Image & Video Resources
Center for Social Media - School of Communication at American University
The Center has a variety of resources available for viewing online and/or downloading in PDF format.
Examples of Fair Use
This page links to a variety of video clips illustrating the correct interpretation of Fair Use in documentary video. The clips are divided into four main categories:
- Employing Copyrighted Material as the Object of Social, Political or Cultural Critique
- Quoting Copyrighted Works of Popular Culture to Illustrate an Argument of Point
- Capturing Copyrighted Media Content in the Process of Filming Something Else
- Using Copyrighted Material in a Historical Sequence
Recut, Reframe, Recycle: Quoting Copyrighted Material in User-Generated Video
An increasing number of user-generated videos, or mashups, include portions of copyrighted material. This study identifies several specific types, including satire, incidental use and criticism, and discusses how using materials in this way possibly falls within the bounds of Fair Use.
Documentary Filmmakers' Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use
This excellent short handbook is written by filmmakers to help other filmmakers better understand Fair Use.
The Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education
This document was designed for everyone involved with the creation and production of online video to help clarify best practices in interpreting fair use of copyrighted material.
Podcasting Legal Guide
This guide discusses legal issues that are, in some cases, unique to podcasters and also reiterates issues that are in common with anyone working with audio or video content. The guide also links to numerous other resources related to podcasting, such as:
- Information on the 3 primary organizations that control commercially available music: ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.
- Using content covered by Creative Commons licenses.
- Application of Fair Use in creating podcasts.
- Links for searching "podsafe" content.
Podcasting Legal Guide (http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Podcasting_Legal_Guide) © 2006 Colette Vogele of Vogele & Associates, Mia Garlick of Creative Commons and the Berkman Center Clinical Program in Cyberlaw. This Guide was produced as part of the Non-Residential Fellowship Program of the Center for Internet & Society at Stanford Law School.
Using Release Forms
A release is a document in which an individual or group grants someone else the permission to use photos, video or other representations of them. A release may also be used to obtain permission to use someone’s property. Visit Stanford University Libraries site to learn more about what a release form is and when it is appropriate to obtain one. When in doubt, obtain a release form.
Use the links below to download sample McDaniel College release forms. (Please note that these are intended as templates and have not been formally approved by legal council.)
Media Release Form
Student Media Release Form
Non-Paid Location Release
Where can I find video clips for a project?
There are several options, one of which is to shoot your own video. InTech has a variety of camcorders available for short-term loan.
If you are using clips from commercial video, the resources on this page serve as a guide to what you can use and how you can use it.
iStockPhoto.com has royalty-free video, photos and audio. While they do offer the occasional "freebie" most of their stock requires payment. The cost and terms of use are generally quite reasonable, particularly for non-commercial purposes. The site does require that you create an account.
Where can I find images?
In addition to iStockPhoto, you can find still images at the following sites. Most (but not all) media from .gov sites is in the public domain and, therefore, available for use.
Smithsonian on Flickr
Flickr: The Commons—This is Flickr’s public photography archive.
NOAA Photo Library—Almost all NOAA images are in the public domain. Credit should be given to the agency and photographer (if listed) when using any of the photos.
stock.xchng—This is a leading site for free stock imagery.
NASA Multimedia Library—NASA’s terms of use are a little more complicated than most .gov sites. In general, images (but not the NASA insignia) are ok to use with acknowledgement.
Note! Always, always check the terms of service for any website or company that offers stock footage, images or audio content. Websites often have a link at the bottom of the page. Not all available media is royalty-free regardless of whether it is used for educational purposes. Links provided here are intended as suggested resources and not intended as an endorsement of any particular service.