You’ll probably want to include some various resources in your movies. You could just use standard text on solid backgrounds, but the use of things like stock photos, video clips, clipart, voiceovers and music adds depth and interest to your videos.
Never, ever grab images or videos from the web and use them in your videos. This is copyright infringement, and could lead to some major legal troubles. It’s not even a good idea to get images from “public domain” image collections, because there is no way to verify with 100% certainty that those images were uploaded by the legitimate copyright holder.
Instead, you must purchase your images and videos from a reputable stock photo agency. There are hundreds of stock photo sites, perhaps thousands if you count the smaller sites that sell images from only one photographer.
Some good resources for stock photos and video clips include:
>> http://www.shutterstock.com
>> http://www.bigstockphoto.com
>> http://www.depositphotos.com
You’ll find that most of these sites has the same basic collection of photos, however ShutterStock and iStockPhoto generally have the widest selection. Additionally, iStockPhoto offers photographers a bonus for exclusivity, so you may be able to find images there that won’t be found anywhere else. Just keep in mind that because iStockPhoto must pay a bonus to photographers for exclusivity, those exclusive photos will be more expensive than the rest of their collection.
Photos and video clips aren’t the only thing you can use to jazz up your videos. Stock graphics are also useful, especially things such as icons and cartoon mascots that can be used to draw attention.
Some good places to locate graphics include:
>> http://www.graphicriver.net
>> http://www.graphicsfactory.com
Perhaps the best place to get inexpensive voiceovers for your videos is through Fiverr. For as little as $5, you can get someone with a great voice to read your script, and then you can take the audio file they deliver and add it to your video.
Just like you should never steal images or videos, you should never steal music for use in your videos. You can’t just use your favorite song without permission. Someone owns the copyright to it. Even if they’ve passed away, someone still owns the copyright. Want to use an Elvis song in your video? You’d better contact Robert Sillerman, the man who bought the rights to Elvis’ music from Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie.
Of course, there are stock agencies that sell royalty free music, too. These songs are relatively inexpensive, and they come in a wide variety of genres and styles, so you can almost certainly find the right one for your project.
Some places to locate music include:
>> http://www.freeplaymusic.com
>> http://www.incomptech.com/music/royaltyfree
>> http://www.royaltyfreemusic.com