How to Select the Video, Graphics & Stills For Your Infomercial

Question: How do you guys select the shots and stills that you use in a production?
Answer: That IS a tough challenge. But there are two solutions:

1) Shoot your own shots. This gives you more control in matching your graphics to the story being told. If you go with this route, you'll want to be careful to get model releases so you don't infringe upon anyone's rights.

2) Use someone else's photographs or videos. This is actually LESS time consuming than shooting your own photos and videos. The Resource Rolodex has several good sources to select from. But you still have to search to find exactly what you need.

Searching for a photograph or the right video to use I've found is a blessing in disguise. Yes, it's a pain in the butt. However, I've come to find that during my search, I often times stumble upon an unexpected photo or video that I want to use instead of what I had originally planned.
Believe it or not, I've often changed my entire video infomercial concept just because of what I found during my "treasure hunt." And that's how I look at it now. It's a treasure hunt. Because there is so much on the Internet that is available for use, both paid and free items, that it's hard to locate. Just remember, whatever you use, make sure that you have a license and permission to use it. The LAST thing you want is lawyers knocking on your door demanding payment and restitution for the illegal use of a photo or video.
But let's say you know EXACTLY what you are looking for. Let's say you have a client that needs your video in 5 hours or you lose the job. You don't have time for any "treasure hunt." Then try this...
Write down a list of ideas that best describes the picture or video clip you're looking for. Go to http://www.theasurus.com/ or a similar search engine in your native language.

Find words that mean the same thing as the concept photos and videos you're searching for. Once you have that list, then go to Google or Yahoo and type in the concept and photo. For example "cats + royalty free photo". "Student + royalty free video."

This method should save you lots of time and hassle when looking for "the" perfect photo or video. Of course, there are other methods effective methods as well. These include purchasing sets of photos and videos from online or local retail stores. Be careful though. Many of these photo and video sets tend to become dated very quickly.