video footage requested by a production company

[tom00_uk]

some of the video footage i recently uploaded to youtube from my 550d has come to the attention of a production company and they would like to use it

what questions should i ask from them before giving them the nod to its use?

[Words]

Questions to ask:
1) What sort of programme is it?
2) How much of it do they want to use (in seconds)
3) How much are they prepared to pay?

The first question is sort of optional but you may have views if for example its a documentary that you really wouldn't want to be associated with (eg footage of foxes in an anti-fox documentary). Worth trying to get some idea though of how they want to use the material, but be aware that once you give them the rights (single usage) you really won't have any control if they misuse it in an editorial sense.

Cost - take a look at some rate charts published by the NUJ. About 4 years ago I got £100 for 11 seconds, but try for closer to £250 for anything up to a minute (even a few seconds). You'll need to spend some time reprocessing into whatever format they want.

If it's non-commercial then up to you what to charge (if anything), but someone somewhere will be making money.

[Deer Hunter]

Hi

In your own interest and the interest of others who's living depends on these things

Go for £250, but don't let it go for under £200 (11 sec's) Personally I would want near on £300

Remember they approached you, not you them. If its for broadcast then no way let it go for under £250

[tom00_uk]

well the offer is around £20 per second. but i have a feeling the firm that hired me when i shot the clips will say no.

so i guess i will remain penniless

[Deer Hunter]

Hi

I'm speaking from the point of view of a professional wildlife cameraman. If you were commissioned to do this then the ball is in your court -- you say the price.

However if this is your first clip I can understand how you feel if there's the possibility of seeing it on the box.

I well remember the first bit of footage I shot - 16mm in those days that was broadcast on the box.

Mighty Oaks grow from Acorns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best of luck

[Words]

Originally Posted by tom00_uk

well the offer is around £20 per second. but i have a feeling the firm that hired me when i shot the clips will say no.

so i guess i will remain penniless

It may depend on who owns the rights, if this was originally commissioned for someone else. Dig out the old contract and check!

[tom00_uk]

it was recorded whilst on down time from working, but the fact i was at sea meant there was little else to do other than sleep or take snaps/video or eat