One of the many challenges that the film industry has to face over the past decades is how to keep and store their old films. They couldn’t very well keep them in their offices since these bulky films would take over all their available space. They can’t throw them away because there’s history right there. If you want to get to know a company, you only have to look at their past. This is why film companies will be mistaken to get rid of their old films.
Ask any young millennial and Gen Z right now, and they will tell you they had no idea people had to go to the film store to buy a film and take photos. What a difference a decade can make, right? More than 20 years ago, people were just starting to learn how to use digital cameras. They take grainy photos because the cameras weren’t as precise and accurate as today. The images are pixelized, and people had no idea that they could soon edit out the bad parts.
Imagine then how it was for the film industry, the very same industry in the middle of such a compelling revolutionary phase in society. Film companies that failed to keep up with the digitalization of the sector got lost. Sure, they tried to make a comeback in recent years, but these companies have failed again because newer tech-centered ones already dominate the market.
A challenge for the film industry, however, remains. How can they keep their old films alive? How can they make sure that this part of their company history will remain enshrined forever?
Hire a Service
If you do not have an extra warehouse where your old films can be stored, the most practical thing to do is to look for companies with archive storage services. These businesses specialize in storing films, tapes, data, drives, and artwork. They have state-of-the-art equipment to handle these items. On top of that, most of these companies offer long-term storage contracts to keep the most precious of your films and tapes safe and secure.
This is the best option for anyone in the film industry because most of you do not have the resources and manpower to store sensitive materials such as film. Over the years, without proper care, these films can be exposed to light or other harsh environmental elements that will destroy their content. Paying for a service to store and maintain them is a long-term solution for your needs.
Record It Again
Many people and companies remain adamant against the advances of technology. For them, one wrong move can wipe out years of work. That is true in some regards if you don’t know how to protect your investment. For old films, you might want to re-record them using a more advanced version of the “film.” This way, you are not going to rely on an old film that’s been in your storage room for decades. Although most films are now in digital format, you might still want a “physical” film that you can replay in the future.
Remastering old films has become a norm in recent years. You will now be able to enjoy classical films in all their high-definition glory. If you want to record your film again, that’s fine as long as you keep the old one safe after transferring its content.
Make Multiple Copies
Make two, three, and four more copies of the film. Making multiple copies of the film ensures that the content will be safe for years to come. If you do not have enough storage space for a physical film, then recopy them digitally. Save a copy in your hard drive, then in the cloud, then in an external hard drive, then a USB. When it comes to digital copies, you will never lack choices.
Having duplicates will protect your investment. It also assures filmmakers old and new of the lengths you are willing to take to keep their output safe and secure. It’s a good message to get across when you are in the film industry.
There are a lot of benefits to going digital, but that doesn’t mean that the film industry shouldn’t protect its history. Before you fully forget about what it was like to record videos with films, look at what you have in your archives and start considering what storage solutions are available for them. Remember, your success as a company hinges on your ability to look back, discover how you started, and work your way to the top using the learning from the past.
