Between different operating systems and programs, files should avoid ‘illegal’ characters to maintain best compatibility.

​

Avoid the following characters in files and folders:

​

# % & {  } \  < >  * ?  /  $  ! '  " :  @ + ` | =  

​

Additionally

• Don't start or end your filename with a space, period, hyphen, or underline.

• Keep your filenames to under 31 characters.

The timeline should be FLATTENED. This eliminates unused shots. Flatten video tracks to the following order.

​​

5. Subtitles (If any)

4. GFX (If any)

3. VFX (If any)

2. Secondary Video (for split screen and specialty edits.)

1. Primary Video

​

*Tracks can be added when required for necessary compositing. Multi-cam or nested sequences should also be flattened.

Graphics generated via plug-in should be pre-rendered, including graphics that are linked to After Effects.

Replace original GFX plug-ins with the new renders.

​

Any plug-ins or filters used in NLE will not carry over. Adjustment Layers should also be removed.

1. Copy Original Camera Files

   1. Maintain original folder structure for camera files and image sequences.

   2. Confirm files are original camera files, not proxies.

2. Render Best GFX/VFX/STILLS Files

   1. ProRes 4444/4444 XQ/TIFF 16 bit + Alpha Channel for transparency

3. Render Reference Video (Offline)

   1. H264 | 1080p | native frame rate

   2. Burn-in Time Code (BiTC)

4. Export Editorial Project File

5. Export XML or AAF of picture locked sequence (NO EDL)

6. Export Patch File

   1. ProRes4444 in final delivery resolution (e.g. HD, 4k, etc.)

   2. Turn off all effects and color, return footage to original Log state