Hi there folks,

Im not sure if this is the right forum, but i'll give it a go anyway.

I need to obtain footage from TV programmes for a documentary. In particular 'X-factor' and 'celebrity love island' from ITV (in the UK). I spoke to ITV and they want £180 for 30 seconds! This is going to be non broadcast (im a student), and i want whole episodes (which going by ITV's rate would cost me about 50 bloody grand!).

- I was just wondering if anyone might know how to do this. One programme is broadcast regularly, so ive been told I can simply tape it off tv and someone will capture it into FCP for me. But the two above arent on TV at the moment, so i will need to buy VHS or DVD copies. Is it technically possible to get footage from a bought VHS or dVD onto FCP? By any means?

One source said something about hooking a DVD player upto a camera and capturing directly? Is this possible and how?

Thankyou so much!

Problem here is copyright. You could (with a big maybe...) get a written permission to use this material for student-only screenings. (Here in Norway, they have worked something out), but I would contemplate getting that piece of paper first. Really, really seriously. If for no other reason, the possibility that you'd like to work for ITV one day...

But as you can see all over the net, copyright is often not respected.

Gunleik

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=30

The post is titled, "Importing footage from DVD in timeline." This might work for your needs as well. It's in this same forum I think.

Kevin

Cheers guys,

i found a program called 'mac the ripper' which did the job. Bugger copyright, Its going to be an internet film - and like you pointed out, people all over the net are not respecting copyright. There are millions upon millions of edited videos on youtube, myspace and whatnot - so i dont see what difference it makes if I use some footage in my film. I accept the fact I could never submit it to a festival!

Cheers kevin and gunliek, appreciate your help!

I would recommend taking copyright seriously. Rights and clearances work is a part of being in this business, and is something you'll need to get familiar with if you plan doing production work on a regular basis. Inquire with the networks about using the footage - and if their prices are too high, find another source. There is a lot of affordable stock video out there. Do a search on the net for 'royalty free' stock footage.

There are many cameramen here who pay their mortgages with the footage we shoot, and I know I personally don't just let it go when I see my work used anywhere that I haven't been paid for it (and that includes YouTube or non-profit applications). Licensing footage can be expensive sometimes, but that's because it cost money (expensive gear, travel, personnel) to shoot it.

Respecting copyright will go a long way in making things easier in the long run. One day your work may be making money for you and you'll value the copyright protections it has.

I don't think there's much to be added to Dan's excellent reply above, so I'm closing this thread.

Copyright *is* a serious issue. Some people have to find that out the hard way.