Whether to go for royalty free footage or to buy one? Instinct would say, budget and scope of the documentary will dictate the ultimate sling or arrow for the answer. If the story suffers due to imposing limitations because of the royalties and restrictions, freedom might win out in the end.

What do producers typically do about opting to use royalty free footage? What is the most influential factor that finally pushes them in this direction? Free means there is no further financial investment today and forever. This has got to ring sweetly to the executive producers who would appreciate less cost overages that can come from anywhere in the production, including from any complicated dealings regarding footage rights. Although production teams and executive producers are of the belief that there are certain limitations to the benefits of public domain materials, they are aware that there are limits to the quality of such footage. Yet, the hassles from usage charges and rights can make the quality issue insignificant, as long as the documentary can be creatively and holistically intact from such usage.

Grainy materials with poor audio can be a challenge, or they can offer more character to the screen play if the script can be adapted to a scene that includes older footage. Quaintness can offer relief from a mode of serious content. If blended in from time to time in a careful manner, the saving from using older film footage can be very rewarding for low budget productions.

Past experience with boundaries, limits, terms of territories and license periods can be a big turn off, as are the legal ramifications that third party rights could precipitate. Unless there are simply non negotiable and unique requirements from the context of the documentary, rights managed footage could be a necessary element.

Regarding quality of royalty free footage, it has steadily improved in the recent past. The popular footage libraries have media that show the differential between the quality of the two, free or rights footage, as only noticeable in high end TV productions. High budget productions naturally have the luxury to select quality in footage, so the need to use public domain media is a non starter. Use of public domain footage can only stand out in a non flattering way when there is plenty of funding to use innovative, award winning footage that will require a contractual agreement.

It is important to focus on the requirements of footage. Much debate, bending over backwards in the heat of negotiation and obstacles, could frustrate the use of the much desired rights managed segments of the film. It could present more expense in planning work around and substitute scripting and even dilution of the theme of the original production. Keeping the cost and benefits in perspective, when considering the use of paid footage, is a key factor in making this kind of consideration. Award winning footage, shot by cameramen who are sensitive about the use of their work, may be difficult to obtain. Typically, these professionals do not want their highly acclaimed performances to be seen in low budget films. This is where the royalty free footage can help you out. These footage are easily available without any hassles. They are shot in high definition by expert cameramen and can be used in films, documentaries, projects and so on.