In search of raw materials…

Those of us who aspire to make video on a budget that is significantly less than, say $100 million have our own challenges.  One of these is finding raw materials – legally – to incorporate into our work.  Music is the obvious shortcoming- unless you’re also a songwriter and musician, you probably can’t afford to pay the prices you’d like in order to practice your craft.   But what about sound effects?  Stock video?  Even with the growth of low(er) cost licensing sources, you almost have to be a copyright lawyer to navigate all the fine print!  Challenges include:

– Maybe it’s possible to get permission to use music, even for a small fee – but determining who owns the music is often tricky.  Using your own performance of a song someone else has written won’t work.

– Depending on where the video will end up, the “strings” attached in the licensing scheme may have unforeseen consequences.  Are you using something with a “creative commons” license?  If so, that means your derivative product – i.e. your video, has to have the same license.  Are you willing to do that?  If so, you might try a couple of my favorites: Jimmy Gelhaar or Kevin Macleod’s sites.

– photos and video are even trickier, as they’re more prevalent on the ‘net.  Think it’s up for grabs because it’s already posted on an internet site for all to see?  Think again!

Fortunately there are options.

– Some video editing programs include “sample music” that you are free to use.  Be sure and check the fine print!

– There is music in the “public domain” you can use.  This can vary by country, so a little research is needed.  Whose laws apply?  But many classical pieces fit in this category.

– If you’re really into video editing, there are sites that sell music – often on CD – that you are free to use as you wish.  One such site (no endorsement by NATO implied) is Digital Juice.  There are others!  Some examples of sites that provide free music and / or sound effects are:

And if you’re looking for generic footage to integrate into your video, you might check out this helpful post from VideoMaker magazine – they list “9 of the best public domain video resources.”

Good luck, and happy editing!

This entry was posted in Music for Video, Sound Effects for Video, Stock Video and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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