20-Second Clip Cut Rule

Our footage is licensed for stock footage use. This ensures clients understand that the footage is part of our stock footage library and can be licensed for various projects.

Understanding the 20-Second Cut Rule

At TVData.TV, we provide high-quality stock footage digitized directly from original archival video tapes and film reels. To ensure consistency and meet client needs, we follow specific cut rules when preparing footage for licensing. Below is an overview of our process and rules:

What is the 20-Second Cut Rule?

The 20-second cut rule is a guideline we use to prepare footage for licensing. It ensures that all clips are delivered in usable, continuous segments while maintaining context and continuity. Here’s how it works:

  1. Consecutive Footage:
    • If the total duration from the start of one clip to the end of another is less than 20 seconds, we combine them into a single 20-second clip.
    • This rule applies to footage that is consecutive or overlapping in time.
  2. Overlapping or Consecutive Clips:
    • If 4 cuts (clips) can be combined into 2 clips (due to overlapping or consecutive timecodes), we aggregate them to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency.
  3. No BITC (Burned-In Timecode):
    • All clips are delivered without burned-in timecodes unless specifically requested. This allows for greater flexibility in post-production.

Why Do We Use This Rule?

  • Efficiency: Combining shorter clips into 20-second segments reduces the number of individual clips, making the footage easier to work with.
  • Context: Longer segments provide more context and continuity, which is especially important for archival footage.
  • Fair Pricing: The rule ensures that clients are charged fairly based on usable footage rather than individual cuts.

How Does This Affect Your Order?

When you request footage, we will:

  1. Review Your Spreadsheet: If you provide a spreadsheet with selected timecodes, we will analyze the clips to determine if any can be combined under the 20-second cut rule.
  2. Combine Cuts Where Appropriate: If we identify clips that can be combined into a single 20-second segment, we will do so automatically. This ensures you receive the most usable footage without unnecessary fragmentation.
  3. Deliver Final Clips: You will receive the finalized clips in your preferred format, ready for use in your project.

Example of the 20-Second Cut Rule

If your spreadsheet includes the following timecodes:

  • Clip A: 00:01:00:00 to 00:01:10:00 (10 seconds)
  • Clip B: 00:01:10:05 to 00:01:15:00 (5 seconds)

We will:

  • Combine Clip A and Clip B into a single 20-second clip because the total duration is 15 seconds (less than 20 seconds).
  • Deliver one continuous clip: 00:01:00:00 to 00:01:15:00.

How to Place an Order

  1. Request Footage: Provide us with details about the footage you need, including keywords, time periods, or specific events. Our stock footage library includes:
    • Historical Events: Soviet Union, Cold War, World War II, political leaders (e.g., Joseph Stalin), atomic bomb tests.
    • Archival Footage: Vintage film reels, historical documentaries, newsreels.
    • Cultural Moments: Soviet life, propaganda, military parades, space race.
  2. Receive Previews: We’ll send you preview sequences for review.
  3. Provide a Spreadsheet: Share a spreadsheet with the exact timecodes for the clips you’ve selected. We will review the timecodes and apply the 20-second cut rule where appropriate.
  4. Place Order: Confirm the clips you’d like to order, and we’ll prepare them according to the 20-second cut rule.
  5. Receive Final Clips: You’ll receive the finalized clips in your preferred format, ready for use in your project.

Pricing

  • Clips are priced at £250-£160 per clip.
  • The total number of clips is determined after applying the 20-second cut rule.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the 20-second cut rule or would like to request footage, please contact us at [email protected].

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