Who should a filmmaker contact at NARA if they are making a documentary?

Hi Kellie! I had a similar question earlier and Kelly Osborn Kelly Osborn had a good answer. Here's what she said:

It depends. Copyright restrictions vary. If the filmmaker is researching primary source materials to feature in the documentary, as well as doing background research on the topic of the documentary, they contact NARA like any other researcher (e.g. via our Inquire Form, direct requests to the office which holds the records of interest, etc). Their research may lead to requesting reproductions to use in the film. If the filmmaker wants to interview NARA staff, the request should go through public affairs.  You can contact our Public Affairs office at public.affairs@nara.gov or 202-357-5300.

Hope this answer helps!

Since you are looking for stock footage, a good introduction and general information about using the Motion Pictures Research Room at NARA is here:

Motion Picture, Sound, and Video Research Room

It includes a paragraph on copyright or restricted status, and also says "Generally speaking, Federal government records are in the public domain and may be freely copied."

Information on ordering reproductions of film in NARA's holdings is here:

To Obtain Reproductions of Motion Pictures, Sound Recordings, and Videotapes

You can reach the Motion Pictures Research Room directly at 301-837-0526.  Their consultation room number is 301-837-0530.