Why is stock footage so expensive?
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “why is stock footage so expensive,” you’re not alone. It’s a question that crops up time and again, especially among filmmakers, content creators, and producers trying to stretch their budgets. But here’s the thing—I’m going to let you in on a little secret: stock footage isn’t expensive. In fact, it’s an absolute steal, especially when you compare it to the alternative. Since this blog is tailored just for you, I’ll break it down with a personal twist, drawing from my own experiences globe-trotting, filming, and building a stock footage library that’s turning heads in March 2025.
Let’s start with a reality check. I’ve been flown to over 30 countries to shoot video for various projects—think sweeping aerials over the Swiss Alps, bustling street scenes in Tokyo, or golden-hour shots in the Moroccan desert. Sounds glamorous, right? Sure, until you tally up the costs. Flights (often business class because of tight schedules and excess baggage), taxis weaving through chaotic cities, hotel stays ranging from boutique to barely tolerable, filming permits that average £300–£1,000 but I’ve paid as much as £10,000, and local fixers who know the lay of the land—all of that adds up fast. For a single project, I’ve seen budgets balloon into the tens of thousands, sometimes pushing £50,000 (around $65,000 for my American friends) or more. And that’s before you factor in the crew, equipment, and post-production.
Take one example: I once flew to Lisbon for a shoot, hyped to capture some stunning drone footage over the Tagus River. Guess what? It rained for three days straight. Three days of soggy disappointment, twiddling my thumbs in a hotel, and a client who wasn’t thrilled about the extra costs for a reschedule. That’s the kind of gamble you take with bespoke shoots—Sod’s Law in full effect. Now, compare that to stock footage. With stock, you’re not rolling the dice on weather, logistics, or whatever else can go wrong. You get exactly what you need, when you need it, for a fraction of the price.
My Stock Footage: Premium Vibes, Bargain Price
Here’s where it gets personal. I’ve poured my heart, soul, and a fair bit of geeky weather knowledge into my stock footage library. As of right now, March 27, 2025, it’s a growing library sitting at 81 hours, 39 minutes, and 14 seconds of pristine 4K footage—13,876 clips of stunning visuals, from jaw-dropping Snowdonia cloud inversions to Manchester under impossibly clear blue skies. Manchester! Blue skies! Imagine that.
The average cost per clip? Just £22.61 (about $29 for my American friends). My unique selling point (USP) is unbeatable: no extra fees for 4K quality, no extra fees for broadcast television and film use—plus, you’re getting footage from one of the world’s most experienced drone camera operators and pilots. Check my bio—I’ve done a fair bit. I’ve flown drones around the Eiffel Tower in Paris, earning the nickname “Drone Jedi” on that gig, as you do. My technical expertise delivers phenomenal drone shots, exquisite slow-motion city gimbal shots, and otherworldly drone hyperlapses and timelapses that are truly unique. Unlike the free stock footage out there—trash, overused rubbish more often than not, like preparing a meal out of a rubbish bin (a chef would never stoop to that)—my footage stands out, fresh and exclusive across my growing library. Compare that to the big players—Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Pond5, Getty Images—where prices climb with 4K surcharges or usage fees for TV and film. With my footage, you pay once, and it’s yours—4K as standard, broadcast-ready, no hidden costs, backed by decades of drone mastery. Use it in any project under your name, over and over again, full terms apply. It’s not just affordable—it’s a downright bargain.
The Weather Geek Advantage
One thing that sets my stock footage apart? I’m a bit of a weather nerd. I don’t just shoot pretty pictures—I time my shots to perfection. Those Snowdonia cloud inversions? That’s not luck; it’s hours of studying weather patterns, knowing when the mist will settle just right to create that ethereal, otherworldly vibe. Clear blue skies over Manchester? I’ve got clip packs that make the city look like it’s auditioning for a Hollywood blockbuster. With bespoke shoots, you’re at the mercy of the elements—I’ve been rained off, fogged out, and wind-whipped more times than I can count. With my stock footage, I’ve already done the hard work, guaranteeing not just the shot, but the best shot.
The Gear: Cinematic Quality Doesn’t Come Cheap
Let’s talk equipment, because cinematic, world-class footage doesn’t happen by magic. I use high-tech gear—top-tier stuff that’s earned me my stripes. The camera I use week in, week out? It cost £400,000 new—a beast built for the highest quality. I’ve also worked with unmanned systems pushing almost £1,000,000 and multi-rotor drones worth over £75,000. That kit, paired with my drone pilot and gimbal technical expertise, delivers jaw-dropping results—phenomenal drone shots that got me dubbed the “Drone Jedi” in Paris, exquisite slow-motion city gimbal shots, and otherworldly drone hyperlapses and timelapses. It’s a massive investment, but when you buy my stock footage, you’re tapping into that premium quality without footing the bill—all in 4K, no extra fees, ready for broadcast television and film.
