Abstract: A method and system for managing the movement of large video data files from an archival tape storage to an active hard-disk storage within a video server computer system are disclosed. In accordance with the method and system of the present invention, a storage list, a lookahead list, and a candidate list are produced. Each item on the storage list represents a multimedia data file stored within an active storage medium. Each item on the lookahead list represents a multimedia data file that will be played at a date and time according to a play schedule. Each item on the candidate list represents a candidate multimedia data file for removal from the active storage medium because it has already been played. After a simulation of a multiple of events utilizing the storage list, the lookahead list, and the candidate list, an output schedule file based on the results from the simulation is developed.