Film Managed vs Selfstore
The storage solution the film & TV sector has been looking for
Keeping track of all the costumes, props and other production equipment used when shooting a film or TV programme can cause enormous headaches. But it doesn’t have to.
Traditionally, those in the industry have relied on self-storage, with few options to counteract the problems of lost items, missing information and wasted storage space. In contrast, a managed solution provides a real-time digital inventory and enough flexibility to suit even the most changeable production environments.
Managed storage is cheaper
Though it sounds logic defying, managed storage is usually cheaper than a self-store option. There are several factors behind this lower cost.
Firstly, managed storage teams can make the best use of the allocated warehouse area, using containers designed for the space and stacking. There is far less wasted space involved than self-store, where inevitably items get mixed up as people from different departments need to access different production assets.
This leads to the second reason; you only need to pay for the space you use. For example, through self-storage you might pay up front for 5,000 sq ft of space for a year, but you might only use 3,000 sq ft. Through a managed solution, you will only pay for 3,000 sq ft.
Flexibility
In the film and TV industries, timetables can change at the drop of a hat. You might need to re-shoot a scene at the last minute, insert a new one or clear the decks at short notice to bring on a completely different range of props and costumes.
With a managed storage solution, you can have items collected and delivered at short notice or choose to collect and deliver items yourself. Using the Clickstore system, you can manage drop offs and collections with just a day’s notice.
Instant visibility
As well as flexibility, Clickstore provides total visibility into what you have stored and where it is. As each item is loaded onto the lorry, all information and photos are logged and uploaded into the system in real time. Even as it leaves your hands you can search for it online using multiple fields, such as item type, film, scene, actor and so on.
This instant visibility means you will never lose track of an item again. As there is no gap between collection or drop off and the asset being added online, you will avoid the common self-storage pitfall of items going missing in transit.
Privacy and security
As with self-store, managed storage gives each company their own dedicated storage area. There is no sharing of space, no risk that items could get mixed up with those of another company. Your items will be kept in your dedicated secure, safe, dry space for as long as you need them to be there.
Our care of your costumes, props and other production material extends beyond their life as an active item. We have full lifecycle solutions for when the time comes to sell, recycle or destroy items that you no longer need. [LINK TO ANOTHER ARTICLE}