Premium Packs: Big Value, Small Price Per Clip
My stock footage is serious value, uniquely crafted by my drone mastery—here’s a taste of some incredible packs from my growing library. Take Clip Pack #54: Rhinog Fawr. Priced at £6,500, it includes weeks of capturing, grading, and editing, shot in surreal conditions with my high-tech gear, delivering some of the best Snowdonia National Park footage ever—231 clips across 57 minutes and 4 seconds, just £28.14 each, all in 4K, no extra fees for broadcast use. Nothing overused here—just fresh, standout visuals.
57m 4s | 231 Clips | 20.96GB
A breathtaking collection of 231 high-quality stock video clips, capturing an unforgettable adventure in Snowdonia National Park, Wales. This giant royalty-free video clip pack includes:
58 drone clips showcasing awe-inspiring aerial views
171 ground-based clips of hiking, camping, and mountain scenery
2 premium timelapse sequences featuring a mesmerizing cloud inversion at sunrise
Captured on Location
This collection documents a rugged journey up Rhinog Fawr, one of the wildest mountains in Snowdonia. Along the way, experience stunning landscapes, from rocky trails and sweeping valleys to serene mountain lakes. Witness an incredible cloud inversion, rolling like waves over the peaks at dawn.
What’s Included?
Spectacular drone footage of Rhinog Fawr, Rhinog Fach, Y Llethr, the Roman Steps, Llyn Du, and views stretching to Llyn Trawsfynydd, the Snowdon Massif and more.
Distant views of Snowdon Summit (Yr Wyddfa) rising above the clouds, alongside Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain, and Y Lliwedd.
Dramatic sunset scenes as the sun dips into the Welsh coastline.
Epic hiking & scrambling shots – rugged trails, heather-covered slopes, rock-strewn paths, and deep mountain pools.
Camping moments – tent setup, securing guy lines, cooking, making hot drinks, and even celebrating at the summit with a beer at dusk.
Harsh mountain conditions – wet tents, ice forming overnight, and sweat-drenched shirts after the gruelling ascent.
Unreal timelapse footage of the sun rising over the cloud inversion, with mist bubbling through valleys and glowing mountain summits.
A Goldmine for Filmmakers & Content Creators
Perfect for broadcast television, documentaries, films, TV series, commercials, nature programs, social media, and more. This is some of the best mountain and drone footage ever captured – an essential collection for any editor or producer.
🎥 Full Broadcast License Included
Or Clip Pack #32: York—£10,000 for 4 hours, 27 minutes, and 10 seconds of footage: drones, gimbals, timelapses, high-motion gimbals, and prime lenses. That’s 448 clips, averaging £22.32 per clip, capturing York’s medieval streets and countryside vistas with phenomenal drone shots and exquisite slow-motion gimbal work—4K standard, no extra fees for television or film, uniquely mine, not some tired freebie clip.
York Stock Video Footage: 448 Clips | 4 Hours 27 Minutes
Experience the magic of York with this extensive collection of 448 meticulously crafted 4K York stock video clips. Capture the essence of this historic city with 221 dynamic drone shots, 131 high-frame-rate gimbal shots, 56 high-frame-rate cinematic telephoto shots, 38 normal speed gimbal shots, and 2 hyperlapse sequences.
This 106.39GB library offers an unparalleled depth and variety of York stock video footage, perfect for filmmakers, television productions, city profiles, travel documentaries, commercials, and historical dramas.
Uncover the Beauty of York with this York Stock Video Footage:
Iconic Landmarks:
York Minster: Explore this magnificent Gothic cathedral through an abundance of clips, with breathtaking aerial views and intimate close-ups of this majestic cathedral.
The Shambles: Wander through this medieval street with its overhanging, timber-framed buildings, day and night.
City Walls: Explore the well-preserved medieval city walls, offering stunning views of the city, showcased beautifully from many angles in this collection.
River Ouse: Capture the picturesque River Ouse, a vital waterway throughout York's history.
Dynamic Perspectives: From sweeping aerial panoramas to intimate street scenes, this pack offers endless creative possibilities. Capture the vibrant energy of the city with bustling markets, lively pubs, and the daily rhythm of life.
