At first glance, the process of licensing copyright-protected footage from archive sources is not very different from reaching any other legally-binding arrangement. However, negotiating and setting the terms of a licensing deal always requires a full understanding of all the rights, obligations, and details concerning the use of the archive footage on both sides of the agreement. The following examples of licensing terminology can be found in almost every license negotiation between an archive footage provider and a content creator.
clearing archive
Featuring: Jim Anderson, Manchester
You have an incredible amount of experience in archival research and production. How did you end up in this field in the first place?
Well, the reason I started in this field was because I was working on the BBC Fantasy Football League a Friday night topical programme where I had to find footage material every week. I started with a blank page on Monday and by Friday we had a show! I had to find funny clips like old TV programs, commercials etc. Famous guests would come on the show to discuss football topics. I did this for 3 years and helped produce over 50 programs! I also worked on a Feature Film starring Colin Firth and Mark Strong called Fever Pitch also about football. Since 1990’s-2007, I had mostly been working as an assistant producer and producer director. After 2007 the work coming my way always involved finding and clearing archive. Although I am very busy it’s a good line of work dealing with wide variety of topics from the cold war to sports. I would like to return to producing and directing too -probably an archive based production. (more…)