| name | write-a-media-file-manifest |
| category | media |
| description | Write a media file manifest with stable identity, filename, checksum, format, duration, tracks, rights, language, accessibility, source, and delivery state. Use when media assets must be transferred or archived reliably. |
write-a-media-file-manifest
When to use
- Use for video, audio, images, captions, transcripts, projects, masters, or derivatives.
- Do not include secret locations or unnecessary personal metadata.
Procedure
- Define package, version, owner, destination, scope, and naming rules.
- Record each file’s stable ID, relative path, bytes, checksum algorithm, and hash.
- Record container, codecs, dimensions, frame or sample rate, duration, color, and tracks.
- Record language, captions, transcript, audio description, rights, expiry, consent, and restrictions.
- Link source, master, derivative, poster, subtitle, and project relationships.
- Validate files, totals, duplicates, missing companions, and delivery state.
Failure plan
- Quarantine mismatched, unlicensed, or unidentified files rather than relabeling them.
Worked example
A documentary package links its master to captions, transcript, poster, and restricted source audio with checksums.
Done
- A media manifest document records package, file identities, paths, checksums, formats, tracks, rights, accessibility, relationships, and status
- File, checksum, duration, codec, language, companion, right, duplicate, and package-total checks verify delivery
