Frequently Asked Questions
About the Film Australia Collection (FAC) Library
What material is held in the Film Australia Collection Library?
Can the public borrow materials from the Film Australia Collection Library?
What is the procedure for viewing or purchasing footage and/or stills?
What is the procedure for purchasing titles from the Film Australia Collection?
Can I do my own research at the Film Australia Collection Library?
What about footage in the FAC Library in which the NFSA doesn't own copyright?
What about the issue of privacy?
About the Zero Fee Licensing (ZFL) scheme
What costs are applicable?
Will documentary series be eligible for ZFL?
What about footage in the FAC Library in which the NFSA doesn't own copyright?
About the Film Australia Collection Library
What material is held in the Library?
The Film Australia Collection (FAC) Library holds the audiovisual documentary materials produced by Film Australia and its predecessors, representing a century of filmmaking on behalf of the Australian Government. The NFSA’s FAC Library manages these materials and the copyright in them on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia. On a regular basis, the FAC Library receives new materials from Screen Australia’s National Documentary Program producers. These materials are available for stock footage and as part of the Zero Fee Licence scheme.
Can the public borrow materials from the FAC Library?
The FAC Library is not a public lending library; it is a commercial archival and stock footage and stills library.
The FAC Library operates as a service for clients in the screen industry, educational and cultural institutions and corporations. Licence fees and service costs are listed on the FAC Library rate card.
Footage licensed from the Library is supplied on video tape or as digital files. When necessary, segments from film prints can be made available. The client covers these transfer costs.
What is the procedure for viewing or purchasing footage and/or stills?
There are two ways to find footage or stills:
- Use this website to search the online collection and make an online order enquiry about specific footage or stills.
- Fill in the online form or contact the FAC Library by email, or phone. Using your brief, our researchers will provide you with an initial assessment free of charge. Fees will apply for more in-depth research.
A DVD preview tape with timecode of footage or reference stills will be sent to you by courier, post or electronically. Selected footage or stills can be transferred to a master version by quoting the timecodes or reference you require.
What is the procedure for purchasing titles from the Film Australia Collection?
Please contact FAC Program Sales – email: facprogramsales@nfsa.gov.au or visit their website.
Can I do my own research in the Film Australia Collection Library?
This website enables you to search a selection from the Film Australia Collection.
If you are experiencing problems in finding material to match your brief, email faclibrary@nfsa.gov.au, and the researchers will assist.
What about footage in the FAC Library in which the NFSA doesn't own copyright?
Clients will be required to seek approval from the copyright owner. Copyright owners may charge licence fees and the FAC will charge an Access Fee equivalent to 50% of the standard FAC licence fee.
What about the issue of privacy?
This website includes the NFSA’s Privacy Statement.
About Zero Fee Licensing (ZFL)
What costs are applicable?
Research, handling and supply of preview materials will be charged at the rate of $250 (+GST) per hour. A minimum charge of $250 (+GST) will apply, with the final cost calculated on the total amount of handling and research time required.
This charge covers handling and preview material as well as administrative research. The minimum charge of $250 will still apply even if you have located the footage you require using our online search system.
Transfers, stock and freight costs are additional and will be quoted on request for each job.
Will documentary series be eligible for zero fee licensing?
Yes. Documentary series are eligible for up to 10 minutes of footage and 40 stills per one-hour documentary
What about footage or stills in the FAC Library in which the NFSA doesn't own copyright?
ZFL applicants will be required to seek approval from the copyright owner. Copyright owners may charge licence fees and the FAC will charge an Access Fee equivalent to 50% of the standard FAC licence fee.
