Some good ideas here. Just wanted to say that unless I am wrong, full resolution mini DV format footage uses 4.7GB to capture 17minutes and 55 seconds.

I came to this solution by remembering that before I switched my drive to NTFS, that's how much my NLE would capture before stopping at the FAT32 4.7GB filesize limit.

I don't think most stock footage shots are going to run that long so bandwidth consumption might not be as bad as was suggested earlier in this thread.

I also think that in the spirit of the original idea here that the supplier of footage should give full release and claim it to be original work. Compensation should be in the form a a screen credit and possibly a copy of the finished work. What better way for all of us to increase our video resumes.

Thoughts, ideas, criticisism?

regards,

=gb=

p.s. I will, of course be happy to participate and contribure to this venture.

There is nothing wrong with someone burning a dub to tape or dvd and sending it to the person in need.

Anyone can contact a stock house and buy footage, I feel that this board is more about people helping each other out, especially when there are no budgets to speak of. I really think that compensation would really complicate things.

Servers, bandwith, hosting, administration, etc. costs money. Who's going to pick up the tab to maintain and operate the site?
What will be their compensation...a percentage of whatever money changes hands? Will this be taken out of the cost of the clip or tacked on? How will the finances be handled? Etc., etc., etc!

Let's not over-engineer this thing. It really is quite simple.

Chris, if you're reading this, my suggestion is that a new category be created, something like a "Shots Wanted" type. This way people can communicate directly with each other as has been the spirit of this board without involving the evil $$$.

RB

rick, @least pay for shipping right? ;).

The person requesting the footage must be responsible for providing a blank tape in the appropriate format (the format being used by the provider), and a self addressed, stamped envelope.

I honestly think this is the way to go. We should all be on this board helping each other out whenever possible instead of trying to turn a buck off of each other.

RB

It would be nice if we could implement this via the internet, but I think most of you have brought up solid points and the reality is it just won't work out that way.

I think the actual trading of tapes sounds like an excellent way to go. But a separate category specifically for these types of requests would be a necessity. Also, maybe we could have a generic agreement form which clearly outlines the terms for usage/trading? (I'm sure there are plenty such templates on the 'net we could modify and adopt.) And even a thread which includes a list of all the people who are willing to participate along with their locations?

I am really excited about the potential of this idea, and I hope we can all work something equitable out.

ok. so it's settled.

now, who is making movies? who needs what scenes? etc? i'm not doing anything @the moment, just lots of writing. i'm sure there are people making short movies now, but they probably won't even get to read this thread cause they're so busy doing the scenes themselves out there =).

PS, although establishing shots can be had, what do ya'll think about compositions? meaning have a landscape shot of Netherland lakes for example and then comping a human into that. i've always felt that DV is 2 low res to make it look as good as film. this is related cause the footages will primarily be used as establishing but not bluescreen comp templates right?

PPS one thing i've found is that landscapes can be modified with CG buildings/environ. i think those types are the best.

I actually desperately need some landscape footage of desert dunes, deserts, and ancient desert towns...if anyone has that sort of thing, please let me know.

I'm working on a "spare time" project set in the ancient Middle Eastern region.

Thanks...

Well, here are my thoughts.

Stock footage houses are great, but expensive. It is often hard to find what you want.

Lots of us live in different parts of the world where our back yard is someone else's exotic location. beaches, big cities, mountains, whatever. So while it would be cool to have an online resource of free footage, it quickly becomes an issue of management and bandwidth.

Why not just create a geographical directory of videographers willing to help each other? So when I need stock footage of someplace, I can log in and contact the people who either have or are willing to go get me some footage that I need in an area. I can then negotiate separately for what I want. I may pay someone $50 to copy some existing footage onto a DV, or $100 for them to go spend 30 minutes shooting building exteriors in South Beach and send me a raw tape. I would also be able to post requests and connect that way. I could see where this might lead to some real work too.

It seems simple enough to me, and could be hosted cheaply if no video samples are posted (or SMALL ones). The database work would probably be quick to develop also.

Good idea? Bad idea? Fair idea, but needs improvements?

Not sure if this thread is still active, I’ve been out of the loop for a while.

I think tape trading is great, and ideally that’s perfect, though practically I don’t think people are motivated on both end to arrange and actaully do it. (Correct me if I’m wrong)

While not ideal, if were talking on a free level, I think torrent files with a creative commons license would work well, though for many people it would take days to download footage.

