Post-Production Checklist: From Export Settings to Final Delivery

The Post-Production Checklist: From Export Settings to Final Delivery.

The "edit" isn't over when you hit the export button. For professional cinematographers, the journey from the timeline to the client’s screen is where the most critical errors happen. A missed toggle in your export settings or a messy delivery folder can undermine weeks of hard work.

To ensure your work looks as good on the client’s monitor as it does in your suite, follow this DLVRD approved post-production checklist.

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1. The Export Audit (The "Master" File)

Before you render, double-check the technicals. Even the best gallery can’t fix a bad export.

Color Space: Ensure you are exporting in Rec.709 (unless delivering HDR). Watch out for the "QuickTime Gamma Shift"—test a small clip to ensure your shadows aren't being lifted.

Bitrate: For 4K delivery, aim for a VBR 2-Pass at roughly 60-80 Mbps. This provides enough data for a crisp master without creating a 100GB file that takes a week to upload.

Audio: 48kHz, 24-bit (Standard). Ensure your True Peak is hitting between 1db and -2db so it sounds loud and clear on mobile devices.

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2. The Asset Package (The "Extras")

Clients don't just want the main film anymore; they want the ecosystem. Prepare these before you start the upload:

The Hero Frame: Don't let the player choose a random frame. Export a dedicated, high-res .JPG or .PNG to serve as the "Poster" for your gallery.

Vertical Cuts: If you're providing social crops, keep them in a dedicated "Social" sub-folder.

Stills: Export 5–10 high-end stills from the grade. These are often the first thing a client shares.

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3. The DLVRD Gallery Setup

This is where you turn "files" into a "premiere."

The BOLD Theme: Activate your theme to create that high-contrast, industrial look.

Branding: Ensure your logo is visible and the gallery colors match the "vibe" of the shoot.

The Vault Strategy: Ask yourself: Is this a legacy project? If so, prepare to move it to The Vault once the client gives the final "thumbs up" to save on your active storage overhead.

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4. Security Check

Before the link goes live, protect your work.

Password Protection: For high-stakes commercial work, never send an open link.

Watermarking: If the final invoice hasn't been paid, use the DLVRD watermark tool. It’s the professional way to say "Pay me" without being awkward.

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5. The "Final Reveal" Email

Don't just text a link. Send a professional wrap-up.

"It’s been a pleasure working on [Project Name]. We’ve uploaded the final masters to your custom DLVRD gallery below. You can stream the 4K version instantly or download the high-res masters for your archives."

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Stop Sending Boring Folders.

Your delivery is the last thing your client remembers about working with you. Make it count. By following a structured checklist and using a professional showcase platform like DLVRD, you ensure that your work is respected, protected, and perfectly presented.

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