Cinematic Quality: High-frame-rate gimbal shots provide smooth, cinematic motion, perfect for slow-motion effects and creative storytelling, making this York stock video footage ideal for high-end productions. Prime lens telephoto shots capture the unique character of York with stunning detail and depth, further enriching this York stock video footage library.
Day & Night: Capture the magic of York at all hours. Experience the vibrant energy of the city by day and the enchanting glow of its historic landmarks after dark.
Highlights:
Drone Mastery: 221 dynamic drone shots offer breathtaking aerial perspectives, showcasing the city's grandeur and intricate details.
Cinematic Gimbal Work: Smooth, high-quality gimbal footage captures the essence of York with cinematic grace, elevating the quality of your production.
Authentic Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the everyday life of York with bustling street scenes, local residents, and vibrant nightlife.
This collection is an absolute gem for any filmmaker seeking unique, authentic and captivating York stock video footage.
Then there’s Clip Pack #101: Tokyo, Japan. For £2,500 (around $3,250), you get 78 premium clips across 21 minutes and 6 seconds—vibrant cityscapes, neon-lit streets, serene scenes—all in 4K for £32.05 per clip, shot with my ground-based “Drone Jedi” finesse and technical expertise for otherworldly moves. No extra fees for broadcast, no rubbish-bin vibes—just pure, unique value.
Stock Video Footage
📍 Location: Tokyo, Japan
🎥 Total Clips: 78 gimbal shots
📦 File Size: 8.46GB
⏳ Duration: 21 minutes 6 seconds
📽️ Resolution: 4K
A vast collection of cinematic stock video footage capturing the essence of Tokyo, Japan, during the 2021 Olympic Games. This pack offers a raw and authentic glimpse into the city’s streets, culture, and everyday life, featuring the politeness, order, and Covid-conscious atmosphere that defined Tokyo during this period.
Highlights
✔ Shibuya Crossing – Multiple angles, day and night, showcasing one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
✔ Shinjuku Station & Streets – A sea of people moving through train stations and neon-lit streets, all wearing masks, embodying Tokyo’s meticulous sense of order and cleanliness.
✔ Japanese Public Transport – Quiet trains packed with commuters, all politely staring at their phones, masks on, silent yet deeply engaged in their routines.
✔ City Streets & Markets – A blend of old and new, from traditional narrow alleys with street food vendors to ultra-modern skyscrapers and futuristic cityscapes.
✔ Busy Shopping Districts – Vibrant advertising billboards, stores filled with shoppers, and market streets bustling with life.
✔ POV Driving & Transit Shots – A unique perspective from cars, buses, and trains, weaving through tunnels and traffic, offering an immersive city experience.
✔ Futuristic & Historic Architecture – Towering office blocks, old concrete roads, traditional Japanese buildings, and instantly recognizable signage, such as KFC.
✔ Intimate Train Footage – Capturing the reserved and quiet nature of Japanese commuters, packed into carriages with near-perfect silence.
✔ Cyclists & Pedestrians – Natural and candid moments of everyday people navigating the streets of Tokyo.
✔ Olympic Influence – Some signage and branding from the 2021 Olympic Games, marking a unique moment in history.
Perfect For
This collection is an invaluable resource for travel series, TV documentaries, Covid-era retrospectives, Tokyo city profiles, big sporting event features, television productions, and cinematic social media projects. With a massive variety of real-life content, editors will love the genuine, atmospheric, and beautifully framed stock video footage.
All stock video footage is available under my no circulation limit release, though much of it falls under editorial use—please refer to my full terms.
📥 Download now and bring the energy of Tokyo to your production!
Or Clip Pack #144: Generic British Countryside. At £595, you snag 59 clips across 16 minutes and 52 seconds of rolling hills, quaint villages, and golden fields for £10.08 per clip—4K, broadcast-ready, no hidden fees, enhanced by my weather-timed drone shots. It’s not the overused free stock trash—it’s bespoke beauty.
✔ 59 Clips
✔ 6.77GB
✔ 16 Minutes 52 Seconds
✔ 4K UHD Stock Footage
A premium collection of high-quality British countryside drone footage, offering a variety of stunning rural landscapes.
📌 Includes:
Drone views – wides, establishing shots, reveals, backgrounds, top-downs
Rural farmland – unharvested and harvested fields, patchwork landscapes
Seasonal variety – golden fields, dry straw, lush green land, crop fields
Dramatic lighting – sunrise, sunset, and daylight scenes
Natural elements – wind turbines, trees, woodlands
Tractor lines & farmland details – perfect for storytelling and scene-setting
📌 Why Choose This Pack?
