Footage is recorded video or film, especially when you're talking about the raw material that hasn't been edited yet. When a news crew films an event, they capture footage that their editors will later trim and arrange into a news story. A wildlife documentary might include footage of lions hunting on the savannah, filmed over many patient hours.

You might hear about behind-the-scenes footage from a movie, showing how actors prepared for their roles, or archival footage of historical events like the first moon landing. When something unexpected happens, people often ask “Did anyone get that on camera?” hoping someone captured footage of the moment.

News reporters often say they're “reviewing the footage” when they watch recordings to find the best clips. Security cameras record footage continuously, creating a visual record of what happened in case something goes wrong.