General FAQ
- What is the Creative Archive Licence Group?
- Where are the clips to download?
- How can I get hold of different Open University clips not yet released under the terms of the Creative Archive Licence?
- How much will it cost to use the archive content?
- What format will the archive be available in?
- Will it include audio?
- How do I request a certain type of programming be made available?
- How do I join the Creative Archive Licence Group?
If you have a specific question about what you can and can't do under the Creative Archive licence, please check our licence FAQ page.
What is the Creative Archive Licence Group?
The BBC, the bfi, Channel 4 and the Open University set up the Creative Archive Licence Group to make their archive content available for download under the terms of the Creative Archive Licence - a single, shared user licence scheme for the downloading of moving images, audio and stills. If you wish to share, watch, listen and re-use this content as a fuel for your own creative endeavours you must comply with the terms and conditions as set out in the Creative Archive Licence. For example, you must agree that you will only use the material for non-commercial purposes.
Where are the clips to download?
The Open University and our partners - the BBC, the bfi, Channel 4 and new members of the group - intend to make their archive content available for download under the terms of the Creative Archive Licence.
The BBC already offers clips through bbc.co.uk, under a number of themes, including:
The British Film Institute (bfi) Creative Archive collection includes a selection of silent comedy and newsreel footage.You can find a range of full TV programmes aimed at teachers for use under the Creative Archive licence on the Teachers TV website.
Channel 4 will be bringing content to the pilot through its 4Docs and Pix n Mix services.
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How can I get hold of different Open University clips not yet released under the terms of the Creative Archive Licence?
The Open University gets a lot of requests from the public for copies from its programmes. Unfortunately we do not have the resources to help individuals wishing simply to get hold of a favourite programme, but some programmes are available for purchase through Open University Worldwide and other retailers.
How much will it cost to use the archive content?
If you are using the archive for your own not-for-profit personal and/or not-for-profit educational use, and you are not using the material to endorse your work, then you will not have to pay to use the Creative Archive. There’s more about the terms on which you can use the Creative Archive in our introduction to the licence.
What format is the archive material available in?
We've chosen three formats - Quicktime, Windows Media and MPEG1 format - to release our archive material in. Research indicates that these formats will cover the greatest number of people in the UK across different types of computer and editing software.
Will it include audio?
Yes, we hope that we'll be able to offer material from the Open University's radio archive alongside the video footage.
How do I request a certain type of programming be made available?
If there's content you believe the Open University owns which you'd like to suggest we include as part of the Creative Archive in the future, we'd love to hear from you. Please use the feedback form to get in touch.
How do I join the Creative Archive Licence Group?
Membership is available to major national collections, broadcasters, and commercial organisations who wish to share content with the public on the same terms. Members must be committed to the process of improving the service to the user and will meet monthly.
If your organization is interested in joining the Creative Archive Licence Group please complete the Creative Archive Group feedback form