✅ Versatile & Flexible – ideal for TV, film, documentaries, commercials, and digital content
✅ No Extra Fees – 4K footage included at no extra cost, with unlimited use in TV & film projects
✅ Professional Quality – cinematic footage designed for seamless integration into any production
🎥 Instant Download – full terms apply.
For something atmospheric, check out Clip Pack #23: Shropshire Hills Winter Landscape. At £2,500, you get 85 clips across 35 minutes and 17 seconds, featuring wild camping with drone shots and cloud inversion timelapses—£29.41 per clip, all in 4K, no extra fees for broadcast. My weather geek skills and “Drone Jedi” expertise shine here, capturing winter magic like no one else.
35 minutes and 17 seconds | 85 clips | 13.75GB
Overview
This stock video footage captures the stunning winter beauty of The Shropshire Hills, filmed during a wild camping filming trip on Caer Caradoc Hill in January. With snow-covered landscapes, rolling fog, and time-lapse sequences of cloud inversions, this pack is ideal for TV, film, documentary, news, or drama projects that require authentic and breathtaking British countryside winter visuals.
What’s Included
Drone Footage:
Sweeping aerial views of Caer Caradoc area, The Shropshire Hills, The Long Mynd, The Lawley, and The Wrekin.
Captivating sequences of snow-covered hills at dawn and dusk with glowing pink-orange skies.
Views of fog engulfing the hills, and drifting further into Shropshire and Church Stretton.
Time-Lapse Sequences:
Cloud inversions forming and retreating in timelapse fast motion, showcasing the dramatic weather shifts.
Stunning shots of fog rolling over valleys like a slow tide, taken from Caer Caradoc summit.
Nighttime sequences featuring an illuminated tent and moonlit landscape with fog blanketing the valley floors.
Ground-Level Shots:
Trekking through icy trails and deep snow, offering an up-close view of the rugged terrain.
Tent setup and frost-covered gear, capturing the harsh yet beautiful winter conditions.
Cooking food on a gas stove, pouring coffee, and other essential camping moments.
A lone figure silhouetted against an illuminated tent on the snowy summit, with the foggy valley below.
Why Choose This Pack?
This stock video footage showcases rare and spectacular winter weather phenomena in The Shropshire Hills, perfect for projects that demand atmospheric and high-quality visuals. Whether you need drone shots of dramatic landscapes, time-lapses of cloud inversions, or authentic wild camping scenes, this pack delivers.
Key Features
Authentic visuals of The Shropshire Hills in winter.
High-quality drone and time-lapse sequences.
Perfect for TV, film, documentary, news, or drama productions.
With 85 professionally shot stock video clips, this pack provides everything you need to bring the beauty and drama of a British winter landscape to your project.
If urban hyperlapses are your thing, Clip Pack #204: Birmingham Spaghetti Junction Drone Video and Timelapse/Hyperlapse is a gem. For £2,500, you get 76 clips across 19 minutes and 5 seconds—£32.89 per clip, showcasing my technical mastery with otherworldly drone hyperlapses over this iconic UK landmark, all in 4K, no extra fees for TV or film.
Details:
Total Clips: 76
File Size: 9.49GB
Total Duration: 19 minutes 5 seconds
A large and meticulously crafted stock video footage bundle capturing Birmingham’s iconic Spaghetti Junction from the sky. This collection features a mix of stunning modern drone cinematography and a selection of historical archive footage to provide a comprehensive visual representation of this engineering marvel.
What’s Included?
18 Modern Drone Clips: High-quality aerial shots showcasing Spaghetti Junction in all its chaotic glory. Captured both during the day and at night, these clips highlight the intricate web of roads from a variety of perspectives, including:
Wide shots
Panning shots
Orbits
Top-down views
Background views with Birmingham city skyline
12 Drone Timelapse / Hyperlapse Clips: The highlight of this pack—twelve breathtaking aerial timelapse sequences, painstakingly created over hundreds of hours. These sequences feature:
Moving clouds and shifting traffic patterns
Establishing views towards Birmingham city centre
Shots at different times of day, from daylight and golden hour to sunset, dusk, and night
46 Archive Drone Clips (2016): As a bonus, this pack includes a folder of 46 archive clips captured in 2016 with an earlier drone model. While these clips remain in 4K resolution and are "good enough for TV," they don’t quite match the technical standards of the modern footage. Nevertheless, they add a valuable historical dimension to the collection.
Why Choose This Pack?
This footage captures the controlled chaos of one of the UK’s most recognisable road systems, an engineering feat that is deeply associated with Birmingham. Whether you’re looking for establishing shots, cinematic motion, or time-compressed wonder, this pack delivers.
