Licencing video to other companies ... at DVinfo.net

George Tasick · October 29th, 2008, 01:45 PM

I got a call today from Discovery Science with a request to use footage that I shot several years ago.

I have no problem providing them with the footage but I really have no idea how to license my footage to them or where I get any of the legal documentation to make that sort of thing official.

Also, I have no idea how much I should be charging or how I should be charging.

Any help would be most appreciated ... links to some sample legal documents would be great as well.

Thanks.

Rick L. Allen · November 3rd, 2008, 04:42 PM

George, Do a search of stock footage libraries, see what they are charging for comparable footage and read their licensing info. Licensing rates can run from $20-$150/sec depending upon uniqueness of the footage, quality or whether it's SD or HD. $40-50/sec with a minimum 10 second buy is fairly common.

Do not send them your original tapes/media and get payment up front.

Steve House · November 3rd, 2008, 06:05 PM

I know it sounds like a broken record, but for the legal documentation you really, REALLY need to see an intellectual property attorney who knows something about copyright and licensing. It shouldn't be a major case but it's definitely NOT a DIY type of situation.

Bryan Daugherty · February 7th, 2009, 12:06 AM

This is an old post but i had a thought here so i wanted to share. If you already solved this, i would be very interested in hearing what avenue worked for you. I find that when I work with large reputable organizations (and their team of lawyers,) it is often helpful to request that they submit a license request form. I then take that to my attorney for preview and alteration. In my experience it yields less attorney fees because you are not starting from scratch. I also try to account for any legal fees I incurred in getting the correct documents into the rates.

October 29th, 2008, 01:45 PM	#1
George Tasick Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Zelienople, PA Posts: 86	Licencing video to other companies ... I got a call today from Discovery Science with a request to use footage that I shot several years ago. I have no problem providing them with the footage but I really have no idea how to license my footage to them or where I get any of the legal documentation to make that sort of thing official. Also, I have no idea how much I should be charging or how I should be charging. Any help would be most appreciated ... links to some sample legal documents would be great as well. Thanks.

November 3rd, 2008, 04:42 PM	#2
Rick L. Allen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 536	George, Do a search of stock footage libraries, see what they are charging for comparable footage and read their licensing info. Licensing rates can run from $20-$150/sec depending upon uniqueness of the footage, quality or whether it's SD or HD. $40-50/sec with a minimum 10 second buy is fairly common. Do not send them your original tapes/media and get payment up front. __________________ "The good thing about science is that it's true whether you believe it or not." Neil deGrasse Tyson https://www.nautilusproductions.com/

November 3rd, 2008, 06:05 PM	#3
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	I know it sounds like a broken record, but for the legal documentation you really, REALLY need to see an intellectual property attorney who knows something about copyright and licensing. It shouldn't be a major case but it's definitely NOT a DIY type of situation. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

February 7th, 2009, 12:06 AM	#4
Bryan Daugherty Major Player Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lexington, Ky - USA Posts: 552	This is an old post but i had a thought here so i wanted to share. If you already solved this, i would be very interested in hearing what avenue worked for you. I find that when I work with large reputable organizations (and their team of lawyers,) it is often helpful to request that they submit a license request form. I then take that to my attorney for preview and alteration. In my experience it yields less attorney fees because you are not starting from scratch. I also try to account for any legal fees I incurred in getting the correct documents into the rates. __________________ 3x-HD1000u - Ikan 8000HD- custom i7 PC - Vegas Pro 13 and 11 64 bit - Premiere Pro CS4 - and a whole mess of other equipment...