As freelance videographers, we’ve all encountered the challenge of efficiently delivering our work to clients. The process of sending large video files can be a headache. However, with so many clouds like Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer, etc, it’s essential to consider which options align best with our specific needs and the requirements of clients. We want solutions that not only streamline the delivery process but also ensure that our work reaches client’s in the most professional and secure manner possible. But which of these solutions truly stand out and provide the most value for freelance videographers?
Key Takeaways
- define the “use case” you have.
- define the parameters you hope to reach
- define your dataset size
- define the length of time you want to store your media.
Streamlining Large Video Project Delivery: A Comprehensive Guide for Corporate Video Production
In today’s digital landscape, the demand for high-quality video content in corporate environments is at an all-time high. Whether it’s marketing materials, training modules, or internal communications, businesses rely on video to convey their message effectively. However, delivering large video projects to clients presents its own set of challenges, from bandwidth limitations to security concerns. In this blog post, we’ll explore various solutions, including traditional cloud-based platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, as well as self managed options like NAS Synology.
When it comes to delivering large video files, several obstacles can impede the process. Bandwidth limitations, file size restrictions, and security concerns.
Consumer Options:
Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and WeTransfer are commonly used platforms for sharing files, including large video projects. While each platform has its advantages, such as ease of use and accessibility, they also come with limitations, such as file size restrictions and upload/download speeds.
The main benefit is that many clients are not “tech savvy” and these options have already are supported on the receiver side of the equation.
You simply need to get files uploaded to your Google Drive or cloud service, share access, and they know how to sort it out on their end.
When you introduce your own solution like FTP or your own NAS option, you can become tech support.
Self Hosted Clouds (aka NAS / Network Attached Storage) like Synology, Qnap, Drobo (formerly)
Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems, such as those offered by Synology, provide an alternative solution for storing and sharing large video files. NAS Synology offers several benefits tailored specifically for video production workflows, including high-speed file transfers, customizable access controls, and integration with cloud services for remote access and collaboration.
Advantages of NAS Synology for Video Prodoction Companies
Do you want to store your files on-site at your business, having a primary folder that everyone in your building can edit off of in real time?
Having your own NAS storage can allow that if your box is fast enough.
With high-speed file transfers within the local network, teams can quickly and efficiently share large video files without being constrained by bandwidth limitations. You can have someone editing graphics and saving to the same folder you’re using to edit in Davinci Resolve.
You can still have all your user access permissions like you do with Google Drive – but locally.
And IF you have fast downloads as well as upload speeds, you can act as your own Cloud for remote access and collaboration, while data redundancy and backup capabilities ensure data integrity and reliability.
Implementing NAS Synology in Your Workflow
It important to remember the 3-2-1 data backup process – have 3 copies of your data (your NAS is just one copy), have it in 2 different storage forms (not all hard driver, ideally if you’re using spinning hard drives then have SSD or tape, or external drive instead of just another synology), and 1 off-site.
So for instance you can have 1 Synology on-site, 1 Synology off-site at another location that simply mirrors your system or backs it up.
Then for your 1 other form, maybe have single 18tb External Drives. This protects you from a single drive failure, or a corrupt folder or virus. You have your 18tb external drive to at least recover your camera footage from upon initial dump.
Watch Youtube videos for further details.
Ensuring Security and Compliance
Often we’re handling proprietary sensitive data. You want to manage who has access.
You can create links that expire, links that require passwords, and manage user access on an account level all with Synology or Google Drive.
If you want to skip Google Drive or manage your storage limits, so you don’t have to pay $300/month for Google Drive…
Make sure your internet connection is consistently smooth and fast upload speeds.
We have had cases where you get 500mbps download and only 5mbps upload. Which means a simple 5GB video would take HOURS to upload.
Alternative solution to delivering 1TB+ videos in less than 48hrs – enter Physical Media Delivery
We now work with clients when they have any project with more than say 500GB of footage, to just ship them a hard drive or SSD.
Now we have a nice RGB ssd enclosure we put a cheap 1tb nvme ssd into – and use Priority Shipping and PirateShip to print $8 shipping labels.
Anywhere in the USA, we can ship 2 day priority for $8.
We will do our shoot, generate proxies using Davinci Resolvy Proxy Generator, send those SAME-DAY as the shoot, and then 2 day ship an SSD.
Client Portal Access
When clients require ongoing online access, we often use a Synology with 200+mbps (20MB per second) using private links that require passwords.
We email the URL in one email.
We then send a text message (2 factor verification) the password.
Lastly, the links auto expire in 30 days (or whatever we choose).
This ensures they have a bit of ongoing access without worrying about longterm security concerns.
WeTransfer – Secure File Sharing
When we want to deliver files ASAP – under 200GB we sometimes use our WeTransfer account.
- Enhanced Security: Secure file sharing provides password protection and viewer history tracking, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the files and allowing for the monitoring of who has viewed the content.
- Easy tech support: When clients have “issues” – whether it’s the fact their hard drive is too small to download, their internet connection is too slow, or any number of reasons, using We-Transfer people assume the issue is on their end and not our NAS link.
Secure file sharing not only ensures the safety of valuable video content but also empowers videographers to streamline collaboration and enhance client communication. It sends you a confirmation when the client has downloaded the files, which you can reference in the future.
Project Tracking
Upon completion, we always send an email confirming clients have successfully downloaded and opened the footage.
We want them to verify that everything has downloaded without errors before it’s deleted – they have 30 days by default. But we just keep a raw copy of every project indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since we’re talking about video delivery, the last step of the video editing process, let’s answer a few questions about working with video editors.
Who Hires Freelance Video Editors?
Freelance video editors work with a diverse range of client demographics, from businesses and marketing agencies to independent filmmakers and educational institutions. Our freelance video editing services serve a wide array of industries seeking professional content creation and post-production expertise.
How Do Freelance Video Editors Find Work?
We find work through strategic networking opportunities, leveraging industry events, and online platforms. Building a strong portfolio, maintaining a professional online presence, and seeking referrals are essential. Our proactive approach keeps www.FreelanceVideographer.net at the forefront of freelance video editing.
Where Can I Hire The Best Video Editors Online?
Reach out through places like FreelanceVideographer.net to connect with an editor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right delivery solution is crucial for freelance videographers. Did you know that over 70% of internet traffic is made up of video content?
With so much demand for video, it’s important to have efficient and secure ways to deliver your work to clients.
By using smart delivery solutions like consumer file storage or privately owned clouds like Synology NAS – freelance videographers can ensure their videos are delivered quickly and securely, keeping clients happy and coming back project after project.