I’m willing to host a site to track and host the torrent files (which takes little bandwidth) but there would have to be enough interest for people to seed (share parts) of the files, meaning a number of people would have to leave the torrent client open with a number of clips in it for people to download from, and have the footage available on there computer (take up a lot of space).

If there were enough interest I could also write a program to automatically make the torrent and take a couple of screenshots for the website from the footage, but wouldn’t bother if no one is interested.

Just my dumb idea.

I'd definitely use it.

let's stop talking about it and start trading to see if it really works. i don't have any movie projects right now, but those of you that need footage, please shout it out and let other people know about it. or... we can start a thread about who is in which location and what look do they need.

This sounds like a neat project, but maybe we are trying to make it too fancy with websites and all to start with. How about starting with people just requesting footage that they need and someone responding. If there is footage I can take for another and I want to donate it for free, with or without expenses, what's wrong with that?

For example, I live in Southeast Florida. If someone needs something from here and we can work out a deal for a fee or for no fee, then just mail it. I can mail a CD with a lot of footage for a very little price. Media mail from S. Florida all the way to California for one pound is only $1.42 plus the packaging material, which could be just brown paper.

Just a thought.

Someone recently posted a request for stock footage of a clapboard being used, because they did not have one to film. I posted a reply saying that I had a clapboard and cameras and might be able to help out, but did not hear from the person. This is an example of what I mean. You need footage, like South Beach Florida, (I know we have people there), or Hutchenson Island in Jenson Beach, just post a request!

If someone needs some footage, say from a pub in Boston, and someone there has the right camera and can do it, why not! Charge for the gas and blank CD and maybe a nice lunch while you are there!

I think there are many here who are not concerned with making huge profits from the filming, but just learning and enjoying the craft. Who knows, you someday see your footage used in something really neat!

You would have to have model releases for anyone in them, so just don't have people in them! We don't have to have any releases for buildings here in the USA, as I understand that they do in parts of Europe etc., so I think as long as the footage has no recognizable persons in it we are fine. I'm sure some with more knowledge will advise us on that issue.

Anyway, let me know what you think about doing it this way to start.

Hope that this helps.

Mike

hrm. i wish i was doing a project now so i could start requesting. but i ain't. i think people aren't taking advantage of this network of DV brethrens across the internet =). in fact, i could create an entire editing projects just using footages shot across the world =). hawaii, intercut with footages from norway from flordia, from boston, heck anyone doing a video travel brochure is IN LUCK! :).

I'm very excited. After doing a bit more research, I found an exelent tool that takes care of the software side of sharing files of any size, I'm lucky enough to have a compatible server and a domain name that was going to waste.

I'm setting this site up now, working out some kinks, then I encourage you all to try it. Go to http://dvpub.info if you want to see it so far.

I'm not sure if my server company will frown on this yet, so cross your fingers!

Okay everybody, lets test this out and see if it works. I was able to transfer a file from my work computer to my home computer.

http://dvpub.info

If you download a file, leave the downloader box open so others can download the file too.

Feel free to upload files to test, but you must have at least a port open to the internet in the range of 6881 to 6889. If you dont know what that means, you probably won't be able to upload files unless your connected to the internet without a firewall (a bad idea).

So attention those of you with fast connections: try downloading or uploading, it's easy enough for anyone to do.

If you make a mess dont worry, i'll clean it up later.

"I think that which is written above is exactly right. The best bet is to send tapes."

I almost agree. Tapes can be a bit costlier than DVDs, and not nearly as durable. Not to mention wear and tear on someone's heads if they don't own a deck. I think footage trading is a great idea, and always have. This is how I would approach this-

1) Ask Chris Hurd if he would host a new forum, "Stock Footage". In it, you would have two threads, Footage Wanted and Footage For Use.

The first thread is obviously for people to post their requests. The second, would make it easier to search for footage.

2) Folks with footage could burn the raw avi to DVD, or CD if file will fit, and mail it to the requester for maybe $10. This should cover cost for the disk, and shipping worldwide.

Of course, it would be nice if there were a way to post a small preview clip online. Maybe 10 seconds at 320x240 and 10 fps.

i wouldn't get TOO far ahead. the first thing is first. who has a project RIGHT NOW and who needs 2nd Unit footages from all these gorgeous places? if that need doesn't even arise, there's no need to go further and create server space, etc. let's start from the beginning and see where it goes.

I could go for a shot of the African plains, with some distinct animals for flavor. Anybody in that neighborhood?

but doesn't australia have the wild outbacks that can double for Africa?

