Why does Gold Sky Films not give RAW footage for free?
Risk: The client or someone associated with the client can create a video or manipulate the raw footage Gold Sky Films produced in a way that doesn't represent Gold Sky Films' style. The result can damage Gold Sky Films' reputation and lead to a loss of potential future clients.
Raw footage is not a finished product: Raw footage must always be color corrected; otherwise, it will look dull and flat. In addition, many raw footage clips will be shaky and need stabilization. Some clips are just flat-out unusable. Raw footage is not an accurate representation of the Gold Sky Films brand. We strive to deliver our best-edited work to clients; therefore, sending raw footage to clients is risky, and we have to charge to compensate for this risk.
The footage belongs to us legally. From a legal standpoint, under US copyright law, the copyright on raw footage and final films belongs to Gold Sky Films and not the client. Giving raw footage out to clients gives up our exclusive rights and gives up our rights to monetize the footage further.
Raw footage file sizes are enormous. Lots of hard drive space is needed to send raw footage clips. You get a hard drive with all raw footage clips mailed when you purchase raw footage from us.