CBS Footage Licensing Logo

FAQ

  1. When do I need to purchase a license?

    If you plan to use footage, photo still(s) or other element(s) from any Property owned by CBS either on its own or as part of a project (e.g., film, television episode, educational presentation, etc.) shown to the general public (or pre-selected members thereof [e.g., students in a class, attendees of a lecture, etc.]) or used for a commercial purpose, you must purchase a license for the use of that Property. Failure to do so is a violation of copyright law and could have serious repercussions. If you are unsure whether or not you need a license for your project, contact us by phone at (818) 655-1609 or e-mail us at cbslaclips@tvc.cbs.com

  2. Do you have a comprehensive list of Properties available for licensing?

    We do not have a comprehensive list of Properties available at this time.

  3. Does CBS license stock footage?

    Unfortunately, we do not maintain a stock footage library.

  4. Can you help me find the footage, still photo(s) or element(s) I need?

    Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to research material from our archives.  You will need to know exactly what material you are looking for.  

  5. How do I make a request once I have identified the footage, still photo(s) or element(s)?

    Please fill out our request form completely.  Please include the series title, episode title and, if known, the airdate of the requested material.  Your request will need to be reviewed and approved.  Approval is not guaranteed.  If approved, a license agreement will be issued and a license fee will be charged. An additional fee will be charged if you require us to provide you with a physical or digital copy of the footage or still photo(s). 

  6. What rights are included in the license agreement?

    When you license footage, still photo(s), audio excerpt(s), line(s) of script dialogue, or other element(s), our license grants rights for use of the Property in the requested media, term, and territory for a negotiated fee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the license requires the licensee to indemnify CBS, its agents, employees, representatives, affiliates, parent and subsidiary corporations, and to hold CBS harmless from any and all loss, cost, damage, liability and expense, including attorneys’ fees, arising out of any claim whatsoever, in connection with the licensee’s use of the Property. The licensee will be responsible for obtaining all necessary waivers, permissions or approvals from the WGA, DGA, SAG, AFTRA, and the American Federation of Musicians and is obligated to pay all re-use fees required by applicable collective bargaining agreements or individual agreements or as otherwise required by law. The licensee also assumes responsibility for all costs that may arise in connection with providing the licensee with the licensed content.

  7. Can I extend a term of a license agreement that I already have?

    Yes, you can email or call us to discuss renewal options.  Additional license fees may apply.

  8. Does CBS offer exclusive license agreements?

    CBS’s license agreements are non-exclusive. However, if you are seeking a license that grants certain types of exclusivity, please contact us by phone at (818) 655-1609 or e-mail us at cbslaclips@tvc.cbs.com.

  9. How do you calculate your license fees?

    CBS’s license fees are based on many factors, including:

    Amount and Length of Clips. We bill on a per clip, per minute basis.  We do not pro-rate our license fees or offer partial rates for use of partial minutes of footage.

    Media. The broader the platform for your project, the more expensive the license fee will be.

    Territories. The larger the territory for your project, the more expensive the license fee /ill be.

    Term. The longer the term you require for your project, the more expensive the license fee will be.

  10. Do you accept credit cards as payment for license fees or duplication costs?

    We are not able to accept credit card payments.  Payments may be made by check or wire transfer.

  11. Can I make changes to the footage or photo still(s)?

    Alterations or modifications to footage or photo still(s) are not permitted without the express written consent of CBS Broadcasting Inc. or CBS Television Studios.

  12. Can I use the footage or photo still(s) on my web site?

    Requests for web site use must also be approved. You may submit your request by completing our form.

  13. Do I have to clear the actors' images and/or music?

    In addition to obtaining permission from us to license use of a Property, you will be responsible for all additional clearances that may be necessary.  This includes, but is not limited to talent, music, and guild permissions.  Please contact the relevant guilds to obtain additional information about needed permissions and making any additional payments that may be necessary:

    Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

    Ph: (323) 954-1600

    www.sagaftra.org

    Writers Guild of America, West

    Ph: (800) 548-4532

    www.wga.org

    Directors Guild of America

    Ph: (800) 421-4173

    www.dga.org

    American Federation of Musicians

    Ph: (800) 762-3444

    www.afm.org

  14. Do I have to clear the stunt actors' image?

    Stunt performers must be cleared and paid even when they are not identifiable. The Screen Actors Guild can assist you so that each stunt performer in the relevant scene can be identified.

  15. Is the use of music included in the license agreement?

    No. To license music contained in requested footage, please contact CBS Music Licensing.  If the music is not owned by CBS, contact the owner(s) of the master and synchronization rights in the relevant music.

  16. Who do I contact to use CBS-owned Property in items such as clothing, products, books and merchandise?

    Contact CBS Consumer Products Group - http://www.cbsconsumerproducts.com

  17. Who do I contact to license CBS-owned Property for stage rights

    Contact CBS Consumer Products Group - http://www.cbsconsumerproducts.com

  18. Who do I contact to license CBS-owned Property for commercial use?

    Contact CBS Consumer Products Group - http://www.cbsconsumerproducts.com

  19. I am an actor who appeared in a CBS Property. How do I get a copy for my reel?

    Unless your contract stipulates that you are entitled to a copy of the requested Property – of which you will need to show proof – we are unable to provide copies of our Property for actor reels. 

  20. Do you provide copies of CBS Properties for personal use?

    Unfortunately, company policy prohibits us from providing copies of our Properties for personal use.

  21. How do I get a copy of an episode from a CBS television series or film?

    Due to the volume of requests that we receive, we are unable to accommodate personal requests of this kind.  If the series or film has been released on home video or is available via digital streaming or download from an authorized outlet, you may purchase copies through the authorized retail or online outlets.

  22. How do I show a CBS Property to my group or organization?

    Please fill out our request form completely.  Please include the series title, episode title and, if known, the airdate of the requested material.  Your request will need to be reviewed and approved.  Approval is not guaranteed.  If approved, a license agreement will be issued and a license fee will be charged. An additional fee will be charged if you require us to provide you with a physical or digital copy of the footage or still photo(s).

  23. How do I submit a story, script or series idea to CBS?

    It is CBS’s policy not to accept unsolicited submissions of creative material.

  24. What if I have additional questions not covered in this FAQ?

    Contact us by phone at (818) 655-1609 or e-mail us at cbslaclips@tvc.cbs.com