Shot in 4K: For crystal-clear detail—review in 4K for the best experience.
Seamless Licensing: Comes with my excellent license, offering unrestricted circulation with no additional fees for 4K usage.
Perfect for: Documentary filmmakers, cityscape sequences, engineering showcases, news reports, or any production in need of striking aerial visuals of Birmingham.
For a unique, thematic pack, Clip Pack #16: Coffee in the Woods offers 513 clips across 3 hours and 57 minutes for £15,000—£29.24 per clip, including full films with audio. It’s a serene, cinematic collection of woodland coffee-making scenes, shot with my high-tech gear, perfect for lifestyle or nature projects, all in 4K, broadcast-ready, no hidden fees.
This is an extraordinary collection of British woodland stock video footage, documenting a year-long journey of making coffee in the woods. The pack features 12 expertly edited films, one for each month, that showcase the stunning transformations of the woodland throughout the seasons. Accompanying these films, this pack also contains the source files, with extended and additional scenes. It offers over 500 clips of high-quality stock video footage, capturing tranquil and unfiltered woodland scenes, all with no added audio effects, perfect for any production.
Contents
12 Films (with audio)
Each film provides a calming, immersive experience, with authentic on-location sound, including birdsong, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the occasional flow of a nearby stream.
January: 4m 57s
February: 5m 4s
March: 6m 27s
April: 5m 43s
May: 6m 42s
June: 8m 8s
July: 6m 6s
August: 7m 37s
September: 7m 26s
October: 7m 36s
November: 5m 32s
December: 6m 29s
Stock Video Footage (without audio)
Each month’s folder contains a collection of clips shot on a tripod, ensuring steady, detailed visuals.
January: 29 clips
February: 43 clips
March: 47 clips
April: 41 clips
May: 30 clips
June: 35 clips
July: 49 clips
August: 38 clips
September: 63 clips
October: 57 clips
November: 36 clips
December: 45 clips
Highlights of the Pack
Authenticity: Every clip and film captures the natural ambience of British woodland, from birdsong and the rustling of leaves to the occasional wind.
Seasonal Variety: The pack beautifully showcases the changing landscape of the woodland, from the bright blooms of spring to the vibrant hues of autumn and the stillness of winter.
Pure Visuals: No drones, gimbals, or digital effects—just raw, intimate stock video footage that showcases the timeless beauty of nature.
Why It’s Unique
This series offers more than just stock video footage; it’s an evolving narrative of nature’s subtle shifts over the course of a year. The footage is perfect for use in film, television, documentaries, or as support for TV productions, providing authentic, seasonal content that will add depth and atmosphere to any project.
Behind the Scenes – A Creator’s Reflection
The Coffee in the Woods project started as a simple idea: to film a few moments of coffee-making in the woods, but it soon transformed into a deeper exploration of nature’s beauty and the passage of time. Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes for each month:
January: The year began with frosty mornings and a quiet stillness in the woods. Filming this month captured the peace and solitude of a woodland covered in frost.
February: Gloopy growth was abundant in the woodland, and the quiet was broken only by birds and the crunch of sloppy mud underfoot. The raw, serene beauty of these scenes make it perfect for British winter-themed content.
March: As spring began to take hold, I filmed patches of sunlight breaking through the canopy, warming the cold ground. The emerging life and gentle sounds of the woodland felt like the promise of new beginnings.
April: The forest floor was carpeted with bluebells, and the scent of wild garlic filled the air. This month’s filming was a vibrant celebration of life in the woods, offering rich visuals for any spring-based production.
May: Bluebells reached their peak, and the air was thick with their sweet fragrance. This month’s footage captured the full vibrancy of the season, making it ideal for any content focused on the beauty of spring.
June: Summer brought warmth to the woodland, and paths became dryer, revealing textures in the soil and the forest floor. The serene, sun-dappled woods provided calm and peaceful footage, perfect for summer scenes.
July: Wildlife, particularly curious deer, became more active, adding a lively element to the woods. This month’s stock video footage brings a sense of vibrancy and life to the otherwise still woodland.
August: The woods were rich with dense greenery, with a feeling of fullness in the air. This month’s footage captured the height of summer, offering peaceful, warm woodland visuals.
September: The first signs of autumn began to emerge, with golden hues spreading across the trees. The air was crisp, and the shift from summer to autumn was evident, providing beautiful fall imagery for any production.
October: Autumn had arrived, and the woodland was starting to show its fiery colours. This month’s footage offers stunning visuals for any autumn-themed project, with a vivid palette of leaves and textures.
