IDC LA
Post-Production Studio Secures Content with Cloud-First DR Strategy
IDC LA
Ryan Gladden
Director of Mastering & Emerging Technology, IDC LA
Recovery
Cost Savings
Instant Access
IDC LA needed a scalable, secure, and cost-effective solution for disaster recovery and nearline storage. Their prior cloud vendor was expensive and inflexible, creating challenges in managing large volumes of high-value media. With tight turnaround times and demanding client expectations, they required predictable costs and rapid access to protect both their content and their reputation for security.
IDC implemented Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage as their primary off-site solution for backups generated via their data management platform. Integrated via the Backblaze S3 Compatible API, the system enables nightly backups of irreplaceable client content. Backblaze also serves as a high-availability nearline storage tier, helping IDC maintain performance while reducing on-premises load and simplifying data retrieval through their existing digital asset management (DAM).
The streamlined setup improves operational efficiency, enhances disaster readiness, and provides predictable cost forecasting, all while saving nearly 75% compared to their previous solution. With free egress up to 3x the amount stored and seamless integration, IDC confidently meets client demands and ensures business continuity—even in the face of unexpected disruptions.
IDC LA is a forward-thinking post-production and localization studio serving the entertainment industry, including clients like Netflix, BBC, and Univision. They are known for high-security workflows, rapid turnaround times, and deep expertise in accessibility and mastering.
IDC uses a hybrid workflow anchored by an on-premises data management platform and Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage for cloud-based disaster recovery and nearline storage. Daily automated backups push critical content to Backblaze via the Backblaze S3 Compatible API. Their DAM is also integrated, enabling easy file discovery and recovery. The setup allows IDC to spin up virtual workstations in the cloud in the event of an emergency without disrupting workflows.
Founded in New York in 1988, IDC expanded to LA in 2019, designing a cutting-edge post facility from the ground up. With a small physical footprint and a high-capacity infrastructure, their team prioritized speed, quality, and security from the start. Part of that meant relying on their data management platform to store backups as well. As operations grew, however, so did their storage bills. Retrieving content was expensive and time consuming—not acceptable when a client delivery is on the line.
IDC first tested Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage for a single client project and quickly recognized its broader potential. By using their data management platform’s built-in automation and S3 compatibility, they connected Backblaze as their backup repository for disaster recovery—backing up irreplaceable client data nightly and minimizing operational overhead. They also integrated Backblaze B2 as high-availability nearline storage for high-profile projects. They manage buckets per client, apply retention policies, and restore files as needed—all while keeping costs low and performance high.
Backblaze hit the perfect balance of cost, availability, and ease of integration—it’s exactly what we needed to protect our highest-profile content.
Ryan Gladden, Director of Mastering & Emerging Technology, IDC LA
In the media and entertainment industry, security is everything—it’s a frequent target for cybercriminals threatening to leak highly confidential TV and film releases. With data protected in Backblaze, IDC can spin up cloud workstations in a disaster scenario and continue operations. With predictable pricing and free egress up to 3x the amount stored, they don’t have to worry about how much it’s going to cost to recover.
If disaster strikes, we can keep working without worrying about hidden costs or delays.
Ryan Gladden, Director of Mastering & Emerging Technology, IDC LA
With Backblaze, IDC LA achieved a transformative shift in how they manage, protect, and access their media assets. By consolidating disaster recovery and nearline storage into a single, scalable solution, they eliminated unpredictable costs, reduced operational complexity, and gained peace of mind knowing their most valuable content is secure. The seamless integration with existing tools ensures minimal disruption, while Backblaze’s transparent pricing and free egress allow IDC to plan confidently and act quickly—whether responding to emergencies or meeting demanding client timelines. The result: a smarter, faster, and more resilient post-production operation.
