporate videos: While commercial stock footage is often used in corporate videos, editorial footage can be an interesting way to show a company’s history or involvement in a community.
YouTube videos: Many YouTube creators use editorial footage to add visual interest or to show footage from events they weren’t able to attend. For example, a travel vlogger might use stock footage of a famous landmark in a city they’re not able to visit on their current trip.
Film and television: While most of the footage in films and television shows is shot specifically for the project, editorial footage can be used to set the stage or to add realism. For example, a movie set during World War II might use archival footage to show what the war looked like.
How to license editorial stock footage
As a blogger who has been in the content creation business for years, I can attest to the importance of stock footage. It can help take a video from average to exceptional, providing the viewer with a dynamic and captivating visual experience. In fact, the use of editorial stock footage is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the world of documentary filmmaking – but with so many footages available online, it can be quite overwhelming to know which one to choose and the right way to license it.
So, what exactly is editorial stock footage? Editorial stock footage refers to non-commercial footage that is captured for the purpose of illustrating a newsworthy event, person or idea. Unlike commercial stock footage, which can be used for marketing and advertising purposes, editorial stock footage is licensed for use in projects and documentaries that require factual and insightful visual content.
Now let’s talk about how to license editorial stock footage. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that editorial stock footage cannot be used for commercial purposes. When licensing editorial stock footage, you need to have a clearly defined project and leave the stock footage unaltered or modified. You also need to provide proper attribution to the source of the footage in your work.
When licensing editorial stock footage, there are different types of licenses available: Royalty-free, Rights-managed, and Creative Commons. Royalty-free licensing is the most popular and typically the most affordable option. It allows for unlimited usage of the footage without having to pay additional fees. Rights-managed licensing, on the other hand, is more specific as it allows for limited usage of footage for a specific project or a period of time. Creative Commons licensing is perhaps the most flexible option, as it’s essentially a set of copyright licenses that can be used to make creative work more accessible to the general public.
Now that you know what editorial stock footage is and how to license it, the next step is to find the right stock footage for your project. There are a lot of online stock footage libraries available – some paid, some free – but it’s essential to choose a reputable library to ensure you have access to high-quality, accurately labeled, and properly licensed content. Some popular options include Shutterstock, Pexels, and Getty Images.
In conclusion, editorial stock footage is an essential resource for filmmakers and content creators, especially in documentary filmmaking. When licensing editorial stock footage, it’s important to understand the type of footage required, the licensing options available and correctly attribute the source in your work. Choosing a reputable online library with a good reputation will ensure you have access to high quality, accurately labeled and licensed content.
Benefits of using editorial stock footage
As content creators, we always strive to create visually stunning and engaging videos. However, with tight deadlines and limited budgets, it’s not always possible to capture every shot that we need.
This is where editorial stock footage comes to rescue. Editorial stock footage is a type of stock footage that captures real-life, non-fictional events or locations. It can be used to supplement your own footage or as the main focus of your video.
So, what are the benefits of using editorial stock footage? Let’s dive in.
1. Authenticity
Editorial stock footage captures real-life events which makes it an excellent way to add authenticity to your videos. It adds credibility to your story and makes your video more relatable to your audience. The raw and unfiltered nature of editorial footage helps to connect with the viewers on a deeper level.
2. Saves Time and Money
Shooting your own footage can be time-consuming and expensive. With editorial stock footage, you have access to a vast library of footage that’s already been captured. This not only saves you time but also helps to keep your production costs low.
3. Diverse Topics
With editorial stock footage, you have access to a diverse range of topics that you might not be able to capture on your own. From breaking news to cultural events, editorial stock footage covers a wide range of topics. This makes it an excellent resource for creating videos that are timely and relevant.
4. Easy to License
License agreements for editorial stock footage are typically easier to obtain compared to traditional stock footage. Since editorial footage captures real-life events, it’s considered to be newsworthy and falls under the fair use category. This means that it can be used in commercial projects without obtaining a model release or property release.
