ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXIs there a standard rate I should charge a production co’ who want a “worldwide in perpetuity” license to use some of my footage for a TV progra
11 years, 11 months ago - Kieron Jansch
I've been approached by a production company who want to use some footage of mine in a 25 min doc/entertainment show about alternative sports. It will be aired in various countries, from the US to Malaysia, and on various airline in flight entertainment systems.
Thing is, I'm fairly new to this and whilst I have a fair amount of experience making my own films, I've never sold or licensed footage before. So what I need to know is if there is a standard practice in terms of rates for footage, and credits, etc, that I should use as a base to negotiate from?
Obviously I don't want to ask for ridiculous amounts, but neither do I want to give my footage away free to a production co' who will then make money from it.
If anyone has some advice on striking the right balance, and where I can find information I'd really appreciate it.
Cheers,
Kieron.
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11 years, 7 months ago - Vasco de Sousa
It really depends on the footage. What resolution is it shot at? What are the other production qualities? How unique is it? Will it need a lot of work?
If it's really unique and needed for the program, maybe you won't sell worldwide in perpetuity. But, if it's something they can easily recreate for not too much money, then asking a lot will bring a rejection.
It also depends on how much money the production company has, and how much they'll get for the total film. They aren't going to spend half their budget on a ten second clip (unless the production absolutely cannot be done without it.)
As Ken points out, there are places to buy royalty free footage online (the same where you get stock images), and you can check some of these. They usually are NOT completely royalty free, and do not offer the footage in perpetuity. If you look at these, you'll see a lot depends on the production quality. (Also, note that the website keeps about half the asking price.)
There are also specialist footage providers out there, and they can charge a hefty fee. I found one clip from the BBC gallery that's £1,449 (high quality helicopter shot). Another was £224 (high quality office shot). I didn't use either, but I can see how a production in a hurry to meet a deadline might use either one.
Response from 11 years, 7 months ago - Vasco de Sousa SHOW
11 years, 7 months ago - Ken Barnes
Hi Kieron,
Whenever I've bought footage, mainly from ITN, I've paid about £300 per 30 seconds for 'Worldwide in perpetuity'. It doesn't sound like much as a seller. Big sellers like ITN sell the same footage multiple times so they can make some cash. If I were you, I'd ask for more since it's probably a one-off. If they want exclusive rights, ask for a lot more.
Hope that gives you some idea.
Ken
Response from 11 years, 7 months ago - Ken Barnes SHOW