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. To adhere to the 60-Second Clip Cut Rule, which many projects require, you can easily find suitable clips in our library.

Understanding the 20-Second Stock Footage Clip 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:

20-Second Cut Rule (Mobile)

We prep every reel for licensing in continuous, usable segments so your edit is fast and painless.

What it means
When clips are consecutive or overlap in time, we merge them into a single, continuous cut. If the total run from the start of one piece to the end of the next is under 20 seconds, we deliver it as one 20-second clip. This removes repeats, keeps context, and protects continuity.

Smart aggregation

If several short cuts sit back-to-back (or overlap), we combine them to reduce redundancy—fewer files, same story.

Clean pictures
Clips ship without burned-in timecode (BITC) by default. Need BITC for offline edits? Ask and we’ll add it.

Limited-Time Update (This Month Only)

We’re upgrading the rule to a 60-Second Cut Rule for the month—perfect for longer pulls and smoother narratives.

Need more than a minute? We price per consecutive minute in the same simple way.What is the 20-Second Cut Rule?

Licensing is £250 GBP per consecutive 60-second clip (SD or HD), when the material qualifies for our royalty-free license.

Why We Use This Rule

Efficiency
Merging short, back-to-back cuts into a single segment means fewer files to manage and a faster edit.

Context
Longer continuous clips preserve the action around a moment—vital for archival accuracy and storytelling.

Fair Pricing
You pay for usable, continuous footage, not every tiny cut. Simple, transparent, and project-friendly.

Promo note: For this month, we’re applying the 60-Second Cut Rule—ideal for longer pulls with the same benefits.

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

• RF 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 info@tvdata.tv.