In conclusion, editorial stock footage is a cost-effective and time-saving solution that adds authenticity, diversity, and relevance to your videos. It’s an excellent resource that should be a part of every content creator’s toolkit.
Challenges of using editorial stock footage
Although editorial stock footage can be a valuable resource for filmmakers, there are some challenges that come with using it.
Firstly, editorial stock footage can be restrictive in terms of licensing. Generally, this type of footage cannot be used for commercial purposes or in a way that suggests an endorsement or association with a specific product or brand. This can limit the ways in which the footage can be used, potentially hindering the creative direction of a project.
Additionally, editorial stock footage can be more difficult to obtain compared to traditional stock footage. Because the footage is often captured in candid, real-life situations, obtaining appropriate releases from all parties involved can be a time-consuming and challenging process. This can lead to delays in post-production and ultimately impact project timelines.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that editorial stock footage may not be as polished or edited as traditional stock footage. This means that the footage may not be as visually consistent or cohesive and may require additional post-production work to fit within a project’s aesthetic.
Overall, while editorial stock footage can be a valuable resource for filmmakers, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges that come with using it. By understanding the licensing restrictions, obtaining necessary releases, and being prepared for additional post-production work, filmmakers can make the most out of editorial stock footage.
Tips for finding the right editorial stock footage
As a content creator, I know how difficult it can be to find the right footage to complement your story. One of the best ways to find video content for your projects is by using editorial stock footage.
Editorial stock footage includes footage that has been captured in the course of a non-commercial event, such as news events, sports, and public gatherings. These types of productions require footage that is shot in real-time without any staging or scripting, which is why they are ideal for content creators who want to give their work more authenticity.
Here are some tips for finding the right editorial stock footage:
- Identify your needs: Before starting your search for editorial stock footage, it’s important to identify what type of footage you need. Consider the location, the event, and any specific shots you require. Having a clear idea of what you need will make it easier to find the right footage.
- Search on reputable sites: There are many sites that offer editorial stock footage, but it’s important to use reputable sites that offer high-quality footage. Some popular sites include Getty Images, Shutterstock, and Pond5. These sites also have well-organized catalogs to help you find what you are looking for.
- Check the license agreement: Make sure you are aware of the license agreements when using editorial stock footage. Unlike commercial stock footage, editorial footage may have restrictions on its use. For example, you may not be able to use editorial footage for commercial purposes, and you may need to credit the source of the footage.
- Watch for the quality: While editorial footage is often shot in real-time, it doesn’t mean that the quality has to be compromised. Look for footage that is shot in high definition and has good lighting and composition. The higher the quality of the footage, the better it will look in your final product.
- Consider the context: When using editorial footage, it’s important to consider the context of your project. Look for footage that will fit seamlessly into your project and complement the overall message you are trying to convey. Avoid using footage that may clash with the message of your project.
By following these tips, you will be able to find the right editorial stock footage to elevate your content and give it a more authentic feel.
Conclusion
As a content creator, it can be challenging to find the perfect footage to accompany a project while staying within budget and timeline constraints. That’s where editorial stock footage comes in. It’s a cost-effective and time-saving solution that can add authenticity, diversity, and relevance to videos. Editorial stock footage can be used in various non-commercial productions such as news, documentaries, and educational videos, ideal for content creators who need to visually convey a particular time, place, event, or person. It adds value to a piece and provides contextual information that increases engagement, interest, and understanding. When licensing editorial stock footage, it’s important to understand the type of footage required, the licensing options available, and properly attribute the source in your work. Online stock footage libraries like Shutterstock, Pexels, and Getty Images are reputable options. While editorial stock footage has its challenges, with the appropriate releases and post-production work, filmmakers can make the most out of it. Overall, editorial stock footage is an essential resource that should be a part of every content creator’s toolkit.