Can you deliver the raw footage with the final product?

Our videographers don’t deliver raw footage by default because of quality control, editing value, file size, copyright, and brand protection. If you want it, negotiate upfront and expect an additional fee.

This is actually very common practice in the video production industry, especially when you hire a professional videographer or production company. There are several reasons why videographers typically don’t deliver raw footage and only deliver the final edited product:

1. Quality Control & Brand Protection

  • Main reason: Raw footage can make the videographer look bad.

  • Raw files usually include shaky shots, exposure issues, test takes, misfocused clips, sound checks, bloopers, etc.

  • If clients share or use those unpolished clips publicly, it can harm the videographer’s professional image.

  • Delivering only the final, edited video ensures that only the best representation of their work is seen.

2. Editing Is Part of the Service

  • Most videographers price their packages based on shooting + editing as one complete service.

  • Raw footage, by itself, is incomplete and often not usable without post-production:

Color grading, Audio balancing, Cutting out mistakes, Adding graphics / effects / transitions.

  • Giving away raw footage can devalue their expertise because editing is a big part of what clients are paying for.

3. File Size & Delivery Practicality

  • Raw video files are huge—especially 4K or higher.

  • Storing, transferring, and managing these files is time-consuming and costly.

  • Videographers don’t want the extra workload of organizing, uploading, and supporting massive files unless they’re compensated for it.

4. Licensing & Usage Rights

  • In many countries, including Canada, videographers legally own the copyright to the raw footage, unless you specifically negotiate to buy it.

  • When you hire a videographer, you’re usually purchasing a license to use the final, edited video for agreed purposes.

  • If you want the raw footage, it typically requires a separate agreement and additional fee, because you’re effectively buying more rights.

5. Protecting the Creative Vision

  • Raw footage often includes many versions of the same scene, multiple angles, and test shots.

  • Without proper editing, the story may look confusing, incomplete, or low quality.

  • Videographers prefer to control the final narrative so the video aligns with their intended style and quality standards.

How to get the raw footage If I need It?

1. Negotiate Before the Shoot

  • Include in the contract that you want raw footage.

  • Expect to Pay Extra

  • Our videographers usually charge 50% of the total project cost for raw files.

3. Clarify Usage Rights

  • Make sure the contract specifies whether you own the footage or just have personal usage rights.