How to Prepare Your Film for Color Grading – A Checklist by Swastika Films
Wondering how to prepare your film for color grading at a professional studio?
At Swastika Films, we work with filmmakers across India who bring us everything from raw
indie footage to polished commercial edits. To ensure your project flows smoothly from edit
to final grade, here’s what you need to know.
What to Send Before the Grade
Before we begin grading, please send:
- Final export/reference file (for checking cuts)
- All RAW camera footage (preferably on a fast SSD drive)
- XML or EDL of the final timeline
- Any LUTs used during editing
- Sound files or final audio bounce (for syncing)
- VFX shots, if applicable
- A brief note on your visual intent or director’s notes
The better organized these assets are, the faster we can begin grading.
Reference Material: Bring Your Vision
We always ask clients to share:
- A reference film, music video, or stills
- Any mood boards, pitch decks, or visual notes
If a client has no reference, we provide samples during the consultation. Our goal is to align
on tone, contrast, palette, and pacing before we touch the footage.
Naming & File Structure Matters
Please ensure your original camera footage has unique filenames. This is especially important
when working with DSLRs or mirrorless cameras like FX3 or A7S, which often reuse filenames.
If your XML or EDL references duplicate names, it breaks the reconfirm process—forcing
us to rebuild timelines manually. Our base quote does not include manual timeline recreation.
Resolve Projects or Timeline Export
We’re happy to receive either:
- DaVinci Resolve Project (.drp)
- Footage + XML/EDL + reference export
Just make sure it’s a timeline you can relink and review independently.
Remote Delivery Tips
If you’re sending files remotely, we prefer:
- Google Drive
- WeTransfer
- Frame.io
Files must be available to download by evening. We download them overnight to maximize
productivity. Delayed uploads = delayed timeline.
⚠️ What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t bake LUTs into your export
- Don’t send compressed h.264 files for grading
- Don’t re-edit your project once color grading begins
Always provide RAW footage when possible—it gives us maximum grading flexibility.
⏳ Turnaround Time
We need 48 hours for footage review and prep before we begin the grade. A test look may
be shared within this window. We proceed only after client approval.
Final Word
Knowing how to prepare your film for color grading helps us deliver your vision faster and
with greater precision. Whether you’re sending a debut short or a high-profile campaign,
good prep = great results.
Affordable Color Grading for Indie Filmmakers | Swastika Films India – Explore More
Have questions? Contact Swastika Films for a consultation or to schedule your grading session today.
Swastika Films – India’s trusted partner in color grading for film, music videos, OTT, and
branded content.
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