Filmmaterial

Filmmaterial refers to the media that is created or collected for use in filmmaking. It encompasses recorded video and audio, as well as related assets such as stills, metadata, and previsualization material. In practice, filmmaterial includes principal photography footage, additional or B-roll footage, establishing shots, and cutaway sequences, together with stock footage and archival material from libraries, newsreels, or other organizations. It is assembled during production and refined in post-production, and it may also include sound recordings, effects, music, and voiceovers.

Primary footage, often called raw or source material, is captured during production. Secondary material includes B-roll and inserts. Stock footage and archival material provide pre-existing visuals; archival materials may include film clips, photographs, or sound recordings with licensing restrictions.

Historically, filmmaterial was on physical film stock such as 35mm or 16mm. Today, most material is captured digitally and stored on solid-state media or magnetic storage, with files in formats such as MOV, MP4, or MXF, accompanied by WAV or AAC audio. Metadata contains information about take numbers, camera settings, date, and rights.

Rights management governs use and redistribution. Archival preservation focuses on film stock decay, nitrate hazards, color fading, and the need for digitization and careful storage in climate-controlled facilities.

Filmmaterial is edited into a final film or project, distributed in theaters or platforms, or repurposed for news, documentaries, or promotional materials. Access can be governed by licenses that are rights-managed or royalty-free.