A film shoot can be a stressful environment. Along with the cast and crew, you are trying to create an entire project in a short amount of time, often away from home. Accidents are bound to occur in any situation, but one that can be avoided is the accidental loss or deletion of footage. Backing up your footage and dailies every day is critical to the success of your film, staying within budget and on schedule.

Back Up Your Footage in Multiple Places

Whether you are recording on film or digitally, keeping several copies of footage in separate locations is vital. Footage can be corrupted at any point during the production process, forcing expensive reshoots and setting schedules back. In some situations, reshoots may not even be possible. Depending on the camera you are using, you may have the ability to write the raw footage to two separate SD cards. At the end of each day of filming, you should upload all of the footage to the computer you will be editing on and at least two backup drives. Technology may malfunction, and if the footage is erased from the original source and only on one hard drive you may lose a large part of the project.

Maintaining Footage Long Term

Determining how long you will need the footage on separate drives is dependent on the length of the project. In order to make sure none of the footage is needed, it is best to keep the raw files on several drives for at least one year after post-production has wrapped in order to make sure it is not needed further. After this time has passed, you will be able to consolidate drives and keep the backup footage in one location.

Short & Long-Term Film Production Insurance

Purchasing production insurance for your project will go a long way when it comes to small accidents and protecting your footage along the way. If you are looking to purchase short or long-term production insurance, contact Arts & Entertainment Insurance LLC today! We regularly insure projects across the country. Arts & Entertainment Insurance can be reached by calling 800.676.9374 or by filling out our online contact form.