Australia could possibly look similar to an African plain, but the animals would sell it. They don't have Zebras, Girraffes, Elephants, or Lions. I was at Busch Gardens, and thought about trying to get the shot there. The rollercoaster in the background kind of killed the mood though.

If someone is willing to set it up and maintain it, if even for a little while, why not start now. I'd rather be enjoying a service that is free than one that will cost 10 or so bucks. Even though that's an incredibly cheap price for stock, let's not shoot down innovation. So what if it fails.

Thanks for you enthusiam, Jeremy. I'm willing to try it out. I'll be out of town this weekend, but when I return I'd like to start testing with anyone else interested. I can see this being a real useful tool in the future (either served up via the Internet or mail ordered).

[QUOTE=Rick Bravo]<<<The person requesting the footage must be responsible for providing a blank tape>>>

Are DVD's ok. I don't even think I have anything to play a tape on unless it's a Mini DV and I play it through the camera.

[QUOTE=Rick Bravo]<<<The person requesting the footage must be responsible for providing a blank tape>>>

Are DVD's ok. I don't even think I have anything to play a tape on unless it's a Mini DV and I play it through the camera.

No, DVDs wouldn't work. The video has been compressed to MPEG2. When it comes to stock footage, you want "master" quality images.

Jay

Jay- The footage won't need to be converted to mpeg, or anything else, just to burn it on DVD. You aren't wanting to play it on the tv, you are just transferring raw avi files from tape to DVD storage. Think of it as a 4 gig CD.

So what's the simplest workflow to go from miniDV source tape to DVD ROM?
Do you need a NLE, or is there some utility program (need for both PC and Mac) that will do this?

Keith, that 4-Gigs will limit how large the clip can be... what, about 15 minutes?

Jay

Ask Chris Hurd if he would host a new forum, "Stock Footage". In it, you would have two threads, Footage Wanted and Footage For Use.

That is exactly what I was thinking would be the first step.
While your at it, do you think we could ask him to do something about this new color scheme. Tan on tan makes it a little less frindly on the eyes when looking for the next post. The old one was nice and didn't seem to need fixing. One thing is for sure however, I have had no more problems with having to sign on again every 15 minutes.


Back on subject, we have to be careful not to expect people to give up too much time over this. One thing that we would want to do as a sharing group, is to start getting a few minutes of B-roll at whichever new location we shoot at. Stuff with no actors and as few people as possible zero being optimal. Unless its a downtown street of course. If anyone needs any footage of St. Louis I'll see what I can do. While its good to do this for the no compensation, I wouldn't get footage that would take a whole day to get, for free. If I already have it, I'd be more than happy to share it.

i think you can comp in those animals ;) especially with some CG skillz.

anyway, who has a project RIGHT NOW and they need 2nd Unit footage?

I’m a little surprised that more people aren’t interested in trading on a website. If I were trading footage, I would much rather hit a couple of buttons, then burn a DVD package and send it.

Just to clarify, the website I am working on is just a glorified way to send file between people, though if a bunch of people also want the file, it actually works better, because it creates a “web” between the people download, and they all attempt to share with one another.

Although sending physical media also has it’s merits, if your on a slow connection, downloading gigs of footage may not sound like much fun.

I just don’t want you all to dismiss something that’s easy and free to use.

How about this? In order to keep servers from getting too full. There could be a daily or weekly deletion of all files that have been shared. That way, if there is something more than one person can use, they can all get it while it's up. I still think it should be moderated through a forum on this message board. That way we, the DVinfo.net community, can all take advantage of it.

So you request footage on DVinfo.net and people who have it, post it on a web server for others to download.

Capture source footage from miniDV, export avi file, open Nero (or DVD software of choice), burn to DVD. Or... For those Mac users- export to mov file, burn.

"Keith, that 4-Gigs will limit how large the clip can be... what, about 15 minutes?"

Jay- order volume 2 ;)

How about this? In order to keep servers from getting too full. There could be a daily or weekly deletion of all files that have been shared. That way, if there is something more than one person can use, they can all get it while it's up. I still think it should be moderated through a forum on this message board. That way we, the DVinfo.net community, can all take advantage of it.

So you request footage on DVinfo.net and people who have it, post it on a web server for others to download.


That sounds fine to me; the server is set to not show any files that aren’t being actively used. The server doesn’t store the clip, you are sharing the clip, the server just coordinates people to get it from you, or whoever else is downloading it. Potentially the server could also hold it, but then we start talking about needing 100's of gig's of storage and bandwidth, which is not cheap, though potentially if 20+ people wanted to pay a monthly service charge it would be feasible, but that goes against the whole free concept.

