What does Raw Footage Mean in Film Production?
What does Raw Footage Mean in Film Production? If youâre not familiar with the term raw footage, you may just assume itâs a set of footage or clips that appear similar to that of the final cut but with less editing involved. To the unsuspecting user then, that thinks raw footage should look similar to the finished footage, receipt of actual raw footage can be traumatizing. The completely disorganized list of footage files and details that you receive can be downright overwhelming. Shots wonât make much sense and they certainly wonât appear like finished footage.
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What is Raw Footage?
Raw footage is sometimes referred to as source footage and consists of the unprocessed captures from the camera shoot in no particular order or without rhyme or reason. Raw footage can be downright overwhelming to the unsuspecting recipient if youâre not already informed on what to expect. You open the files and quickly find that the footage has been in no way enhanced or otherwise edited. Will it even work for what you need?
Of course it will! In time. Raw footage goes through a lengthy process of editing to bring the entire process together and make the most out of the camera shots. If youâre looking at a list of raw footage files and you see they seem to lack the quality you would expect from a finished film, thatâs because the film is far from finished!
Additionally, what raw footage mean in film production may appear useless to you if youâre unsure of what you were going to receive.
Consider the following:
- Raw footage files are very large and will likely take tons of storage space to open, view and work with. Only experienced editors are generally prepared to view raw footage in post-production.
- Raw footage will likely look dull or otherwise flat and boring. By design there are no adjustments or color corrections made to raw footage. The footage should appear flat before it goes to editing and color grading. This is normal.
- Raw footage will not be accompanied by coordinated audio. At least, the audio wonât be part of the footage. It will be available, in a separate track file, to be mixed in and synced with the final cut. Donât worry!
- Raw footage will most certainly not be in order of the original story. The files are generally not saved or stored in sequential order but rather in order in which they are captured and video is captured based on easy of production and least amount of production time, not order of story events. If youâre looking at raw footage thinking they got your story all wrong, again, donât worry. It will all come together in editing.
- If you think the shots you see in the raw footage are no good. Donât worry. Editors will remove many of the raw shots and provide only the top quality footage for the finished storyline. Interpreting raw footage can be hard–we know.
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What does Raw Footage Mean in Film Production? Now that you know what to expect, know that at Beverly Boy Productions we give clients the opportunity to review or even keep a copy of the raw footage associated with their production. Donât be afraid to check it out and know that the raw files will come together for a captivating finished project in the end. Just wait and see.
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