What it does
Footage Farm specializes in public-domain archival footage and also represents private licensed collections. Search, shot descriptions, screeners and master requests support production research.
The ordering process starts with a reel and ends with selected timecodes. Search by keyword, refine by date, location or technical information, then read the shot-by-shot description. Select a screener and Online Download; digitised orders appear in Order History with a Download Now option.
After reviewing the timecoded footage, enter the required in and out points for a master quote. The fee depends on the selected duration and reels. Payment precedes delivery; the stated 24-hour turnaround applies to masters held in London, while material needing duplication in Washington takes longer. Available formats include ProRes 422 HQ, H.264, DNX 185 and MXF.
The public-domain footage has a one-time buyout arrangement allowing reuse across projects. That arrangement does not cover the separately licensed private collections. Researchers can also help locate government-archive material that is absent from the online selection.
Strengths
- Shot descriptions and timecoded screeners support precise clip requests.
- Researchers can assist with material beyond the online selection.
Watch out for
- Private licensed footage does not share the public-domain reuse arrangement.
- Material requiring new duplication takes longer than the stated 24-hour master turnaround.
Best for
- Archive producers planning specific historical footage extracts
Sources
- Footage Farm: Public Domain Film Archive and Historical Stock Footage (Oct 27, 2026)
- Footage Farm: How We Operate (Oct 27, 2026)
- Footage Farm: FAQs (Oct 27, 2026)