Data wrangling for film, TV and documentary
Camera and sound media backed up to two destinations, checksum-verified, and delivered to post at wrap. DIT-level experience for productions that need their rushes looked after, without paying for a full DIT.
A clearly defined job
Backup & Transfer covers the data side of the day and nothing else. Knowing exactly where our job stops keeps the camera department, production and post on the same page.
What we do Included
- Offloading camera and sound cards throughout the shoot day
- Dual-destination backups with checksum verification
- Folder structures and naming built to post's spec
- Card tracking, so nothing is formatted before it's safe
- End-of-day offload reports sent to production and post
- Shuttle drives prepped and handed over at wrap
What we don't do DIT / camera
- Camera setup or build
- Creating or managing LUTs
- On-set monitoring or image control
- Advising on exposure or colour
These stay with the DoP and camera department. If your shoot needs them, you need a full DIT, and we'll tell you so.
Available on request
The core service covers backup and delivery. If your edit needs more, these can be added and quoted per job.
Proxies & transcodes
Edit-ready proxies in the codec and resolution post asks for, with a LUT supplied by the DoP or colourist applied if required.
Synced sound
Sound synced to picture on the proxies so the edit can start straight away. Timecode sync as standard, waveform sync where there's no timecode.
Cloud delivery
Rushes or proxies uploaded to post via Frame.io, MASV or your preferred platform, alongside the physical shuttle drives.
Drive supply
Shuttle and backup drives supplied, formatted and labelled for the production, charged per drive.
Extended days & travel
Long shoot days, overnight stays and location work outside the local area, agreed up front.
Ask us
If it's data-related and doesn't involve image control on set, we can probably help. Get in touch and we'll let you know.
Wrangler, loader or DIT?
Plenty of productions book a DIT when what they actually need is safe, verified media delivered to post. Here's where each role sits.
| Digital loader | Backup & Transfer | Full DIT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verified dual-destination backup | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offload reports & card tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-ready folder structure & naming | Varies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shuttle drives to post at wrap | Varies | ✓ | ✓ |
| DIT-level troubleshooting experience | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| LUTs, monitoring & image control | – | – | ✓ |
| How it's charged | Labour only | Labour + kit, one invoice | Labour + cart hire |
A dedicated wrangler also frees your camera team from the data cart, so the loader or 2nd AC can stay with the camera.
From prep to wrap
Agree the spec
Before day one we confirm folder structure, naming, drive formats and deliverables with post, so there are no surprises in the edit.
Offload as you shoot
Cards come off camera and are offloaded straight away. Everything is logged against the card and roll number.
Check every copy
Each copy is checksum-verified and spot-checked for playback. Cards only go back to camera once both copies are confirmed.
Deliver to post
Offload report sent to production and post. Shuttle drives handed over or couriered, ready to ingest.
Productions we work with
Documentary & factual
Long shoot days, multiple cameras and small crews where nobody else has time to look after the data.
Drama & short film
Independent drama and shorts that need rushes handled to a proper post spec without the cost of a DIT.
Commercials & promos
Fast-turnaround shoots where the edit starts the next morning and the rushes need to be there.
Multi-camera, live & OB
Sport, events and outside broadcast, where card volume is high and there's no second chance.
Our kit
Industry-standard hardware and software, set up for fast, verifiable transfers on set or on location.
Hardware
- Thunderbolt Apple Silicon systems
- High-speed readers: CFexpress, CFast, SD
- SSD backup media for fast turnaround
- Redundant destination workflows
Software & process
- Checksum-verified transfers
- Clear, readable offload reports
- Production-specific folder structures
- Naming conventions agreed with post
Common questions
When do I need a full DIT instead?
If you need on-set colour, LUT management, live grading or monitoring for the DoP, book a DIT. If your priority is getting media backed up, verified and to post safely, that's what we do.
Do you supply the shuttle drives?
We can supply drives or work with drives provided by production or post. We'll agree formats and quantities during prep.
Can you work to our post house's spec?
Yes. We'll speak to post before the shoot and build the folder structure, naming and reports around what they need.
How far in advance should we book?
Availability is limited, so the earlier the better. Get in touch with your dates and we'll confirm straight away.
Check availability
Send your shoot dates and a few details and we'll come back to you with availability and a quote.
Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.
One day rate covering labour and a full wrangling kit. Overtime and extras are quoted per job. Tick the box on the form and we'll send you our rate card.