November: The trees began to shed their amazing leaves. The vivid colours amongst stark, soon-to-be, skeletal trees, and cold air set a quiet, reflective mood, offering a perfect backdrop for autumn-themed storytelling.
December: As winter settled in, the cold murky air took hold, and the quiet became even more profound. The bare trees and ground created a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for reflective or contemplative scenes.
Total Clips: 513
Total File Size: 93.28GB
Total Runtime: ~3 hours and 57 minutes
Who Is This For?
This pack is perfect for filmmakers, content creators, TV producers, and documentary makers. It’s also ideal for any production requiring a huge amount of high-quality British woodland footage for film, television, or commercial use. Whether you’re working on a nature documentary, a film project, or a corporate production, the authenticity and tranquillity of this footage will elevate your work.
Clip Pack #16 isn’t just a stock video footage bundle—it’s a year-long journey through the changing landscape of British woodland.
Exclusive rights may be available, please contact me with any requests.
I’ve got smaller packs and singles starting at £95 too, spanning my growing library. Whether you’re a big production company, TV producer, or editor, the value’s unbeatable—no extra fees for 4K, no extra fees for broadcast television and film, all from a seasoned “Drone Jedi” with footage that’s one-of-a-kind.
The Hidden Costs of Big Stock Libraries
I buy stock footage too—I’m not above it. Neither are my clients or colleagues. But the big corporations can sting you. I once had a drone clip from a major provider (let’s say their name starts with an “S”) in a film that aired on Netflix. The clip was only used for 2 seconds—2 seconds!—and twelve months later, they demanded an extra £800 in fees. An extra £800 for 2 seconds! No warning, just “pay up.” That’s a headache you don’t need. With my footage, that never happens. My USP shines: no extra fees for 4K, no extra fees for broadcast television and film. My licence is crystal clear—buy it once, use it forever, no surprises. My clips, shot with world-class drone and gimbal expertise, have racked up billions of views in TV shows, documentaries, and films. I’ve never chased anyone for more money or attribution—I just want you to make something amazing.
Stock Footage Companies: The Full List
Here’s a rundown of stock footage companies (not exhaustive, but the key players as of March 2025):
Shutterstock: Massive library, 4K surcharges, usage fees for TV/film.
Adobe Stock: Creative Cloud integration, pricey with extra costs for 4K and broadcast.
Pond5: Huge variety, premium clips and licensing jack up costs.
Getty Images: Premium, exclusive—high prices, rights-managed fees.
iStock: Getty’s royalty-free arm, still has 4K and usage add-ons.
Storyblocks: Subscription-based, affordable, quality varies.
Envato Elements: Unlimited downloads, mixed quality, extra fees for some uses.
Filmsupply: Cinematic, narrative-driven, pricey with complex licensing.
Artlist: Subscription for unlimited clips, broadcast fees can apply.
Videvo: Free and paid options, attribution often required.
Pexels: Free, royalty-free, limited professional scope.
Pixabay: Free clips, some with music, not always broadcast-ready.
Motion Array: Templates and footage, extra costs for premium tiers.
Dissolve: Curated, high-quality, pricey with usage fees.
VideoHive: Per-clip purchases, quality varies, broadcast fees possible.
123RF: Affordable, but 4K and TV/film use cost more.
Depositphotos: Broad library, extra fees for premium resolutions and uses.
Sony Pictures Stock Footage: Feature-film quality, high cost, restrictive licensing.
Footage.net: Aggregator, searches multiple archives, pricing varies.
Mixkit: Free, limited scope, no extra fees but less professional.
Distill: High-quality, free with signup, small library.
CNN Collection: News-focused, expensive, rights-managed.
Corbis Motion (via Getty): Premium archive, costly with usage fees.
Chris Homer: The “Drone Jedi” himself—unique, world-class 4K footage, no extra fees for 4K or broadcast television and film, a cinematic treasure trove from a drone pioneer who’s soared above the rest (check my bio!).
My USP stands out: no extra fees for 4K, no extra fees for broadcast television and film, plus footage from a drone legend (or is it leg-end?) that’s usually anything but generic.
Stock Footage vs. Custom Shoots: The Maths Doesn’t Lie
Let’s crunch numbers, including editing, grading, and processing (1 day per 50-100 clips, editor’s rate £300–£500/day). Timelapses and hyperlapses take longer—think a day for every 10 timelapses, and hyperlapses can take many hours per clip, especially with my “otherworldly” techniques.
