Top 5 Alternatives to Video Copilot's Action Essentials 2K
Updated alternatives to a industry favorite
Action Essentials 2k has been a wildly popular VFX stock footage library from Video Copilot. However, as the years have gone by, we've all faced that moment when the Action Essentials collection just doesn't fit your current project needs.
Whether it's the limited 2k resolution or file format options, or the desire for fresh creative options, the search for alternatives to Action Essentials can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure where to start.
Today's VFX marketplace presents us with several robust platforms, with FX Elements leading the way with its comprehensive ultra-high-resolution library of practical and CG effects footage. Let's examine these options to determine which solution will elevate your next visual effects project.
TLDR | FX Elements is the best overall alternative
- FX Elements leads the market with ultra-high-resolution footage up to 8K, captured on professional RED cinema cameras
- Comprehensive library of 30+ categories including explosions, fire, smoke, blood, and atmospheric effects
- Pre-keyed elements ready for drag-and-drop use in all major compositing and video editing software
- Multiple professional formats available (ProRes, EXR, RAW R3D) with no plugins required
- Flexible purchasing through subscription or à la carte options
- Family-owned business providing personalized support and regular content updates
Limitations of Action Essentials 2K
While Video Copilot has long been a go-to solution for After Effects users, it comes with several notable limitations. Primarily that the Action Essentials collection is over 15 years old at this point and has become a bit outdated. For example, in part due to its popularity, the elements from Action Essentials have become somewhat recognizable and thus can stick out in a negative way. Additionally, the elements are available only in 2K resolution QuickTime files with a PNG codec that is less performant that modern ProRes options.
In short, these constraints make Video Copilot's Action Essentials less than ideal as a thorough VFX solution for diverse production needs. Action Essentials falls short when compared to the modern VFX libraries available today.
1. FX Elements: A Complete Replacement
FX Elements is the best overall alternative to Video Copilot's Action Essentials, offering an unmatched library of professional-grade visual effects captured with cinema-quality equipment.
Its strength lies in its straightforward approach, professional quality, and competitive pricing. As the only VFX stock footage provider offering individual clip purchases, coupled with seamless usability across popular editing and compositing platforms, FX Elements serves both novice and seasoned creators effectively.
Comprehensive Library of Elements
Our extensive collection of high-quality 4K visual effects spans numerous VFX categories. From indie projects to large-scale productions, creators benefit from our diverse selection of professional assets.
Fair & Flexible Pricing
FX Elements offers ultimate flexibility with individual element purchases, curated VFX packs, and cost-effective subscriptions for high-volume users. Plus, our growing library of free 4K-8K downloads allows users to experience professional-grade quality before committing to paid options.
- Flexible Purchase Options: With a range of affordable pricing choices, users can select the option that best fits their project scope and budget, whether for single assets or full collections.
- Free Downloads: Get started for free with our collection of over 120+ free VFX downloads that are available in full resolution (4k-8k) and quality. If you like the free downloads, you can move up to a paid option when the moment is right for you.
Free Options:
Professional Grade Quality
Our in-house creation of thousands of VFX assets ensures consistent quality and user experience across all effect categories. FX Elements uniquely provides camera RAW footage access, a feature rarely offered by other providers.
Drag and Drop Compatibility
Our VFX overlays support all professional NLEs and compositing software, utilizing standard file formats for universal compatibility without the need for plug-ins.
- Universal Compatibility Across Software: FX Elements assets work seamlessly with major VFX and editing software like Adobe After Effects, Nuke, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve, among others.
- Easy to Use: Designed with accessibility in mind, these assets are drag-and-drop ready, making them easy for both beginners and advanced users.
- Multi-Platform Accessibility: Whether you’re working on Mac, Windows, or Linux, FX Elements offers versatile file formats compatible with most systems.
Royalty-Free Licensing
Benefit from straightforward, royalty-free licensing that permits unlimited usage in both personal and commercial projects.
- Hassle-Free Usage: FX Elements offers a royalty-free license, meaning you can use the assets in both personal and commercial projects without additional fees.
- Unlimited Use: Once purchased, the assets are yours to use repeatedly across various projects, enhancing long-term value.
- Clear Terms for Peace of Mind: The straightforward license terms eliminate legal concerns, so you can focus on creating without the fine print.
Trusted and Time Tested
With over a decade in business, FX Elements has contributed to countless films, TV shows, commercials, and video games.
- Trusted by Industry Professionals: FX Elements is widely used across the VFX industry, from indie creators to professional studios, which speaks to its reliability and quality.
- Proven Satisfaction: Customer testimonials and feedback consistently praise the quality of FX Element's offerings, highlighting their versatility and ease of use.
