Transform

Long-term preservation is dependent upon mitigating risk rather than selection of a specific codec or format. Film productions can incorporate many different digital file types (animation, text, CGI and transformed analog film) and selecting widely-used industry standards may help to ensure long-term preservation and access.

Format transformation is the process of converting data from older to newer formats. This enables long-term access and is reflective of the development of new software formats. This is the most uncertain aspect of digital preservation because it requires some research to determine the best new format to adopt and it relies on the philosophy of planned obsolescence.

The desire to have the latest and greatest hardware, cameras, software, editing software, etc., is detrimental to long-term data preservation. The ability to tame technolust and to cautiously investigate the latest research on software formats will pay off in a stable preservation plan. There are many resources for learning about widely adopted, open-source, stable formats in the resources area of the DMIA guide. Audiovisual libraries and archives are also great resources for support and experts who are interested in helping filmmakers to preserve their work.

The goal for transformation (from an old to new format) is to preserve the artistic look and feel of the original production and to support future distribution.