Deliverable Naming and Versions, Done Properly
How final video files are named and versioned across formats, languages and platforms.
Tomas Lindqvist
At a glance
- Conventions names should encode project, version, aspect ratio and language
- Versions approved versions must be distinguishable
- Platforms each destination has its own specifications
- Archives names should still make sense years later
Why it matters
Why it matters: Campaigns produce dozens of files, and unclear names lead to the wrong version going live.
Best practice
- Agree a naming convention before delivery
- Encode aspect ratio, language and version in names
- Mark approved versions clearly
- Keep a delivery manifest per campaign
- Use the same convention in archives
Common pitfalls
Watch out for:
- Files named final and final2
- Versions distinguished only by date modified
- Manifests kept in email threads
- Different conventions per editor
When to call in a specialist
Bottom line Bring in help when campaigns ship many versions.
Where this comes from
- Netflix Partner Help Center — Netflix Full Technical Specifications
- European Broadcasting Union — Delivery specifications
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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Where to go next
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