For 448 clips like York, shot locally (10-20 days):
Hotel (10-20 nights, local rate): £1,000–£2,000
Local transport: £500–£1,000
Filming permits: £1,000–£3,000
My day rate (10-20 days): £10,000–£20,000
Producer’s day rate (10-20 days): £5,000–£10,000
Local crew & expenses (10-20 days): £2,000–£5,000
Editing (5-9 days, 50-100 clips/day): £1,500–£4,500
Total: £21,000–£45,500
Clip Pack #32: York—£10,000 for 448 clips, 4K, edited with my “Drone Jedi” flair, no extra fees for broadcast.
York Stock Video Footage: 448 Clips | 4 Hours 27 Minutes
Experience the magic of York with this extensive collection of 448 meticulously crafted 4K York stock video clips. Capture the essence of this historic city with 221 dynamic drone shots, 131 high-frame-rate gimbal shots, 56 high-frame-rate cinematic telephoto shots, 38 normal speed gimbal shots, and 2 hyperlapse sequences.
This 106.39GB library offers an unparalleled depth and variety of York stock video footage, perfect for filmmakers, television productions, city profiles, travel documentaries, commercials, and historical dramas.
Uncover the Beauty of York with this York Stock Video Footage:
Iconic Landmarks:
York Minster: Explore this magnificent Gothic cathedral through an abundance of clips, with breathtaking aerial views and intimate close-ups of this majestic cathedral.
The Shambles: Wander through this medieval street with its overhanging, timber-framed buildings, day and night.
City Walls: Explore the well-preserved medieval city walls, offering stunning views of the city, showcased beautifully from many angles in this collection.
River Ouse: Capture the picturesque River Ouse, a vital waterway throughout York's history.
Dynamic Perspectives: From sweeping aerial panoramas to intimate street scenes, this pack offers endless creative possibilities. Capture the vibrant energy of the city with bustling markets, lively pubs, and the daily rhythm of life.
Cinematic Quality: High-frame-rate gimbal shots provide smooth, cinematic motion, perfect for slow-motion effects and creative storytelling, making this York stock video footage ideal for high-end productions. Prime lens telephoto shots capture the unique character of York with stunning detail and depth, further enriching this York stock video footage library.
Day & Night: Capture the magic of York at all hours. Experience the vibrant energy of the city by day and the enchanting glow of its historic landmarks after dark.
Highlights:
Drone Mastery: 221 dynamic drone shots offer breathtaking aerial perspectives, showcasing the city's grandeur and intricate details.
Cinematic Gimbal Work: Smooth, high-quality gimbal footage captures the essence of York with cinematic grace, elevating the quality of your production.
Authentic Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the everyday life of York with bustling street scenes, local residents, and vibrant nightlife.
This collection is an absolute gem for any filmmaker seeking unique, authentic and captivating York stock video footage.
For Tokyo—78 clips, 2 days, me and producer combined:
Flights: £500–£3,000
Hotel/parking/expenses (2 nights): £500–£1,000
Local transport: £100
Filming permits: £300–£1,000
Equipment & crew: £500–£2,000
My/producer’s filming day rate (2 days): £3,000–£4,000
Local crew & expenses (2 days): £400–£1,000
Editing (1-2 days, 50-100 clips/day): £300–£1,000
Total: £5,600–£13,000
Clip Pack #101: Tokyo—£2,500 for 78 clips, 4K, edited with my hyperlapse expertise, no extra fees for TV or film.
Stock Video Footage
📍 Location: Tokyo, Japan
🎥 Total Clips: 78 gimbal shots
📦 File Size: 8.46GB
⏳ Duration: 21 minutes 6 seconds
📽️ Resolution: 4K
A vast collection of cinematic stock video footage capturing the essence of Tokyo, Japan, during the 2021 Olympic Games. This pack offers a raw and authentic glimpse into the city’s streets, culture, and everyday life, featuring the politeness, order, and Covid-conscious atmosphere that defined Tokyo during this period.
Highlights
✔ Shibuya Crossing – Multiple angles, day and night, showcasing one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
✔ Shinjuku Station & Streets – A sea of people moving through train stations and neon-lit streets, all wearing masks, embodying Tokyo’s meticulous sense of order and cleanliness.
✔ Japanese Public Transport – Quiet trains packed with commuters, all politely staring at their phones, masks on, silent yet deeply engaged in their routines.
✔ City Streets & Markets – A blend of old and new, from traditional narrow alleys with street food vendors to ultra-modern skyscrapers and futuristic cityscapes.
✔ Busy Shopping Districts – Vibrant advertising billboards, stores filled with shoppers, and market streets bustling with life.
