Advanced level · Module 5: Production Management and Freelance Practice · Lesson 2 of 4
Storage and Media Management
Plan storage and protect footage throughout a project.
In this lesson you will
- Estimate storage needs
- Apply a backup routine
Key concepts
bitrate and storageworking and backup drives3-2-1 backupsmedia naming
The lesson
Estimate storage from recording bitrates and hours of footage, then multiply by the number of copies.
Keep footage on a working drive plus backups, with one copy off-site, and verify copies.
Name and organise media consistently from the first card offload.
Step by step
- List cameras, settings and hours.
- Calculate storage.
- Plan drives and backups.
- Write the offload procedure.
How much storage does a shoot need?
Estimating drive space for a two-day shoot, including backups.
| Item | Working | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera: 2 hours of 4K at 100 Mbps | 100 × 2 × 3,600 ÷ 8 ÷ 1,000 | 90 GB |
| Three interview cameras: 1.5 hours each of 1080p at 50 Mbps | 50 × 1.5 × 3,600 ÷ 8 ÷ 1,000 × 3 | 101.25 GB |
| Total footage | 90 + 101.25 | 191.25 GB |
| Three copies (working drive + two backups) | 191.25 × 3 | 573.75 GB |
Explanation
Plan for every copy, not just the footage: the working drive and two backups, one stored off-site.
Add space for proxies, audio, graphics, renders and exports — a 1 TB drive per copy gives comfortable headroom for this shoot.
Check your understanding
100 Mbps = 12.5 MB per second; × 7,200 seconds = 90,000 MB = 90 GB.
Practice activity
Write the capstone storage and backup plan.
Expected result: A calculated, practical storage plan.
Check your understanding
-
How do you estimate storage for footage?
Show answer
From bitrate and hours, multiplied by copies.
-
Why verify copies?
Show answer
To be sure backups are complete and readable.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.