How To License Footage

If you are interested in acquiring footage for broadcast, production, or presentation use, please fill out our online application form. The more specifically you can describe your production and the footage you require, the more efficiently we can respond. At this time our archive is not searchable online, but that capability is coming soon.

Licensing Fees

The more specifically you can describe your production and the footage you require, the more efficiently we can respond. At this time our archive is not searchable online, but that capability is coming soon.

For licensing and duplication rates, please see our rate card. The licensing fee is based on the following:

• Distribution medium (TV, Theatrical, Internet, etc.)
• Market (North America, Worldwide, etc.)
• License Period (Standard license term is 10 years)
• Type of Licensee (Non-profit, public broadcaster, commercial, etc.)
• Number of seconds licensed

As a nonprofit organization, we offer a sliding scale fee system based on intended usage, distribution plans, licensing period, and other factors. Please note that all revenues derived from license fees are shared equally with WITNESS partners.

A license must be signed and all license fee minimums must be paid up front, via check or credit card, before any video masters are released. License fee minimums are non-refundable. Additional lab and shipping charges are also due at this time unless otherwise specified, in which case they will be due 15 days after receipt of invoice.

Duplication/Transcoding

We offer in-house duplication and transcoding at competitive rates to DVCam, miniDV, BetaSP, DigiBeta (NTSC only), and a variety of file formats including Apple Pro Res, DV, H.264, and MPEG-2. Duplication to other formats in particular cases may be sent to an external duplication facility and charged accordingly.

Preview copies

Low-resolution files or DVD/VHS preview screeners of footage can be ordered for a fee. We will send a link to your uploaded files, or ship the previews to you. Researchers are also welcome to make appointments to preview footage on-site at no cost, provided that a preview copy is available.

Research

WITNESS Media Archive staff is able to provide up to half an hour of research support at no charge. You may inquire about availability if you require additional staff research time, which will be billed at $50.00 per hour.

Shipping

Orders will be shipped at the client's expense, either via client's own account, Fed Ex, or regular mail.

Credits

An on-screen, visual credit must appear at the end of the production, and sometimes over the appearance of the footage. Specific credit requirements are outlined in the license agreement.

Copies of completed work

Clients must provide a copy of the completed work within 30 days of project completion.

If you have additional questions for us, please contact us.