Purpose 

This SOP outlines the standardized workflow for managing editing projects in DaVinci Resolve. It ensures that all assets are properly organized and labeled for efficient editing and team collaboration. 

 

Step 1: Initial Project Setup 

1. Create the Project: 

   1. Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project. 

   2. Name the project using the format: ProjectName_Project. 

2. Set Up Media Folders: 

   1. Non-narrative projects have more leeway.  Only a Footage, SFX, & Music folder is required. Add additional folders if need be. 

   2. Ensure the project folder has the following structure for narrative format: 

 

ProjectName_Main 
├── Scene_01 
│   ├── Footage 
│   ├── Synced_Audio 
│   ├── ADR 
│   └── Voiceover 
├── Scene_02 
│   ├── Footage 
│   ├── Synced_Audio 
│   ├── ADR 
│   └── Voiceover 
├── Music 

├── Graphics 
└── SFX 
 

 

1. Import Assets: 

   1. Import video footage into the Footage subfolders. 

   2. Import external audio into the Synced_Audio subfolders. 

   3. Organize all music files in the Music folder. 

   4. Place all graphics in the Graphics folder. 

   5. Place all sound effects in the SFX folder. 

 

Step 2: Asset Labeling 

1. Video Clips: 

   1. Label all video clips using the format: Scene#_Shot#_Take# Example: Scene01_Shot03_Take02.mp4, Cam.A_Scene12_Shot01_Take03.mp4 

   2. Do not rename clips and files for non-narrative projects. 

2. Audio Clips: 

   1. Label all external audio files with the corresponding video labels for easy syncing: Scene#_Shot#_Take# Example:  

   2. Scene01_Shot03_Take02.wav. 

3. Special Audio: 

   1. Do not re-label ADR files inside Davinci Resolve. After the direct file has been labeled, import it into Davinci Resolve, in the corresponding Scene ADR folder. 

   2. Do not re-label Voiceover files inside Davinci Resolve. After the direct file has been labeled, import it into Davinci Resolve, in the corresponding Scene Voiceover folder. 

 

For questions on labeling footage before importation into Davinci Resolve, see Editing Department – File Organization SOP 

 

Step 3: Organizing the DaVinci Resolve Project 

1. Create Scene Bins: 

   1. For each scene, create a bin in the Media Pool matching the scene number (e.g., Scene_01). 

   2. Within each scene bin, create two sub-bins: 

      1. Footage 

      2. Synced_Audio 

2. Organize Clips: 

   1. Move all footage clips to the corresponding Footage sub-bin. 

   2. Move all synced audio clips to the corresponding Synced_Audio sub-bin. 

   3. Place ADR and Voiceover clips in their respective sub-bins under the scene folder. 

3. Music and SFX: 

   1. Create separate bins for Music, Graphics, and SFX outside the scene folders. 

   2. Add relevant files to these bins. 

      1. Composed and library music is placed in the Music folder 

      2. Logos and other graphical assets are placed in the Graphics folder 

      3. Foley and imported sound effects are placed in the SFX folder 

         1. In the event of Foley and Imported sound effects being needed for a project, make two subfolders within SFX; one labeled “Foley” one labeled “Imported” 

 

Step 4: Timeline Management 

1. Scene Timelines: 

   1. Create a timeline for each scene using the format: Scene#_Timeline Example: Scene01_Timeline. 

   2. Store each timeline in the corresponding scene folder 

2. Master Timeline: 

   1. Once all scenes are edited, create a master timeline and name it: ProjectName_Master 

 

Step 5: Syncing Video and Audio 

1. Sync Process: 

   1. Use the Auto-Sync Audio feature in DaVinci Resolve or manually sync the clips by aligning audio waveforms. 

2. Label Synced Clips: 

   1. Update synced clips with the label: Scene#_Shot#_Take#_Synced Example: Scene01_Shot03_Take02_Synced. 

 

Step 6: Editing Workflow 

1. Edit Scene Timelines: 

   1. When creating timelines, ensure the timeline fits desired aspect ratio and framerate. (Refer to Delivery SOP for technical questions) 

   2. Work on each scene individually in its designated timeline. 

   3. Save progress regularly. 

   4. Ensure character dialogue levels stay between –15 and –5 decibels. All audio should never exceed –5 decibels. 

   5. In the event a compound clip is to be made, store it within the corresponding scene folder. 

2. Assemble Master Timeline: 

   1. Add all completed scene timelines into the ProjectName_Master timeline for final adjustments. 

3. Incorporate Music and SFX: 

   1. Add music and sound effects as needed, pulling from the organized Music and SFX bins. Music should be placed on a Music-only track. Sound effects and Foley should be placed on their respective tracks as well. 

4. Color: 

   1. Color correct and grade the project. Ensure image meets F7 color standards and guidelines. (Refer to Color Workflow SOP for specifics.) F7 Studios Quality Control will review drafts to ensure guidelines are not broken. 

5. Add ADR and Voiceover: 

   1. If required, incorporate ADR and Voiceover files from their respective sub-folders. 

   2. Place in designated scene timelines. 

6. Subtitles: 

   1. Create a subtitle track above the video track. Ensure it follows subtitle guidelines (Refer to Delivery SOP for technical questions) 

   2. Export subtitles as an SRT. file. Label as  

   3. ProjectName_Language_Subtitle.srt  

      • Example: 

      • IntellectualProperty_Spanish_Subtitle.srt 

      • IntellectualProperty_English_CC.srt 

 

Step 7: Final Review and Export 

1. Review Master Timeline: 

   1. Ensure all scenes, music, sound effects, ADR, and voiceover files are in place and properly synced. 

   2. Ensure all audio tracks NEVER exceed a decibel level of –5 db (including the audio bus). 

   3. Audio must be free from distortion, dropouts, aliasing, clipping and other artifacts 

2. Export: 

   1. Draft exports of narrative content must include a timecode for easier marking during the review process. 

   2. Export the final project file and label it as: ProjectName_Movie_FINAL_YYYY-MM-DD  

Example: 

IntellectualProperty_FINAL_2024-11-15.mov 

 

Approval and Revision History

• Effective Date: Jan 1 2025

• Approved by: Post Production Department Head, F7 Studios

• Last Reviewed: April 1 2025

   

Consistency is Key 

Following this workflow ensures organized projects, smoother collaboration, and efficient post-production processes for F7 Studios. Keep this SOP accessible for all editors to maintain consistency across projects.