To Stock or Not To Stock (footage)

Using stock footage in a promotional trailer for your film development package can have both benefits and consequences. On the one hand, using stock footage can save time and money, as you don’t need to capture new footage, but on the other hand, it can limit your ability to create a unique and engaging trailer that accurately represents your film.

One benefit of using stock footage in your trailer is that it can be a cost-effective solution. Stock footage is readily available and can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of capturing new footage. This can be especially useful if you are working on a tight budget, as using stock footage can help you to create a professional-looking trailer without breaking the bank.

Another benefit of using stock footage is that it can save time. Stock footage is typically ready-to-use, which means that you can quickly and easily add it to your trailer without the need for additional filming or editing. This can be especially useful if you are working on a tight deadline and need to get your trailer out as soon as possible.

However, there are also consequences to using stock footage in your trailer. One of the biggest downsides is that stock footage is not unique and can be used by many other filmmakers. This can make it difficult for your trailer to stand out and be memorable. Furthermore, stock footage is not always an accurate representation of your film. It may depict completely different style or genre, which can confuse the audience or not resonate with them.

Another consequence is that using stock footage can make it difficult for you to showcase the unique vision of your film. Stock footage is typically generic and may not accurately represent the specific style, tone, and themes of your film. This can make it difficult for investors and other stakeholders to get a sense of what your film is all about.

When it comes to getting your film funded, using stock footage in your trailer can have an impact. While it may save money and time, it can also make it difficult to showcase the unique vision and style of your film, which can make it harder to secure funding. Investors want to see that your project is unique, and that it has the potential to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Using generic stock footage can make it appear that your project is not special.

In conclusion, while using stock footage in your promotional trailer may save money and time, it can also limit your ability to create a unique and engaging trailer that accurately represents your film. When trying to get your film funded, it's important to be mindful of this, and consider whether the use of stock footage will help or hinder your chances of success. In some cases, it may be best to invest in capturing your own footage to create a trailer that truly showcases your film's unique vision and style.