Giving Client Raw Footage

S

SilverWolf

Veteran
I was wondering if at the end of a job what does everyone do with the Raw Minidv tapes/Footage ? Do you give them to the client considering they paid for them or just keep them ?
THX
 
It all depends on the job, and what was agreed on before hand.
On most jobs which I shoot and post I keep all the raw footage.

But with one client in particular I always give them all the raw footage because that was detailed in our original contract.
But that's rare (for me).

If I'm hired to just shoot, then obviously I give them the footage at the end of the day.

Now, while I keep all the raw footage on most projects it also hasn't been rare for me to make dubs of for clients, maybe not of all the raw footage but of certain parts (Broll for example, that they may want to use for some other purpose).

I don't think there is any right or wrong here, it's all about what you and your client decide on before hand.
 
its best too keep it unless they ask for it- that way some months down the road they may come back with more business since you have the footage
 
I would advise you NOT release them, anytime possible. You open up yourself to more trouble than it is worth ( so I hear and can imagine.)

if you do sell them, it should be very expensive. best not to sell your originals, so you have to make copies, which is your time and wear -tear on equiment.
 
Like they said, I guess it depends on the job. Someone once was discussing raw footage and doing weddings and he made a VERY good point and it has stuck with me. If you give the client the raw footage, the bride might haunt you with it after you turn over the video..."why did you not edit this scene a particular way? or "how come you chose this shot instead of this other shot" etc. Furthermore, they might view that raw footage with potential brides/clients. And raw footage is nothing like the finished product. You are liable to lose business that way.

But as previously mentioned, I guess it all depends on the job...

Rick
 
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