FilmFileShop


welcome to filmfileshop.com 
 newsreel and archival footage delivery for the 21st century
high quality files from 10-bit uncompressed high definiton or broadcast video sources
We love history!

And we are particularly fond of the motion pictures and video that have captured the history of the 20th century. The eyewitnesses may be gone but the records they produced live on in places like the United States National Archives and Records Administration. Access to these public domain records has been a daunting and often expensive ordeal for students, educators, museum curators, history buffs, and independent producers. However, in this new era of iPods and highspeed, we asked, why couldn't historical moving images be available via download or shipped out on ready-to-edit files via hard drive? And why couldn't the prices be fair and reasonable? And why couldn't the quality be consistently high?


The above image is from 208un45pt6
Paratroop Mascots Make First Jumps
(available for download in FilmFileShop.com
)

Click here for a preview of titles in the collection (including many that are not yet in the store).  (PDF)


Our answer to these questions is FilmFileShop.com, a webstore that offers downloadable newsreel and archival clips for purchase. Here's what you'll find:

Our files are derived either from:

  • 10-bit uncompressed high definition 4:2:2 full-bandwidth native scan telecine film transfers
     

  • or from standard definition videotape (1-inch, digital betacam electronic intermediates, or D-2 formats).

No high definition files were derived from up-conversion. The source for each clip is designated in its product description in the store.

Prices rise incrementally based on the overall runtime. The base price begins at $1.99 for the shortest clips.

Each downloadable clip is a 480 x 360 QuickTime Movie file compatible in both MAC and PC QuickTime 7.0 players. 

Click here for a list of titles in the collection - including many that are not yet in the store. Issue One (PDF)

Ready to "stock up" on 10-bit uncompressed 1920 x 1080/24p (23.98sF)  or standard definition 720 x 486 ready-to-edit files delivered to you on hard drives? Would you like to see the streaming files before making your selection? Check out our Passport to History for details.

How does this work?

  • For a fuller explanation visit the Tech Notes page.
     

  • Each category in the store identifies the overall nomenclature for its particular record group. Currently, all the items in the store correspond to material available from the National Archives. For example "200 UN" corresponds to the Universal News series.
     

  • Browse the catalogue by record group (product categories) or put in keywords in the search box to help identify potential titles. 
     

  • Previews of many of the titles are available to view directly online. The QuickTime streaming files are 160x120 with visible timecode.
     

  • If you see a price displayed for the item, it is available for purchase and download.  When you identify a title you want, just add it to the cart. You can buy as few as one title or as many as you wish. We recommend buying one title first to test your download connection, since there is a time limit on the download.
     

  • When you are ready to check out, you will need to register, if you did not already. Once you have registered, you will be saved some of the basic input for future orders.
     

  • After purchase through our secure socket, you will receive a confirmation email that will include the download link for your clip(s).
     

  • Please note that you will have 60 minutes to download your order so please purchase clips when you will be available to complete the download process.

FilmFileShop is now open.
 
Enter Store to browse today and come back often. Clips are being added on an almost daily basis.

Looking for some of the documentary classics? Check out our new section.


Looking for hardware products to support your tapeless workflow?

Help us grow!
We invite your feedback and hope that you will contribute ideas and comments. We are particularly interested to find out how we can help students and teachers utilize our clips in their learning environments.
What we are: We're a collection of history buffs, educators, and motion picture professionals who think its time to provide moving images using the "new generation' tools.
What we are not: We are not researchers. Please do not ask us to locate material for you. As the site develops there will be additional tools to help you  identify and select clips that are posted in the store.
Do you need a particular clip in a different resolution? If you prefer a higher resolution or the title you want is not currently available for download, e-mail us with a request and specify the format you want.


FilmFileShop is now open
Browse today and come back often.
Clips are added weekly.

Revised 22 October 2008