How to prep a project for external parties

In every project you can find a template folder structure that needs all the required elements before it is ready to be sent to an external party. The idea is to make it quite easy for the other company to replace the shots and have them graded and build back into the edit before they send us back the files so we can finalize the project. The following files are required:

  1. Premiere project: The PR project will serve as the central hub for gathering all the cgi replacements and from which the external party can create previews for the client.
  2. After Effects collect: The AE project is necessary when there is comping needed after the cgi replacement.
  3. Davinci Resolve project: The DVR project is where all the cgi replacement shots will be gathered into 1 timeline. From here, the shots will be graded and put back into the PR project
  4. External Shots (ungraded and graded): At first these will serve as placeholder, but will be replaced during the process by the cgi replacements.
  5. Mattes/tracks: These files are needed by the external party in order to do their work.
  6. Other files: Supers, sound, clean masters etc.

Step 1 - Collect shots

The first thing we’ll be needing for CGI replacements projects are the shots on which the replacement will be happening. These shots should be cleaned (e.g. no tracking markers) and/or have any comp work that was done also integrated in the shot. The reason for this is to make it as clear as possible for the external team to do their work.

Example 1: If we have removed a background object, the external team shouldn’t be getting the shot where the object is still visible.

Example 2: The device has UI elements/lights comped in the shot. In most cases we will sent the shots with all the extra elements comped in. Only in specific cases we won’t sent the comp shots. When not sure, ask Daniel, Bart or Martijn.

These files we all gather within the template, which can be found here: /PROJECT/04_OUTPUT/02_RENDERS/06_EXTERNAL/01_OUT

Within the folder structure you can divide your shots in the corresponding folder.

Screenshot 2025-06-23 at 11.28.22.png

We also supply the graded shots as these serve as a reference. The graded files can be added once the davinci project has been made.

Step 2 - Rename shots