Why Raw Media Is Never Included with Your Video Order
In this blog post, I want to shed light on a common question that surfaces in our interactions with clients and is echoed across the videography industry: “why isn't raw media included with video orders?” Not including Raw Footage is standard practice for many professional videography studios, including ours, and it applies to a wide range of videography services from corporate commercials to wedding and event videography.
Understanding Professional Videography
The technical aspects of professional videography play a crucial role in this. Typically, videographers shoot in a format known as 'log footage.' This format is distinctive for its lack of saturation and sharpness, and in some cases, the video files might not be compatible with standard computers without professional editing software. The purpose of shooting in log is to ensure the footage can be expertly edited and color-corrected in post-production. If clients were to receive this raw footage, it could lead to confusion and an extensive back-and-forth over technical issues due to the specialized nature of the files.
The Business Model of Full Service
Another important perspective is the business model under which videography studios operate. Similar to how a bakery wouldn't provide the raw ingredients along with a finished cake, videography studios specialize in delivering a polished, final product. The raw footage, akin to the bakery’s ingredients, is typically not included, or it may be available for an additional fee. This model emphasizes the quality and craftsmanship of the final video as the primary service offered.
Intellectual Property Considerations
The decision to offer all media as an additional service is intentional. This isn't about the logistics of storage or uploading but rather about valuing the studio's intellectual property. When clients commission a video, what they're purchasing is the end result along with the creative expertise that went into producing it. For instance, if a resort hires a studio for a three-day shoot, the edited highlight reel is the agreed-upon deliverable, not the extensive raw footage. This footage represents a significant part of the studio's intellectual property and has substantial potential marketing value. Making it available to clients would allow them to potentially bypass the studio for editing purposes, thereby diluting the relationship and reducing the likelihood of future collaboration.
In conclusion, the provision of raw media is at the discretion of the videography studio and often involves an additional charge to account for the intellectual property and creative input involved. We hope this explanation helps clarify the industry standard regarding raw media and video orders. If you have any questions or need further clarification, we're always here to help.