Archival Footage Sales

Archival Footage Sales handles requests from commercial users for extracts from archival material. These include TV production companies, filmmakers, and any other commercial organisations requiring extracts from archival material.

Footage Sales arranges on-site research viewings for commercial clients, and licences BFI-copyright material. Copyright clearance is required for the supply of all third party material.

We are the gateway for programme and filmmakers to the bfi National Archive, the world's leading collection of moving image materials. For over 60 years, the bfi National Archive has collected the full range of the UK's moving image heritage, an unrivalled wealth of black and white and colour, silent and sound, documentary and fiction, professional and amateur footage.

The collection chronicles all aspects of life and times since the invention of film in the late nineteenth century. A commitment to increase the range of materials available from this treasure trove of unique images means that rare footage unseen for many years can now be made accessible.

New collections of material are constantly being acquired thus ensuring that Archival Footage Sales continues to be the most diverse source of footage for film and television programme makers.

Please contact bfi Archival Footage Sales for more information

21 Stephen Street

London, W1T 1LN

Tel: 020 7957 4842

Fax: 020 7436 4014

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Collections of films include:

COI (1929 to present)

The BFI now represents the COI Collection of some 12,000 Public Information Films. From 30s, 40s, and 50s Cinema Trailers to more recent Television Ads they reflect the attitudes, achievements and preoccupations of three generations of British Society.

Topical Budget (1911-1931)

One of the major British newsreels of the Silent era, with compelling footage of key events from the period.

Educational and Television Films (ETV)

Educational and Television Films' unique and comprehensive collection of socialist films from the UK and the former socialist world.

Open Road

Outstanding colour footage of a motor tour from Land's End to John O' Groats filmed by Claude Friese-Greene between 1924 and 1926 using his unique natural colour process.

British Transport Films

A vast range of transport related films but also a fascinating record of life in British villages, towns and cities.

British Coal Board

Contains Mining Review, the Coal industry's own newsreel, chronicling all aspects of the coal industry from 1947 to 1983.

Mitchell & Kenyon

Extraordinary and evocative actuality footage of life and society in the first years of the twentieth century.

Polar Exploration

Includes 90 Degrees South and South, the official films of the Antarctic expeditions of Capt Robert Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

This unrivalled visual record of the twentieth century is available through bfi Archival Footage Sales.

J.M. Barrie caught on Film

As 'Peter Pan' celebrated its centenary in 2004, and Finding Neverland was released, the bfi and Knebworth House uncovered an unusual film of Barrie and the children who inspired the story.

First World War footage

To coincide with the bfi's theatrical release of All Quiet on the Western Front, bfi Archival Footage Sales has placed online extracts from some of the remarkable First World War footage preserved by the bfi National Archive.