Research Services
Arcdive specialises in helping with the complex and time-consuming aspects of background and archival media research, giving you more space to focus on developing your project.
We provide factual research and find rare and interesting content to add texture to your production.
We help you legally licence archive material with a focus on cost savings for licence fees.
We help you access free archival media.
Archival content research
If you want it, Arcdive will find it. Leaving no stone unturned, we use a pragmatic and creative approach to sourcing content (including film & video footage, audio, images and text). We can find great stuff quickly, advise on diverse ways to bring your concept to life and suggest material you may not have considered. From 1800s photographs to 1960s stock footage to a press conference from yesterday, Arcdive can unearth a range of compelling archive to enhance your project. With an extensive knowledge of Australian and international resources, we do the research legwork; providing multiple options to elevate your production with unique and hard to find content.
Copyright research & licensing
Using our network of relationships with content providers worldwide, determination and an understanding of copyright law, we track down rights holders, obtain copyright clearances (ensuring your use is legal) and negotiate licence fees to suit your budget. No budget or microbudget? No problem, we love helping creators access inexpensive or free material. We take the hard work out of rights investigation and clearances, providing peace of mind so you can focus on creating.
Factual research for content development
Enrich your content with deep dive background research. Whether you are developing a podcast series or writing a book, Arcdive provides factual research to inform your project. Who; how; where; when and why? We deliver a range of informational archival research from true crime case timelines to government public records to feet on the ground sourcing physical archival material. Arcdive can help uncover the historical background of an event or subject, grabbing the details while you work on the big picture.
Consultancy services
Wherever you are in the production process, Arcdive can offer insights into the use of archive content. Interested in using archival material but not sure where to start? We provide specialist advice on the types of licenses available, the fees and timeframes you can expect and the challenges you can avoid. With a solid understanding of production across multiple industries, Arcdive can offer guidance tailored to your schedule and budget.
Get in touch to request any of our services.
Have a research need you don’t see here? Reach out, we’d love to hear about your project and see how we can help. Arcdive has a broad range of research experience and a passion for discovery.
You can check out some recent projects and we are always keen to explore new terrain.
Image from Public Record Office Victoria: Port of Melbourne Authority Staff c1960s. VPRS 8357/P1, PMA-MHT STAFF