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View Full Version : Looking for a good source for news footage (national and international)

Simon Zimmer
October 26th, 2009, 01:25 PM
Hello,

I am working on a documentary for our non-profit. Where can I find high quality news footage of national and international events especially Latin America (Colombia).

I would be willing to pay if the quality is good.

Any good websites out there for news footage?

thanks,

Simon
Richard Alvarez
October 30th, 2009, 08:26 PM
Are you talking about contemporary footage? That is, stuff that was shot last year of a particular event? OR are you talking about archival news footage - newsreels from WW2 for instance?
Tripp Woelfel
October 31st, 2009, 06:14 AM
If you're looking for early to mid 20th century footage, look at www.archive.org. Some of the footage is the public domain, particularly that within the Prelinger Archive. The quality is generally quite good and the files are downloadable.

There are other archives there which may or may not charge for use.
Simon Zimmer
October 31st, 2009, 07:47 AM
Hello Tripp and Richard,

I would say I am looking for contemporary and archival news footage.

archive.org is not bad but not that much for international topics. But it is probably the best source I have found so far.

Any other ideas, would be appreciated. Again, I would be willing to pay if the quality is good.

Best regards,

Simon
Richard Alvarez
October 31st, 2009, 09:08 AM
YOu can always go to 'the source' - meaning the broadcaster in question. The BBC or any of the major networks. Simply explain that you are looking for footage about "XYZ" - I assume you have a particular topic in mind? Ask them if they have any footage available.

They'll quote you a price.

It won't be cheap.


You can also look under the usual stock footage companies - but they won't have extended footage.
Rob Morse
October 31st, 2009, 08:55 PM
What for format are you looking for? Digital Juice has international stuff on VideoTraxx3.
Simon Zimmer
November 1st, 2009, 07:54 AM
Hello,

Yeah, I understand it won't be cheap if you go directly to the source but a good idea. Yes, I do have a specific topic. Colombia and the United States regarding the cocaine trade. Also Colombia in general regarding the drug problem, poverty, war, etc...

As for format, HD would be preferred though I realize most news footage are not filmed in HD. But that is not a major issue. I am fine with DV footage.

Thanks for all the tips.

Simon