How a project
actually works

A clear process protects both sides. You know what's expected and when — I know what I'm delivering and at what scope. No surprises, no hidden costs, no chasing for files.

Brief

DAY ONE

1

Send through the basic details. Runtime, deadline, budget range, and a rough sense of the look you're after — that's enough to get started. You don't need to know every technical detail before reaching out.

  • Project type and runtime

  • Delivery deadline

  • Budget range (approximate is fine)

  • Reference material if you have it

Discovery

Within one business day

2

For new clients or projects over 20 minutes, I'll suggest a short call. We'll talk through the creative direction, technical specs, scope, deliverables, and schedule — making sure everything is clear before the quote goes out.

Discovery calls are mandatory for new clients and larger projects. It's not a formality — it's how I make sure the grade is set up to succeed from the start.

Project estimate

After discovery

3

You receive a written project estimate confirming grading days, deliverables, schedule, and fees. No work begins until this is agreed. A 20% deposit secures your slot — no deposit, no booking.

  • Grading days and day rate confirmed

  • All deliverables listed explicitly

  • Payment schedule and terms

  • 20% deposit invoice issued on agreement

Asset delivery

Before grade start

4

Once the deposit clears, you'll receive an onboarding email with a secure upload link and conform guide. Assets must pass QC before grading begins — if anything's missing or non-conforming, I'll flag it immediately.

  • Picture-locked edit (no editorial changes after this point)

  • Source media or conform package (XML/EDL/AAF + media files)

  • H.264 reference export for Frame.io review

  • Grade notes and references (optional but useful)

Use the Grade Prep Guide before exporting. It covers the most common conform issues and will save time on both sides.

Grade & review

Confirmed at scope stage

5

First pass is delivered to Frame.io. Two revision rounds are included as standard — all feedback must come through Frame.io with timecoded notes. One consolidated set of notes per round.

  • First pass: 0.5–1 day from conform QC

  • Revision turnaround: 1 hour–0.5 day depending on volume

  • All feedback via Frame.io only — no email or WhatsApp

  • 7-day window per revision round

Final delivery

After sign-off

6

After sign-off, final masters are delivered and the balance invoice is sent. Files are not released until payment clears. Standard terms are 14 days from delivery — rush projects are due on delivery.

  • ProRes 4444 at source resolution (standard deliverable)

  • Rec.709 Gamma 2.4 colour space

  • Platform-specific versions available (scoped separately)

  • Project files archived for 30 days after delivery

What you can rely on

  • One business day response

    Briefs and enquiries are reviewed and responded to within one business day. No weeks of silence between messages.

  • Realistic schedules only

    Turnaround is confirmed after conform QC — not before. Rush work is available, but it's always disclosed and priced upfront.

  • No scope creep

    The project estimate is the scope. Any additions — reconform, extra revisions, new deliverables — are quoted separately before they happen.

Ready to get
started?

START A PROJECT