A copy you can recover.
The archive should survive a failed disk, an accidental deletion and a forgotten workflow.
- Keep more than one copy.
Use a different storage device for a backup. A second folder on the same disk still depends on that disk. - Keep one copy separate.
A disconnected or separately located copy helps protect against an incident affecting the working machine. Choose a routine you can actually maintain. - Record checksums.
A checksum can help detect whether a file changed during a transfer or later storage. Keep the checksum list with the archive and verify it after copying. - Try a restore.
Retrieve a small project from the backup, open a few source clips and check that the associated notes are present.
Keep the context with the footage
Save project files, subtitles, source notes and any information needed to interpret the material. If a project depends on a particular application version or external asset, record that dependency in the readme.
Review after a move
When replacing a disk, compare file counts and checksums before retiring the old copy. Keep a short migration note so the next move starts with a clear record of the previous one.