Source media
workflow

Deliver original camera rushes plus a timeline file (XML/AAF/DRT). Maximum flexibility and control for grading and online. Recommended for most projects.

Late deliveries may result in session postponement or reduced grading time. If anything in this guide is unclear, reach out BEFORE exporting — not after.

Delivery method

  • Physical drive:

    ExFAT formatted, USB-C / USB 3.0 / Thunderbolt.

    Label clearly: DATE – CLIENT – PROJECT – TITLE

  • Digital upload:

    Create a ZIP of the project folder and upload via Google Drive.

  • Large volumes (150 GB+):

    Please GET IN TOUCH to arrange alternative transfer methods.

    (MASV / Strada)

Timeline preparation

*Native Davinci Resolve effects and transitions may remain. Everything else should be removed and flattened.

  1. Duplicate your timeline — rename to "For Color"

  2. Collapse to 1 video track

  3. De-nest all compound or multicam clips

  4. Flatten grouped clips

  5. Remove all empty audio and video tracks

  6. Remove all graphics, subtitles, supers, transitions, and external effects

  7. Replace proxies with original source media (RAW, ProRes, DNxHR)

  8. Trim clips to visible length only — include 3–5 frame handles if possible

  9. Retimes: From Resolve — keep as is. From other NLEs — pre-render as ProRes 4444 or include full shot duration

  10. Split-screens / PiP: Include original isolated clips at the end of the timeline, separated by a gap

Media consolidation

Consolidate so the grade receives only what's needed — no offline clips, no orphaned files, no proxy confusion.

    • File → Media Management

    • Select Timelines

    • Set mode to Copy— preserves originals on your drive

    • Point destination to a clean folder

    • Enable Used media and trim— set handles to 25 frames (3–5 minimum)

    • File → Project Manager

    • Select the sequence(s) to consolidate

    • Choose Consolidate and Transcode— format: Apple ProRes 4444

    • Set handles to 25 frames (3–5 minimum)

    • Tick Exclude Unused Clips

    • Uncheck Include Audio Conform Files— regenerated on open, adds dead weight

    • Uncheck Include Preview Files— NLE-specific, useless to the colourist

    • Open the new project and verify relinked paths before exporting XML

    • Create a new Library on your target drive, or use File → Copy Event to Library

    • Set library storage to External in Library Properties if media needs to live outside .fcpbundle

    • File → Consolidate Media — copies all referenced media into the library. Note: FCP consolidates whole source files, not trimmed clips — expect larger file sizes

    • Ensure Original or Optimised media is selected — not Proxy

    • Break apart all Compound Clips and Auditions — these don't survive FCPXML export cleanly

    • For AAF + separated audio: useX2Pro. For codec conversion: use Compressor or EditReady

General rules — all NLEs

  • Verify clip count in the consolidated project matches the original timeline

  • Spot-check a few clips to confirm full-res source — not proxy or offline

  • If any clips show as offline after consolidation, relink manually before exporting

Export timeline file

  • DaVinci Resolve: Export DRT

  • Premiere / Final Cut Pro: Export XML

  • Avid: Export AAF

Before exporting, confirm:

Source media workflow — final checklist