Making Every Shot Count

Call it the Wal-Mart effect. Just as the U.S.-based mega chain's 'always low prices' philosophy is forcing suppliers to maximize efficiencies in the production process, doc-makers are under pressure to supply product to clients for less and less. Commissioning editors, themselves responding to budgetary belt-tightening, are green-lighting projects that will deliver the biggest bang possible on a reduced budget. No small feat, especially when stock and archive footage can be expensive. A few innovative producers, however, are capitalizing on technologies to push the creative potential of their raw material.