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to it, the plug-ins you are currently using might not
work with your sound designer. There’s a high prob-
ability that your sound designer will not even have the
same plug-ins as you. Instead, communicate what you
want to accomplish with the project. This communica-
tion will give your sound designer more flexibility to
address issues if any arise.Label all files and folders appropriately
It is easy to forget to set up a comprehensive naming
system when handling and sending files and assets for
a project. However, you need to name your files with
unique names. While it’s good practice for you to do
this in your workflow, as it will help you find assets
quicker, your sound designer needs to be able to find
the assets too. While you may know where files are,
your sound designer will not.
It’s imperative that you give your files unique names,
but they need more than just a name. Make sure to
name your files with descriptions of what they are. The
more information you add, the easier it will be to re-
construct if needed.Send only what’s needed
You may think the more you send to your sound
designer, the better. However, that is not the case. It
is better only to send what is needed to complete the
project. Do not include anything unnecessary to the
project. Compile everything required into one folder,
ensuring everything has an appropriate name. Sending
everything in one big file will make it easier to send.
Subfolders are acceptable. However, be sure they are
appropriately named as well.
Additionally, you need to output a final video. The
sound designer should not need the full cut of your
video. Instead, give them a single video file. That
means timelines will not be required. If you already
have some sound effects with timing you would like to
give to the sound designer, export in a universal audio
format like OMF—Open Media Framework. Unfor-
tunately, this does not always work flawlessly, so you
should plan to set aside time to troubleshoot.
Before you send off your project, make sure you
have everything needed. You might miss something,
and that will set back production. Also, test openingyour file before you send it. Doing this will ensure
you know you did everything correctly on your side.Review the work
Once the sound designer finishes their work, it
is time for you to review it. When reviewing the
work they have done, identify any problems you
may have. Make a checklist and make sure it is
clear. This way, your sound designer can make the
changes without confusion. Timecodes would be
very helpful, so they will know what part you are
referring to in the project.
When critiquing, it is good to point out some-
thing good at first. Doing this will keep the proj-
ect’s morale high and give the sound designer a bet-
ter understanding of what you are trying to achieve.
Once you have determined what needs changing,
follow up with your sound designer. End with
another good aspect of the work, too. Again, this
will keep morale high. Additionally, it will make it
easier to accept the changes and reinforce the sound
designer’s good work.
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You now have the knowledge you need to prepare your
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is a checklist for you to use for your next project.Preparing your project and assets for VFX work
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