- Responsive Customer Service: Known for responsive and helpful customer service, FX Elements provides quick resolutions to user inquiries and technical support, enhancing the overall experience.
Our family-owned business approach ensures personalized support and direct communication with the people that created the elements and built the website. While regular library updates keep content fresh and aligned with current industry needs. With FX Elements you can shop with peace of mind and confidence.
2. Shutterstock Elements (formerly Rocketstock)
Shutterstock Elements, originally launched as RocketStock, the platform was acquired by Shutterstock in 2017 and integrated into their broader stock media marketplace.
The platform benefits from Shutterstock's robust infrastructure, offering decent search functionality and integration with their main stock footage library. Their effects are generally well-organized into categories, and they provide both subscription and credit-based purchasing options. Many of their elements come with basic tutorials and project files, which can be helpful for beginners learning to incorporate effects into their workflows.
You have the option to acquire individual visual effects assets or sets, with some collections containing more than 100 effects. This adaptability enables you to select purchases that align with your project's particular needs. However, keep in mind that prices can vary from $79 to over $300, so plan your budget accordingly for your visual effects requirements.
Their practical effects selection is notably limited, especially in categories like practical explosions, fire elements, and atmospheric effects where real filmed footage is crucial for achieving authentic results. At the time of writing, they have a total of 18 VFX packs available. Consequently, the range of elements on offer is not as extensive as competitors like FX Elements.
Additionally, their footage is often compressed more heavily than ideal for professional post-production, which can limit color grading options and complicate integration into complex VFX shots.
3. Visual FX Pro
Visual FX Pro, has emerged as an attractive budget-friendly option in the VFX market, gaining attention for its competitive pricing model and complimentary effects packages.
Perfect for beginners or cost-conscious creators, Visual FX Pro delivers essential VFX tools through subscription-based access only.
Despite a more modest effects library compared to industry veterans, Visual FX Pro stands out as a solid choice for fundamental visual effects work, particularly for those entering the field or working with limited resources.
4. BIGFILMS
BIGFILMS is another popular provider of visual effects footage, specializing in blockbuster style CGI effects. Their library consists mostly (possibly entirely?) of digitally created effects rendered using 3D software.
The company's strength lies in their ability to provide consistent, big-budget-style effects (think Marvel films) that can be easily scaled or modified to suit different projects. Their digital effects are generally well organized and come with alpha channels for compositing.
They offer their content in QuickTime ProRes in various resolutions, making it accessible for beginners and more advanced users. Likewise, their pricing is affordable at under $100 per pack and $990 for the entire library.
The other significant drawback is that they do not offer Open EXR file format. While their ProRes downloads are an upgrade over Action Essentials QuickTime PNG format, having an EXR option would be appreciated by VFX professionals.
5. Production Crate
Production Crate positions itself as an all-in-one resource for content creators, offering a mix of visual effects, sound effects, and music tracks through their subscription platform. Their service includes a variety of VFX elements ranging from basic overlays to more professional VFX stock footage. Targeting primarily YouTubers, social media content creators, and indie filmmakers working with modest budgets.
However, the quality of Production Crate's VFX footage often falls short of professional production standards. Many of their effects appear to be digitally generated rather than practically filmed, resulting in a more synthetic look that can be challenging to integrate convincingly into live-action footage. While this might suffice for social media content, it becomes more apparent in professional projects where realistic effects are crucial.
The most significant drawback is their inconsistent quality control. Within their library, the technical specifications and resolution of effects can vary considerably, making it difficult to maintain consistency across a project.
Additionally, their focus on being a jack-of-all-trades media resource means their VFX offerings lack the depth and specialization needed for serious visual effects work. Many of their effects are limited to 1080p resolution and H264 compression, which can be problematic for projects requiring 4K or higher-resolution deliverables.
Choosing Your Perfect VFX Solution
Selecting the right VFX solution depends on your specific project needs and budget constraints. For professional-grade productions requiring the highest quality assets, FX Elements emerges as the clear choice with its combination of ultra-high-resolution footage, multiple professional file formats, a vast library of footage categories and reasonable prices.
Consider these key factors when choosing your solution:
- Resolution requirements (FX Elements offers up to 8K with a minimum of 4k)
- Format compatibility (FX Elements provides ProRes, EXR, and RAW R3D options)
- Library breadth (FX Elements spans 30+ categories)
- Purchase flexibility (subscription vs. à la carte)
- Support and documentation needs
- Software compatibility
While there are many options to choose from, FX Elements provides the most comprehensive and professional-grade solution for replacing Video Copilot's Action Essentials.