✔ POV Driving & Transit Shots – A unique perspective from cars, buses, and trains, weaving through tunnels and traffic, offering an immersive city experience.
✔ Futuristic & Historic Architecture – Towering office blocks, old concrete roads, traditional Japanese buildings, and instantly recognizable signage, such as KFC.
✔ Intimate Train Footage – Capturing the reserved and quiet nature of Japanese commuters, packed into carriages with near-perfect silence.
✔ Cyclists & Pedestrians – Natural and candid moments of everyday people navigating the streets of Tokyo.
✔ Olympic Influence – Some signage and branding from the 2021 Olympic Games, marking a unique moment in history.
Perfect For
This collection is an invaluable resource for travel series, TV documentaries, Covid-era retrospectives, Tokyo city profiles, big sporting event features, television productions, and cinematic social media projects. With a massive variety of real-life content, editors will love the genuine, atmospheric, and beautifully framed stock video footage.
All stock video footage is available under my no circulation limit release, though much of it falls under editorial use—please refer to my full terms.
📥 Download now and bring the energy of Tokyo to your production!
Then there are packs like The Generic Countryside Drone Stock Footage Pack (£595), part of my growing library, is it cost effective…? It’s bonkers… my unique footage crushes custom costs every time, even when it’s “generic”.
✔ 59 Clips
✔ 6.77GB
✔ 16 Minutes 52 Seconds
✔ 4K UHD Stock Footage
A premium collection of high-quality British countryside drone footage, offering a variety of stunning rural landscapes.
📌 Includes:
Drone views – wides, establishing shots, reveals, backgrounds, top-downs
Rural farmland – unharvested and harvested fields, patchwork landscapes
Seasonal variety – golden fields, dry straw, lush green land, crop fields
Dramatic lighting – sunrise, sunset, and daylight scenes
Natural elements – wind turbines, trees, woodlands
Tractor lines & farmland details – perfect for storytelling and scene-setting
📌 Why Choose This Pack?
✅ Versatile & Flexible – ideal for TV, film, documentaries, commercials, and digital content
✅ No Extra Fees – 4K footage included at no extra cost, with unlimited use in TV & film projects
✅ Professional Quality – cinematic footage designed for seamless integration into any production
🎥 Instant Download – full terms apply.
Why Stock Footage Feels “Expensive” (But Isn’t)
£10,000 for York or £2,500 for Tokyo might seem steep, but for big production companies, TV producers, and editors, it’s peanuts compared to custom shoots with editing. My packs are premium, 4K, shot with high-tech gear by a world-class specialist cameraman, graded and ready for broadcast—no extra fees for 4K, no extra fees for television and film, and never the overused rubbish of free stock. Try shooting it yourself: drones (£3,000+), cameras (£2,000–£400k), travel, expenses, permits, crew, editing—it’s a fortune. My stock delivers instant, unique, professional results—phenomenal drone shots, exquisite gimbal work—at a fraction of the cost.
The Bigger Picture: Stock Footage Is an Investment
Stock footage isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. That £22.32 clip from York, £32.05 from Tokyo, or £10.08 from the countryside can be reused across projects. A client used a drone shot in a corporate video, a TV ad, and a pitch reel—three uses, one price, no extra fees for broadcast. My library’s saved projects when shoots failed—priceless value from the “Drone Jedi,” no 4K or TV/film surcharges, and footage that’s uniquely mine.
Final Thoughts: Stock Footage Is a No-Brainer
So, why is stock footage so expensive? It’s not. My growing library—81 hours, 39 minutes, and 14 seconds, 13,876 clips, £22.61 average per clip—proves you can get cinematic quality without breaking the bank. Whether it’s £595 for countryside, £2,500 for Tokyo (about $3,250), £6,500 for Rhinog Fawr, or £10,000 for York, you get 4K, broadcast-ready footage with no extra fees for 4K, no extra fees for television and film—all from a drone pioneer with a Paris-earned “Jedi” title and a library that’s anything but trash. No weather woes, no logistical nightmares, no corporate cash grabs—just stunning, unique footage, fairly (And very cheaply) priced.
Next time you’re tempted to balk at stock footage costs, think of me stuck in Lisbon, rain lashing the windows, or shelling out £10k for a permit. Then head to my library. You’ll save a fortune—and maybe make your best work yet.
Happy creating!
Chris
Latest Work -
If you need footage that captures a freezing atmosphere at night, take a look at my Clip Pack #319 blog post, which details the process of shooting night timelapses in sub-zero temperatures on the Shropshire Hills