CONFORM PREP GUIDE
📁 GENERAL PREPARATION
Before starting, ensure your project is properly organised for a smooth conform and colour workflow.
1️⃣ SOURCE MEDIA WORKFLOW (Preferred)
A) Timeline Prep (*any native Davinci Resolve transition/effect/etc. can be left in)
- Duplicate your timeline (e.g., “For Colour”).
- Collapse to 1–2 video tracks.
- De-nest all compound/multicam clips.
- Repositions and zooms can be left in. Keyframes should be reset.
- Remove all empty audio/video tracks.
- Remove all transitions, graphics, subtitles, supers and effects. Your timeline should only have the source media.
- Replace proxies with the source media.
- Trim clips to only what’s seen in the final edit (no extra handles).
- If coming from other NLEs, please pre-render those shots with - ProRes4444 OR include the full duration required for the retime.
- Split screens / PiP: Include original isolated clips used in the comp at the end of the timeline, separated by a gap.
B) Exporting XML/AAF for Conform
- Premiere & Final Cut: Export XML.
- Avid: Export AAF.
- DaVinci Resolve: Export DRT.
- Before Exporting:
- Flatten to single/few tracks.
- Make sure all clips are properly framed: no letterboxing or pillarboxing.
C) Deliverables Checklist – Source Media Workflow
✅ Original Camera Rushes (RAW, ProRes, DNxHR, etc.)
✅ Reference File (H.264 or ProRes Proxy) with graphics and looks
✅ XML (PP) / AAF (AVID) / DRT (Resolve)
✅ Any LUTs, reference stills, or effect comp references
2️⃣ PRORES WORKFLOW (Single File)
A) Timeline Prep
- Duplicate your timeline (e.g., “For Colour”).
- Collapse to 1–2 video tracks.
- De-nest all compound/multicam clips.
- Repositions and zooms can be left in. Keyframes should be reset.
- Remove all empty audio/video tracks.
- Remove all transitions, graphics, subtitles, supers and effects. Your timeline should only have the source media.
- Replace proxies with the source media.
- Trim clips to only what’s seen in the final edit (no extra handles).
- Retimes: If coming from Resolve, keep those intact. If coming from other NLEs, please pre-render those shots with - ProRes 4444 or include the full duration required for retime.
- Split screens / PiP: Include original isolated clips used in the comp at the end of the timeline, separated by a gap.
B) Exporting Master File
- Format: ProRes 4444 or DNxHQX 10-bit (Windows)
- Resolution: Match final delivery
- Use highest render quality settings
- Export a separate reference file with titles, graphics, and full mix
- Export EDL from the timeline
- Include style guides or reference stills if available
C. Deliverables Checklist – ProRes Workflow
✅ Clean Master File (ProRes 4444 or DNxHQX 10-bit, no LUTs or effects)
✅ Reference File (ProRes 422 Proxy or H.264 with graphics/audio)
✅ EDL for conform
✅ Any LUTs, reference stills, or effect comp references