Footage copy, verification and restore log
Creator Lane | Reviewed September 15, 2026
https://creatorlanehq.com/blog/video-footage-backup-checklist

FOOTAGE BACKUP CHECKLIST
Project:
Responsible person:
Shoot / ingest date:
Privacy / client restrictions:
Retention agreement location:

SOURCE INVENTORY — duplicate per source
Source ID / device / card:
Original folder structure:
Expected folders:
Expected file count:
Expected total size:
Important clips / audio / sidecars:
Source currently preserved at:

COPY RECORD — duplicate per independent destination
Destination name:
Physical or provider location:
Independent failure risks considered:
Copy start / finish:
Copy errors:
Expected vs actual file count:
Expected vs actual size:
Checksum tool / method / result, if used:
Verification log location:
Playback files and time ranges checked:
Picture / audio result:
Outstanding mismatch and action:
Verified by / date:

RESTORE CHECK
Backup source:
Documented restore procedure:
Safe destination / overwrite precautions:
Test items:
Restored and opened successfully:
Credentials / recovery information securely available:
Limitations / unresolved issues:

FICTIONAL CHECK EXAMPLE
Camera A inventory: 24 clips expected.
Destination A: 23 clips found.
Result: incomplete; original card preserved.
Next action: identify missing filename, copy it and repeat relevant verification.
Do not treat this example as a completed test of your files.

BEFORE DELETING A SOURCE
Required independent, verified copies that will REMAIN AFTER this cleanup (list each):
The source about to be erased is EXCLUDED from this count:
Remaining copies satisfy our backup policy:
If the required copies will not remain, STOP and preserve the source.
All expected media accounted for:
Copy errors resolved:
Actual verification methods documented:
Restore path tested appropriately:
Recipient acceptance complete, if required:
Retention obligations checked:
Authorized person / date:
Exact source approved for cleanup:
Inventory updated after authorized cleanup:

You may adapt this original worksheet for personal and client work. Third-party materials retain their own licences.