Difficult to access
A satellite view, specialist environment or location we can’t safely or practically reach.
Stock footage
How we use stock footage in video production
We usually recommend filming your own people, workplace and products. We use licensed stock footage when a shot we need can’t reasonably be filmed, such as historical material or a location we can’t access.
Our starting point
Film your people and workplace
Original footage lets viewers see who you are and how you work.
For a customer story, that means filming the customer. For a workplace or product video, it means showing your facilities, staff and how the work is done. Stock footage may not accurately represent your organisation.
We plan the shot list around the people, places and processes you need to show. We then consider stock footage for shots we can’t reasonably capture on the filming day.
Examples
When stock footage is useful
Stock footage can show a location, event or activity we haven’t been able to film. Here are some situations where it can help.
Historical material
Archive footage can show what a place looked like or what happened at an earlier event.
Very costly to capture
A short shot may not justify an interstate trip, specialist crew or complex filming setup.
Establishing a location
A city view or weather shot can establish where a scene takes place or help connect two parts of the video.
Unavailable on the shoot
Seasonal activity, a process or a location may not have been available to film when the crew was there.
Dream Engine’s process
Plan the video before searching
We work out what the video needs to say and what we’ll film, then search for any additional shots the edit needs.
Plan the story
The concept, treatment or video script tells us what the audience needs to see.
Identify the missing shots
We identify which shots need original filming and which could come from a stock library.
Write a search brief
We describe the subject, action, location, time of day and mood, along with the framing, camera movement, duration and technical requirements.
Search and shortlist
We compare shortlisted clips with the script and the footage from your shoot.
Preview and approve
You review watermarked previews or links to the shortlisted clips before we license them.
License and edit
We check the licence for your planned use, keep a copy, download the master file and add it to the edit.
Selecting clips
Matching stock to your footage
We look for clips that match the setting and filming style of your video.
We compare each option with the agreed style and the footage from your shoot, checking the details below. If we can’t find a suitable match, we’ll discuss another way to cover that part of the video.
- location and architecture
- people and wardrobe
- camera movement
- lens perspective
- lighting and weather
- resolution and frame rate
Client review
You review the clips before we license them
We normally send you watermarked previews or links to a shortlist so you can check the subject, tone and accuracy.
You may spot an incorrect location, an outdated process or a detail that could mislead viewers. Let us know so we can find an alternative before buying the clip and building the edit around it.
We’ll confirm your choice before licensing it, unless we’ve agreed on a different approval process for a tight deadline.
Usage checks
Check the licence before buying
Usage rights vary between clips. We check the licence against your plans for the video and explain any restrictions before you choose.
- commercial or editorial-only restrictions
- channels, territory and duration
- paid advertising or broadcast use where relevant
- stated talent and property release limitations
- the correct resolution and master file
- a record of the source, licence and purchase
Building a sequence
Look for a series of related shots
If we need several stock shots, we look for footage from the same contributor, location or shoot. A wide shot, close-up and aerial view can give us enough coverage to build a short sequence with consistent lighting and camera style.
These farming shots show how a ground-level view, a close-up and an aerial can be combined in a short sequence.
Inside the edit
Editing stock into your video
The video edit brings together your original footage, stock clips, graphics, music and sound.
We adjust timing, framing and colour, and use sound or graphics to smooth transitions. These changes can help clips sit together, though differences in the location or the activity shown may still be obvious.
- edit pace and shot length
- crop and composition
- colour and contrast
- sound design and music
- titles and motion graphics
- social cutdowns and formats
Your input
Help us choose suitable footage
We can handle the search, shortlist, licensing and edit. We’ll ask you to check the clips for details we might miss about your industry or organisation.
- Tell us which people, places and processes we need to film ourselves.
- Point out anything a stock clip could misrepresent.
- Confirm where the finished video will be used.
- Share brand, legal or cultural requirements.
- Review the shortlist for accuracy as well as appearance.
- Tell us if the video needs social or paid advertising versions.
These decisions are easiest to make during script planning and pre-production, before the edit is underway.
Common questions
Stock footage FAQs
What is stock footage?
Stock footage is existing video footage licensed for use in another production. Libraries contain clips of places, people and activities, as well as archive material and aerial views. We use it when a shot can’t reasonably be filmed or a short clip would help establish a location or connect scenes.
Why is original footage usually better?
It shows your own people, workplace, products and processes. Viewers can see what you’re describing, and you can be confident the footage represents your organisation accurately. That’s why we usually recommend original filming.
When does Dream Engine use stock footage?
We may recommend it for a location we can’t access, historical material, a shot that would be too costly to film or something unavailable on the filming day. A short stock clip can also establish a setting or connect scenes. We check that it accurately represents what the video is describing.
Can we approve stock clips before they are licensed?
Yes. We normally send watermarked previews or links to a shortlist for you to review. We’ll confirm your choice before licensing it, unless we’ve agreed on a different approval process for a tight deadline.
How do you check stock footage licensing?
We check the licence offered for the planned use, including commercial or editorial restrictions, distribution, territory, duration, paid advertising or broadcast use where relevant, and any stated release limitations. We keep the source and licence record with the project.
How do you make stock footage match original footage?
We compare subject, setting, camera movement, lens perspective, lighting, weather, frame rate, resolution and colour before selecting a clip. We then adjust timing, framing and colour in the edit to help the clips sit together.
Can one video use stock, original filming and graphics?
Yes. For example, a video could combine interviews filmed at your workplace with a stock aerial view of the city and graphics explaining a process. We match the footage through editing and colour grading, then add music, sound and graphics to complete the video.
Need help planning the footage for your video?
Tell us what your video needs to show and where you’ll use it. We can recommend what to film and where stock footage might help.
