Stock Footage Unlocked

There are 3 main types of stock footage shoots:

1. Job Shoots - While shooting for another job, you're also getting video to sell as stock footage.

2. Impromptu Shoots - No plan. Just shooting whatever catches your eye.

3. Stock Shoots - A planned shoot mapped out specifically for getting stock footage.

This lesson is all about subject matter. What subjects you should be shooting and what kind of footage sells best.

SUMMARY:

• The best video categories are People, Lifestyle, and Travel.

• Try to regularly include people in your videos.

• Prioritize authenticity and diversity in your videos. Get real people doing real things.

• What doesn’t sell: Empty landscapes, Still life, Videos without people

• To figure out what to shoot ask yourself:

  • What do you have unique access to?

  • What are some relevant current events?

  • What do you enjoy filming?

In this lesson I go over what gear I use/recommend and cinematography tips and methods specifically to improve your stock footage filming.

SUMMARY:

• It’s not about the gear, it’s about how you use it.

• I recommend getting a camera that can shoot 4k, 60fps, and have a way to stabilize the footage (gimbal, cage, etc.)

• When shooting: Film sequences, wide med tight, create depth, think creatively, use movement, and use natural light to your advantage.

• Avoid logos/intellectual property, shaky footage, bad lighting, and identifiable crowds.

• Hold each shot for at least 10 seconds.

Gear I Use/Recommend:

• Camera: Panasonic Lumix GH5

• Prime Lens: 16mm GH5 lens

• Zoom Lens: 14-140mm GH5 zoom lens

• Lens Filter: Tiffen Black Pro Mist 1/8 filter

  • (For that "filmy" look)

• Lens Adapter: Metabones Adapter (for Nikon)

• Lens Adapter: Metabones Adapter (for Canon)

• Gimbal: Zhiyun Crane

• Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone

(If you decide to buy any of the items from these links I get paid a small amount from Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

SUMMARY:

• Commercial footage

  • Every stock footage website accepts it.

  • You always need a release for identifiable people in your video.

• Editorial footage

  • Used to illustrate newsworthy and current events.

  • Only some stock footage sites accept it.

  • You don't need to get releases from people in your video.

Shoot both to see what you like!

Getting releases isn't the worst anymore! In this lesson I go over when you need a release and how to go about filling out a release with the Easy Release app.

SUMMARY:

• Any identifiable person needs a Model release.

• Any identifiable person under 18 needs a Minor release signed by their parent/guardian.

• Any identifiable private property needs a Property release.

• You don’t need a release for Editorial footage.

• Easy Release app = a one-size-fits-all solution for releases.

[PUT IT INTO PRACTICE]: Time to shoot! Brainstorm video ideas and make a plan or just grab your camera and go explore to get some great footage. This is the fun part!

Gear I Have/Recommend:

• 13 inch macbook

• SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

• Premiere Pro (free 7-day trial)

My post-production workflow for editing my stock footage.

Editing Process:

• Import footage as proxies

• Trim clip

  • Look for complete action/movements

  • At least 10 secs long

  • No logos/intellectual property

  • No people who didn't sign a release

• Stabilize clip

• Color correct

• Export

[PUT IT INTO PRACTICE]: Now it's time to edit your footage. I recommend starting with just a handful of your best clips to keep things manageable.

Keywording is one of the most important factors in selling your footage regularly.

SUMMARY:

• Title/Description: Keep it concise and descriptive.

• Keywords

  • Start with the obvious main words - the Who, What, and Where.

  • Reference the video clip for inspiration

  • Add conceptual words - emotions and ideas

  • Search for synonyms

  • Only use the most relevant words. Use the Keyword Counter to stay around 30 words.

  • Your first 5-10 words matter the most.

  • Use singular nouns/verbs. (Dog, jump, jumping) (NOT Dogs, jumps)

• Categories: Choose from the column on the right.

• Delete any unnecessary rows and columns before exporting.

[PUT IT INTO PRACTICE]: Download the Metadata Template in the Downloads and fill it out for the footage you shot and edited in the previous modules!

In this module I review the stock footage platforms that I recommend selling your footage on:

• Shutterstock

• Adobe Stock

• Pond5

• Artgrid

Shutterstock

Adobe Stock

Pond5

Artgrid

Use FileZilla to upload to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Pond5.

Consistency is one of the main factors for stock footage success. Don't be one of those filmmakers who dips their toe in the stock footage pool and then bails when they don't make money right away. Selling stock footage is a marathon not a sprint. If you want long-term success and a regular passive income stream you have to be patient and consistent. If you stick with it, before you know it your portfolio will grow and so will your sales!

[PUT IT INTO PRACTICE]: Write down your monthly or long-term stock footage goal.

(Upload 1 shoot/month. 20 clips/month. 100 clips/month. 200 clips by January, etc.)

Give yourself something to aim for and make it happen!