My server would be open access, so anyone could start sharing a file using it. A forum request thread would be a perfect way for someone to publish there needs, and then someone with footage could reply and start sharing.

I think probably the best way to go about this is to pass all of the files via BitTorrent. Torrent files wont eat up webspace. Assign a couple people for the job of moderating the torrent files.

We could easily hold the trading on these forums. We can have a stock footage catagory and then under that we can have a place for everyones requests (For people needing that CERTAIN shot) aswell as people that just want to add footage to the community.

Im guessing that most people would want some of their footage trading to be unique. In other words, If I trade with someone I wouldn't want someone else to get the same stock footage he is giving me. You use it in your film and then...Oh, someone else is using the same shots?!? That's not good. Just something to think about.

With everyone's help we can make this something very useful. We can do most of the requests through PM's if we have to. I'm sure there will be some kinks to work out, but just about everything starts out that way.

I'm willing to help in anyway I can.

I think probably the best way to go about this is to pass all of the files via BitTorrent. Torrent files wont eat up webspace. Assign a couple people for the job of moderating the torrent files.

The server I've setup IS a torrent server and tracker. There's a version of bittorrent included in the site that makes creating a torrent and uploading it very easy.

http://dvpub.info

Ah! I see! I like it very much. I must've skipped over a post.

I will contribute as much as I can!

Good work!

Im guessing that most people would want some of their footage trading to be unique. In other words, If I trade with someone I wouldn't want someone else to get the same stock footage he is giving me. You use it in your film and then...Oh, someone else is using the same shots?!? That's not good. Just something to think about.
Hmmm, if that's the case, then would you still call it "stock footage"? I mean there are lots of companies selling stock video and audio. By definition when you buy this you know it's not going to be unique to your film.

Pete is correct. Stock footage is nothing more than generic clip art for video. You need a sunrise in Hawaii, city streets, etc, you get stock footage. If you need a red 57 chevy rolling down a rural highway, that is 2nd unit stuff.

While we're at it, why couldn't we also offer 2nd unit footage? There are enough people from around the world in these forums, who have their own cameras, and just waiting for an excuse to use it. Consider it an excercise, and another way to get credits for their reel.

Thanks for the correction guys!

I'm still getting used to the terminology, but I think that 2nd unit footage should definitely be incorporated into this "trade". I know there are some "unique" shots that I would want for some films in the future that are impossible for me to get. Maybe we could setup an agreement contract upon the trade (Such as an agreement page where you have to accept to proceed to download. Maybe a unique one with a filename and the person who shot it, and then it can be printed out as proof. Your ideas?) to make sure that no one could use the footage you recieved.

Keep the ideas coming. I am learning as we go along and Im eager to make this work.

ok boys, does anyone need any footages? so far, no1 has asked for a concrete and specific type of 2nd Unit footage.

I asked for footage of the African plains. So far, nobody has stepped up. Then again, there still isn't a regular forum for this.

HELLO MODERATORS... (hint, hint)

Which category would we put it in? Special Interest Areas?

How about putting it in Community Market Place with Helping Hands?
P.S. Good ears Chris ;)

I will be taking a lot of HDV footage in Greece, and I am sure that some of the more popular places, like the Parthenon and the temple at Delphi would make some nice stock footage. I could make it available at 720X480 or in the M2T format (1080i).

If there is anything in particular you want, speak up so I know to make sure to get as much of that particular area as possible. I am carrying a tripod, and for areas where that is not allowed, I picked up a DVRig Jr.

Steven- Will you be anywhere near Monaco in your travels? I could use a nice shot of a high class casino.

No. Just Greece this trip. 8 days on land, 3 on the sea. With a few hours in Zurich on the way to Athens. The real problem is that cameras are not generally allowed in casinos. And the casino on the ship will probably be quite casual.

By the way, the last time I was in Baden Baden Germany, their casino was just as high class. People in suits and even tuxes.

What I was hoping for, was a long shot of a casino overlooking the water, nothing inside. Just a shot to establish a James Bondish location. Keep that in mind, in case you should come across such a location.

Aha! Interesting classic architecture overlooking a lake, or the sea? That I can keep in mind. Sure.

I'm not sure of what is in Greece, but I'm sure you can find something reminiscent of Monaco and the Riviera.
And thank you :)

anyone need stock footage that could be found in NH? forests, farms, mountains? etc?