Hi, What is a good recomendation for shooting stock while keeping the footage marketable for all markets, web, TV, Screen...? (Keep in mind Stock Houses change with the wind and parameters seem to change with them)

Thank, Joe

What format are you shooting? DVCAM? HDV? Beta? What camera?

Really, is you shoot DVCAM, anyone with a DVCAM deck can play the tape...

Hi Shane:
I'm new to this game and to let my situation have more meaning, let me give you a little background.

I used to shoot with Arri years ago and film is my only background. I was working on a project and got screwed big-time. I moved and threw away the thought of motion for around 11yrs and spent my time on still journalistic photography using both film/digital. During that time, I composed a very large file of still stock images and started marketing them. A thought came up and it was to double-up and shoot video at the same time.

Now I've got a new XL2 now, but after some talking to "stock Houses" I've found out that it really isn't enough if I really want to have my stuff open to all markets. All the info I'm reading on the forums- 720, 1080, progressive, interlaced... tends to go over my head. I do have to admit that i know a bit, but only enough to be dangerous.

Can you help?

Thx, Joe

Unfortunately I can't. The only thing about Stock Footage I know is how to order it.

I think they are saying that they want you to provide them copies in various different formats...HD 1080i and 720p, and SD beta and digibeta.

Best to ask them to clarify.

Now I've got a new XL2 now, but after some talking to "stock Houses" I've found out that it really isn't enough if I really want to have my stuff open to all markets. All the info I'm reading on the forums- 720, 1080, progressive, interlaced... tends to go over my head. I do have to admit that i know a bit, but only enough to be dangerous.

Can you help?

Thx, Joe

Joe,

Unless you are going to sell just to the stock footage houses, I would think that the XL2 is fine.

All of the companies that have been seeking stock footage here have been looking for nothing but the 1080i High Definition footage. (Sony Z1 cams ect.) The problem is they are not buying much. Many on this forum have attempted to sell them footage and I don't think any have been paid. There are at least two threads hear on the subject, if you search.

I think that trying to sell to them is not a good business move at this time, especially if you have to invest in a new HD camera at about $5,000. You may be better off shooting the best you can with the XL2 and offering it along side your still work. Just get the best quality you can from your XL2.

As far as what setting to use, I can't be of much help there. I would say to set it on say a 60 shutter speed and adjust the rest to get the best image you can. AS far as shooting 24p etc., I would think that for the most audiance you should stay away from the film look stuff. You will be selling stock video footage, not stock film footage. They can change it to a more film look in post if they wish, but they can't change it from film look to a crisp video look in post.

In the end it is going to depend more on what you shoot than how you shoot it. I hope that this helps and I hope others chime in, because I am no expert here. Thought this may get the ball rolling for others to make comments. Congrats on the XL2, I'd love to have on myself.

Again, take what I say with caution and wait for others to help you more.

Best of luck to you---Mike

Links to see here:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=48115&highlight=1080i+window

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=43684&highlight=1080i+window