Looking for a good source for news footage (national and international) at DVinfo.net

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

October 26th, 2009, 01:25 PM	#1
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	Looking for a good source for news footage (national and international) 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

October 30th, 2009, 08:26 PM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	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?

October 31st, 2009, 06:14 AM	#3
Tripp Woelfel Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Conway, NH Posts: 1,745	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.

October 31st, 2009, 07:47 AM	#4
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	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

October 31st, 2009, 09:08 AM	#5
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	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.

October 31st, 2009, 08:55 PM	#6
Rob Morse Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 427	What for format are you looking for? Digital Juice has international stuff on VideoTraxx3.

November 1st, 2009, 07:54 AM	#7
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	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