Using Stock Footage

In this article...

Using exceptional video footage that already exists, can result in higher production values.

In the fast-paced world of film and TV commercial production, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are as crucial as the quality of the final product. One increasingly popular method to achieve high quality video production values without the associated high costs is the use of stock footage. This article explores how stock footage is being employed in enhancing video productions for MediaShares equity crowdfunding investment offerings.

Stock Footage in Modern Media Production

Stock footage consists of video clips that have been pre-recorded and are available for public purchase and use. These clips can range from generic landscapes and cityscapes to more specific scenes such as crowded urban environments or serene nature settings. Here’s how their use is reshaping media production:

  • Cost Efficiency: Creating original footage often involves multiple resources including actors, locations, sets, and extensive crew, which can be prohibitively expensive. Stock footage eliminates many of these costs, allowing producers to use high-quality visuals at a fraction of the cost of shooting new material.
  • Time Savings: Time is a critical factor in production, and shooting new footage can be time-consuming. Using stock footage can significantly accelerate the production process since the clips are ready to use immediately.
  • High Production Value: Stock footage is typically of high quality, shot by professionals using high-grade equipment. It provides a level of visual appeal that might be out of reach for projects with limited budgets, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises or independent filmmakers.
  • Versatility and Variety: The vast libraries of stock footage available today offer clips of virtually any conceivable scene, providing filmmakers and marketers with a plethora of options to choose the perfect backdrop or supplemental footage for their narrative needs.

Enhancing MediaShares Equity Crowdfunding Videos with Stock Footage

For startups and small businesses, equity crowdfunding campaigns offer a platform to raise funds by reaching potential investors through compelling video presentations. The use of stock footage can significantly enhance these video pitches in several ways:

  • Professional Aesthetics: Utilizing high-quality stock footage can elevate the perceived value of the investment opportunity. It helps create a polished, professional look that can make the venture appear more credible and trustworthy to potential investors.
  • Storytelling Enhancement: Stock footage can be used to visually represent parts of the story that might be difficult or expensive to film. For example, if a company talks about its impact on global markets, relevant stock footage of those markets can help illustrate the point vividly.
  • Emotional Engagement: Visual storytelling is key to emotional engagement. Stock footage can include beautiful landscapes or human elements that evoke specific emotions, aiding the narrative in forging a connection with potential investors.
  • Budget Allocation: By saving on production costs through the use of stock footage, a greater portion of a campaign’s budget can be allocated to other critical areas such as marketing the crowdfunding campaign, thus potentially increasing its reach and effectiveness.

Legal Considerations

While stock footage offers numerous advantages, it is crucial to handle it correctly from a legal standpoint. Producers need to ensure they acquire the appropriate licenses for the footage they use. This is especially important in commercial settings such as equity crowdfunding, where the promotional material will be widely distributed and scrutinized.

Examples of Video Productions Using Stock Footage

In May of 2024 our equity crowdfunding campaign for Futuris Company won our 5th TELLY AWARD. Below are two of the videos from this campaign.

Conclusion

The strategic use of stock footage in video production provides a practical solution for achieving high-quality visuals without the high costs typically associated with video content. In MediaShares equity crowdfunding campaigns, where the goal is to make a powerful and persuasive appeal to potential investors, stock footage can serve as a valuable tool. It not only enhances the visual quality and appeal of campaign videos but also allows us to tell a more compelling story by visually depicting elements that would otherwise be beyond the project’s budget. As such, stock footage is an invaluable resource in the arsenal of entrepreneurs seeking equity crowdfunding investments.

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