Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Archive & historical material · Core

Archive clearance

Also called: archival clearance, archive rights clearance

ELI5

Checking that old material can legally be used and getting the right permission.

Used in conversation

“The archive clearance must cover the trailer and international versions, not only the programme.”

Definition

The process of verifying and obtaining the permissions needed to use archival footage, photographs, audio, documents or other historical material.

Here “Archive clearance” means: The process of verifying and obtaining the permissions needed to use archival footage, photographs, audio, documents or other historical material.

Pitch context

Affects whether proposed archive is available, affordable and licensable for the intended exploitation.

Why it matters: Archive can be central to the story while carrying hidden rights, privacy, music and territory limits.

Caution

Clearance analysis depends on the material, ownership, proposed use, territory and applicable law.

Connected terms

  • Fair useA legal exception may sometimes apply, but it is not the same as obtaining a licence.
  • ArchiveArchive clearance governs the proposed use of archival material.
  • Archive logThe log records clearance progress.
  • Legal reviewArchive use may require legal review.
Sources & evidence · 3

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.