Reasons Why Stock Footage Video Is Displayed In Advertisements
The stock footage clips is also called ‘archive footage’ and it can mean several things. When film is shot, not all of it is used in the final product. There are bad takes, scenes they decided to cut entirely, bloopers or extra film shot because they didn’t know how much they would need. Generally, all of this film is saved and stored. This can be property of a movie studio or available for anyone to use.
This much film is needed for lots of reasons. First, filmmakers never know when they have enough, so they tend to shoot much more. It gives them lots of options to complete their artistic vision. Even after the film is completed, they like to keep all the extra around in case of the unplanned. Many movie channels also have sneak peeks at upcoming movies. This footage is used so the audience can see what is in store for a particular film without showing much of the actual film itself.
Archive stock footage clips is hugely important to DVD’s, since it is the bulk of a DVD’s special features section. Gag reels and cast interviews are nice for all viewers, but the hardcore fans of a movie tend to watch all of the special features to learn everything they can about the production.
There is much that is public domain stock footage. Much is maintained by the government. For example, public figures are often video taped during speeches or appearances. If someone wishes to make a film or show later in which this person appears, it is very easy to find stock footage on them. Having real footage adds to the reliability and quality of a movie, rather than just having an actor play the figure and try to recreate a famous moment.
Some footage from actual movies can become public domain, too. Classic films are used over and over again, especially on televised movie countdowns and lists. Many of these show describe why a movie is ranked as it is, followed by a clip of the movie. It is helpful for the viewers at home. Some clips from classic films are used so frequently that one can’t help but think of them as stock footage.
It is not all glamorous footage from films or important footage from history, though. Footage is also needed when characters in movies are doing mundane things, like riding in the car. One can’t very well just film the car as it is in the studio. The windows have to be filled in with passing landscape. This same land- or city-scape can be used over and over again in dozens of different movies without the audience being any the wiser.
Though this is not as provocative as other behind-the-scenes looks, the type of footage outside the car window can give clues to the quality of the movie or important scenes in the film. The small details of the footage can make or break a movie.
Stock footage can also become very useful for shows with low budgets. If a similar action happens a couple of times in a film, the film makers can get away with showing the same royalty free stock footage from an early part of the movie. Children’s shows do this constantly since kids tend not to notice.