Rights Managed Video - When To Use It

Let's face it. When it comes to putting together a video production, sorting through what you want to use in your final product versus what you can afford to use can become confusing. There are all kinds of rights associated with available stock footage video and sorting through the mess can leave one with a bad taste in their mouths. But the demarcation line about when you can use copyrighted material versus royalty free material is usually pretty clear.

When it comes to video types, you really only have two types. Rights managed, or copyrighted material and royalty free.

Royalty free simply means that nothing has to change hands in terms of money to use the video clips. There is no financial responsibility involved, usually just an acknowledgment in the credits. It doesn't matter if the video clip is directly used in the production or whether it gets used in a background capacity, the use of the video is free for use and distribution. That acknowledgment is what is important. The video clip may be public domain, or it could be from a videographer who is trying to gain recognition, so having that acknowledgment in the credits may not pay money now, but could lead to work for them later.

Rights managed, or copyrighted material is a totally different thing. It doesn't matter whether your production is a for-profit movie production or a non-profit promotional video, if you're using any kind of clip that has a copyright, you'll need to fulfill whatever obligations are necessary. These videos are made or produced by a wide variety of sources from private individuals all the way through huge Hollywood studios. If you use any part of these videos you will be required to pay some type of contractual payment. Often, there is a distribution cost, a production cost, and even a per play cost involved. Having a company that has already worked out bulk contracts with copyright owners simplifies matters greatly because having to work out a contract with each company could take forever.

While royalty free stock videos may very well suit your needs, there are times when you need that specific clip. Virtually every professional sports clip available has some type of copyright on it, and anything having to do with newscasts, TV shows, movies and even online productions involves some form of copyrights. Working with companies that can supply these rights managed videos will save you a lot of headaches and hassles and will make for a much easier production when all is said and done.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com