FAQ
Q: What does archive material cost?
A: It isn‘t possible to give a standard price for moving image material, because the licensing fee is dependent on exclusivity, type of use, license conditions and territory and/or language version. The fee is calculated per minute of material used. In the case of minimum usage or regular usage we are happy to discuss flexible conditions and negotiate general agreements.
Q: How do I get hold of archive material?
A: We will be pleased to help you find the most suitable film material.
Just send us information by fax or email about the material or extract you want and the type of usage you have in mind for it. We will immediately fax you descriptions of a variety of scenes or phone you back to clarify the details. Whenever feasible we will also send you a link so you can access digitalised material in Real Media or Windows Media, for viewing purposes. When you indicate that you are interested in specific archive material we will send you an offer, subject to alteration. Once these conditions have been agreed we will sort out the issue of copyright. If required, we can also send you a VHS with the material you have selected. If we reach agreement on licensing the material, the VHS copy will be included on the final invoice, and otherwise we will charge for screening material as applicable.
In practice this procedure works very efficiently – why not try it for yourself!
Q: How long does the research take?
A: It depends on how much work is involved, but generally we process inquiries within one working day. If a large amount of material is required it may take longer. As a rule a video cassette for viewing purposes will be dispatched to you immediately. Digitalised viewing material can be made available to you online via Hyperlink as preview material in a matter of minutes.
Q: How much does the research coast?
A: If we perform the research ourselves, and in particular in the case of smaller projects, we make no extra charge for this. If the research required is particularly extensive, we pass the inquiry on to ZDF. In this case a charge of €140,- per hour is applied, though no charges will be made without prior arrangement.
Q: Can I search the archive myself?
A: We don‘t make our archive material available online because we work with a digital archive system in ZDF, and this is linked to both the program database and the production process. Using this internal system requires intensive training, and we are unable to provide this to "external" researchers.
In addition, since the program library is directly connected to the TV production process, it is naturally very sensitive. Consequently we find it is impossible at present to operate two parallel systems, and instead we employ skilled and specially trained staff to help you with your search for the best possible material.
And our system certainly ensures the highest possible success rate!
Q: What sort of quality can I expect for this material?
A: In the case of footage material we always use copies of the ZDF mastertapes, thus guaranteeing excellent quality. In general the material is supplied on Beta SP or DigiBeta. Transfer to PAL/NTSC is possible. Charges will be made for the material as applicable. Other material can be supplied on request.
Q: How is the material sent to me?
A: We work in the TV industry, so speed is second nature to us. Depending on your requirements footage material can be sent to you by courier or, if it is particularly urgent, by satellite. In this case you will have to have the appropriate reception capacity. Costs will be calculated as applicable.
Q: What can the ZDF.archive offer me?
A: We have positioned ourselves as a universal archive. Our archive material of 300,000 programs makes us one of the biggest moving image archives in the world. We concentrate on the sectors Current affairs + News, Entertainment, Science + History, Nature + Wildlife, Business + Economy and Travel + Destinations.
Q: Who is the ZDF archive intended for?
A: Anyone who needs moving images, prefers the copyright procedure to be kept simple, wants fast delivery and values expert personal advice in the search for footage. We can supply moving, gripping extracts of the very highest quality for your production.
Q: Why should I work with ZDF.archive?
A: We can reduce your production costs! Employ exclusive film material in your production and benefit from the cost savings – your budget will thank you for it!
Our clients include professionals such as:
- TV stations and TV production enterprises (national broadcasters, international broadcasters, production companies)
- Sponsors and advertising companies (producers of TV commercials, advertisers working with clubs and associations, sponsoring agencies, etc)
- Public institutions
- The entertainment industry (including mobile phone operators, manufacturers of games consoles, software producers, travel companies, online portals).
Please note that all inquiries relating to private usage should be sent to the ZDF Program Utilisation Department at programmverwertung@zdf.de.
Do you still have questions? Don‘t hesitate to phone or contact us by email. We‘ll be glad to help!
Tel. +49 (0) 6131-991-1681, -1682, -1683, -1684, -1686
eMail: zdf-archive@zdf-enterprises.de