VFX and CGI prep

Rendered shots and mattes that fit the agreed grading pipeline.

Use this alongside the source-media or flattened-master workflow. Agree render specifications before processing the full sequence, and send a representative sample for checking.

Image sequences and compression

EXR sequences are a suitable option when agreed for the project. Confirm bit depth, channels and compression. ZIP or PIZ can provide lossless compression; DWAA is lossy and should be used only when its trade-off is accepted. Do not assume that an EXR extension guarantees a lossless image.

A ProRes alternative can be agreed where appropriate. Confirm its color treatment and whether alpha is required.

Color and alpha

• State the exact color space and transfer function for each render. ACEScg, linear encoding and sRGB are not interchangeable descriptions.
• Document any baked display/view transform and the source-to-render treatment.
• Identify whether alpha is straight or premultiplied and how it should be interpreted.
• Supply individual grayscale mattes where needed for grading, aligned to the shot’s resolution and frame range. Cryptomatte data should be converted to agreed mattes before handover.

Name and version each shot

Use clear shot and version names, for example SH010_V003/SH010_V003.1001.exr. Identify superseded versions and supply a shot list mapping renders to the edit.

VFX and CGI handover checklist

• Approved shot versions with complete frame ranges and agreed handles
• Resolution, frame rate, bit depth, compression and channel information
• Exact color space/transfer function and any baked transforms
• Alpha interpretation and aligned mattes where required
• Timeline interchange file or shot list identifying placement in the locked edit
• Reference with matching timecode and visible source/shot identifiers
• Required audio and separate finishing assets
• A checked sample and no missing or duplicate sequence frames

Transfer and timing

Use the transfer method and asset deadline agreed for your booking. Allow time for upload, download and conform checks. For large packages, confirm the transfer plan before exporting.

Keep your original media and a backup. If supplying a physical drive, confirm its connection and filesystem compatibility with The Palette. Do not reformat your only copy. ZIP packaging is only needed when requested.