What is a “visual reference” in finishing and why do we need it?
When delivering to finishing, either conform, color, or both, you will be asked for a “visual reference”. This is a video file, usually HD, of a highly compressed codec. I instinctively ask for H264 but any comparable codec is acceptable. This file can include grades applied in the offline edit, titles, graphics, temp VFX, and for the most part it is ideal if all of those elements are included. A finishing house will usually ask for some sort of visual burn in or, as most houses refer to it, as VIZ. Different houses will have different asks but in my opinion and in my experience the following are the most helpful:
-Source TC
-Record TC
-Clip name/camera file
The reference file that you send is acting as the map for any finishing house. At any stage your finishing artist or colorist can compare this reference file to the conform or color timeline and ensure that everything is lining up. This is one reason why having temp VFX or temp color in place can be preferable in this file. The conform artist can see if the shot they’re wrestling with is worth it because perhaps it’s an anticipated VFX shot so no extra time is needed to be spent getting it to match in the conform. As a colorist, the temp grade applied to the offline can sometimes offer a good starting direction or at least a look into what the filmmakers are used to looking at at this stage to begin a conversation about where to push the grade. The VIZ mentioned earlier serves as a troubleshooting tool. Is there a difference between the conform and the visual ref? A quick glance to ensure the record TC burn in matches the record TC of the timeline can rule out an offset. Does the clip name/camera file VIZ match the name of the shot at that point in the timeline? If not, there’s your problem! While conforming, if there’s a discrepancy between the timing of a shot a quick look at the Source TC VIZ can sometimes answer questions much more quickly than opening the client project and hunting for the problem from there.
To any finishing artist the visual reference is a necessity. As stated earlier, it is the “Map” the a artist is using to piece your project back together for color and finishing.
