A preservation master from the original negative; a sub-master for making prints, prints or copies for screening, on film, video, or digital.
Multiple secure locations that are cool and dry with minimum fluctuation in temperature and humidity; ideally, 50°F at 45% humidity.
A preservation master from the original negative; a sub-master for making prints, prints or copies for screening, on film, video, or digital plus a high-quality conservation print to be shown only under archival conditions.
A secure, temperature and humidity-controlled storage facility between 35°F and 45°F at 45% humidity.
A preservation master from the original negative; a sub-master for making prints, prints or copies for screening, on film, video, or digital plus a high-quality conservation print to be shown only under archival conditions. Additional materials of value such as outtakes and notes on production and post-production should also be kept.
A film archive or library, with clearly stated terms and responsibilities on matters such as access.
Note: Recommended maximum storage temperature depends on relative humidity. For current recommendations on temperature and humidity consult the Image Permanence Institute website.
Have multiple copies of files that are uncompressed, unencrypted and in a non-proprietary format.
On multiple and diverse formats kept in multiple secure, fireproof locations, which might include hard drives, servers, data tape, DVDs, and the cloud.
Migrate to most current digital format every five years.
Multiple copies of files, 4K frame file as minimum resolution, plus metadata for production process and lab work.
On multiple and diverse formats such as hard drives, servers, data tape, DVDs, and the cloud, kept in storage facilities (such as Iron Mountain), as well as other secure, fireproof locations.
Migrate to most current digital format every three years.
Have multiple copies of files that are uncompressed, unencrypted and in a non-proprietary format, plus master materials transferred to acetate film stock.
On multiple and diverse formats including hard drives, servers, data tape, DVDs, and the cloud, kept in multiple locations. Also in a film archive or library, with responsibility for migration clearly stated (whether archive or depositor).
Migrate to most current digital format annually.
A videotape master on the highest possible quality format plus a digitized version on a current format.
In multiple secure locations which are cool and dry with minimal fluctuation in temperature and humidity; away from other electromagnetic media or equipment.
Migrate your digital copy to the most current format every five years.
A videotape master plus multiple digital copies, ideally including a 4K encoded digital file master.
In multiple secure locations including a storage facility (such as Iron Mountain) where items are kept cool and dry with zero fluctuation in temperature and humidity; away from other electromagnetic media or equipment.
Migrate your digital copy to the most current format every three years.
A videotape master plus multiple digital copies, ideally including a 4K encoded digital file master, plus a copy of the finished work transferred to acetate film stock.
In a film archive or library, with clearly stated conditions, terms, and responsibilities.
52°F max. at 50% max. RH
63°F max. at 30% max. RH
73°F max. at 20% max. RH
Note: Recommended maximum storage temperature depends on relative humidity
Migrate your digital copy to the most current format annually.
Differentiate between your preservation master(s) and access copies
Not-so-good places to store your movies
STORE YOUR MOVIES IN THE BEST POSSIBLE CONDITIONS
Store multiple copies of your work in geographically separate locations to protect against fire, natural disasters or mishandling.
Do not store your film, videotape, or digital files in less than ideal locations such as:
The general archival storage standard for safety film and video at the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation is 55°F with 35% relative humidity. Films in all formats are stored horizontally in cans wound on plastic cores. Video tapes, both open reel and cassette-based formats, are stored vertically. Ideal conditions for storing DVDs is between 40°F and 54°F at a maximum relative humidity of 50%.
