Lock the picture
Confirm the approved cut and save a duplicate timeline called PICTURE_LOCK_FOR_GRADE. Identify any remaining planned revisions.
CLIENT GUIDE / COLOUR GRADING
COLOUR GRADING
FILE PREP.
A precise handover means fewer conform issues—and more time for the creative grade.
These steps apply to a typical Premiere, Resolve or Avid-to-Resolve grading workflow. We will confirm project-specific requirements.
STEP BY STEP
LOCK. PREPARE.
CONFORM.
Prepare a clean conform timeline
Relink all media. Simplify unnecessary layers where practical. Flag resizes, speed effects, stabilisation, nested sequences, transitions and compositing that may not survive interchange.
Export the correct timeline file
For Premiere Pro, export Final Cut Pro XML from the sequence. For Resolve, export an agreed XML or native Resolve project. For Avid, prepare a suitably configured AAF. Confirm settings with our team.
Prepare the graded source media
Preferred: original camera media, or an agreed consolidated package with tested relinks and handles. A high-quality ProRes/DNxHR single-file master is possible only if agreed.
Send a matching reference MP4
The reference video must exactly match the locked edit. Include reference sound and visible sequence timecode; clip names/source TC are useful for troubleshooting.
Supply look information and output specs
Include camera LUTs, colour references, camera formats and the intended output: Rec.709, HDR, cinema or broadcaster/platform specification as applicable.
We conform and compare first
Our colourist reconnects media, checks timing against the reference and reports any mismatches before the creative grade begins.
EDITOR-SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
CHOOSE YOUR SOFTWARE.
Premiere Pro
- Duplicate and lock the approved sequence.
- Check all media is online and export a matching reference MP4.
- Use File → Export → Final Cut Pro XML.
- Include your Premiere project and agreed original/consolidated media.
Interchange formats are not lossless translations of effects. Always supply a reference cut and confirm the finishing workflow before export.
COLOUR TECHNICAL NOTES
WORTH KNOWING.
Colour space matters
Tell us whether footage is LOG, RAW, Rec.709, ACES or another managed workflow; provide technical and creative LUTs separately.
Flattened master limitations
A single high-quality master may be acceptable, but it reduces control over individual shots and can complicate changes. Avoid sending a low-bitrate MP4 as the only grading source.
BEFORE YOU UPLOAD
FINAL CHECKLIST.
If you are unsure about creating an XML/AAF, send us your editing software and version. We will provide export settings before you begin.
START A PROJECT
READY FOR
THE GRADE?
Send your sequence details and source camera formats. We’ll confirm the most reliable conform method.