The Remote Colourist Workflow: A Guide to Grading from Anywhere
The world of post-production has undergone a massive shift in recent years, with remote workflows becoming almost essential. As a professional colourist working remotely, I've refined a system that allows me to collaborate with clients worldwide while maintaining efficiency, consistency, and creative freedom. In this blog, I’ll walk you through my remote workflow, from client onboarding to final delivery.
1. Client Onboarding and Communication
The first step in any project is establishing clear communication with the client. Since I work remotely, it’s crucial to set expectations from the start. Here’s my process:
- Initial Consultation: I schedule a video call (Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype) to discuss the project’s look, references, and deadlines.
- File Delivery Guidelines: I provide instructions on how to use DaVinci Resolve's Media Management tool to streamline the handover process.
- Shared Look References: Clients share mood boards, stills, or reference films to align on the desired aesthetic.
For ongoing communication, I use WhatsApp, Framie.io and Email to ensure a seamless feedback loop.
2. Receiving and Managing Footage
Once the project details are locked in, I receive the footage via:
- WeTransfer Link: I can provide a WeTransfer link for up to 200GB.
- Client-Provided Links: Clients can send their own links via cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox or Frame io.
- Hard Drive Delivery: If required, a hard drive can be shipped for larger projects.
3. The Grading Process
Once the footage is received, I begin by conforming and ensuring everything has been ingested correctly in reference to a low-res offline edit. The grading process involves:
- Look Development Session: I host a remote session on Louper.io with the director, DP, and other key creatives to develop the look over a couple of hours.
- First Pass: After the look is established, I complete an initial pass and upload it to Frame.io for client feedback.
- Revisions: Clients provide written feedback on Frame.io, and if necessary, a second remote session can be hosted.
- Final Pass: A second and final grading pass is completed, ensuring all feedback is incorporated.
4. Final Delivery
After approval, I export the final project in various formats:
- ProRes 4444XQ or Individual Clips: Delivered for final online finishing.
- Social Media Package: A set of optimised stills and clips for Instagram and other platforms.
- Delivery Methods: Files are sent via WeTransfer or Frame.io for easy access.
5. Building Client Relationships
A successful remote workflow isn’t just about technical efficiency—it’s about trust and collaboration. I make sure to:
- Keep clients updated throughout the process.
- Be flexible with different time zones and schedules.
- Deliver consistently high-quality work to build long-term relationships.
Conclusion
Working remotely with a colourist might be different to what you are used to, but with the right workflow (which I have finally ironed out most of the challenges!), it can be just as effective than working in a traditional studio. By combining seamless communication, structured file management, and efficient grading techniques, I’m able to deliver high-end results to clients worldwide—without being tied to one location.
If you're interested in working together or want to learn more about my remote color grading services, feel free to reach out via email or visit my website at jg-films.com.
Have questions or thoughts about remote grading? Drop them in the comments below!