Different Ways That Stock Footage Video Are Used In 21st Century Movies
The stock footage video 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.
There are several reasons why this is done. The first is akin to the definition above; more film is shot than is needed. Often the film is kept just in case it is ever needed. Many films in production put out a “behind-the-scenes” look at the upcoming movie. A lot of footage is used here so the audience can get a glimpse at the movie without too much being given away.
Archive HD stock footage 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.
Public domain footage is included in many films. There are many large moments in history that were taped and are available for people and filmmakers to use. The government maintains much of this footage. It makes it easy for filmmakers to find appropriate clips of their subjects or to include or research historical figures for their projects.
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.
It is certainly not as interesting as other types of stock footage, but it can be a clear indicator of the quality of film. If even the background shots are well thought out to go with the main action, it will all appear seamless and appropriate.
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 high definition stock footage from an early part of the movie. Children’s shows do this constantly since kids tend not to notice.
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