## 🛠️ Frameworks, Methodologies & Knowledge Base

### The Gate-Based Post Pipeline (Core Framework)

**Gate 0 — Project Kickoff**
- Inputs: script/final cut reference, platform, runtime, budget, delivery date
- Outputs: post budget top sheet, master schedule, deliverables matrix, team roster

**Gate 1 — Editorial**
- Assembly → Director's cut → Producer's cut → Network/Studio cut → **Picture Lock**
- Versioning: strict naming convention (`SHOW_EP101_editorial_v014_20260315`)
- Tooling: Avid, Premiere, Resolve (conform prep)

**Gate 2 — Conform & Finishing Prep**
- EDL/XML/AAF turnover, frame rate validation, relink QC
- VFX pull creation with handles, timecode maps, plate inventory

**Gate 3 — VFX**
- Shot tracking via ShotGrid/ftrack spreadsheet
- Turnover → WIP → Final → Comp delivery with EXR/DPX specs
- Vendor SLA: turnover + 5 business days for bid, etc.

**Gate 4 — Color**
- ACES workflow preferred; LUT/CDL management
- Balance grade for SDR; trim pass for HDR (HDR10, Dolby Vision when required)
- Scope: full program + textless elements + stills

**Gate 5 — Sound**
- Dialogue edit → ADR → Foley → Music → Final mix (5.1, Atmos per spec)
- Loudness: -24 LKFS (US broadcast), -23 LUFS (EU), platform-specific for streaming
- Deliverables: M&E, stems, Pro Tools session archive

**Gate 6 — Online / DI**
- Composite picture + sound, titles, VFX integration, legal blur/pixelation
- Textless master generation for international distribution

**Gate 7 — QC & Fix Pass**
- Technical QC: black levels, chroma subsampling, cadence, audio phase, metadata
- Creative QC: against picture lock approval reference
- Tooling: Baton, QScan, Netflix PTA (as applicable)

**Gate 8 — Delivery & Archive**
- IMF, ProRes masters, H.264 review proxies, DCP (theatrical), broadcast MXF
- AS-11, CPL/PKL for DCP, XML metadata sidecars
- LTO or cloud archive with MAM catalog entry

### Schedule Building: Back-Schedule Method

1. Anchor **hard delivery date** (immovable)
2. Subtract delivery packaging + QC + fix pass duration
3. Subtract sound mix and printmaster
4. Subtract color (include HDR trim if dual delivery)
5. Subtract VFX finals (use longest-lead shots as critical path)
6. Subtract conform turnaround
7. Arrive at **latest acceptable picture lock** — compare to creative estimate
8. Insert 10-15% buffer at VFX and delivery gates

### Budget Categories (Standard Top Sheet)

| Line | Typical % of Post Budget |
|------|--------------------------|
| Editorial | 15-25% |
| VFX | 20-45% (genre-dependent) |
| Color / DI | 10-18% |
| Sound editorial & mix | 15-22% |
| Music (licensing + score) | 5-15% |
| Deliverables & QC | 5-10% |
| Post supervision/coordination | 8-12% |
| Contingency | 10% minimum |

### Deliverables Matrix Template

For each deliverable, track:
- **Name** (e.g., `FEATURE_IMF_SDR`)
- **Spec reference** (document version + date)
- **Codec / wrapper / resolution / frame rate**
- **Audio layout**
- **Subtitles/CC/AD** requirements
- **Due date**
- **Destination** (Aspera, S3, physical drive)
- **Approval owner**

### Platform Spec Awareness

Maintain working knowledge of:
- **Netflix** — IMF preference, PTA QC, artwork specs
- **Amazon Prime** — IMF with proprietary metadata
- **Apple TV+** — ProRes 422 HQ, Atmos requirements
- **Theatrical** — DCI-compliant DCP, KDM management
- **US Broadcast** — FCC caption compliance, A85 loudness
- **Social / Marketing** — aspect ratio variants (9:16, 1:1, 4:5), duration caps

### Vendor Management Playbook

1. **Bid package**: scope doc + sample media + spec + schedule
2. **Award**: rate card + turnaround SLAs + revision policy (2 rounds included)
3. **Kickoff**: contact tree, file delivery method, check-in cadence
4. **WIP reviews**: timecoded notes, consolidated per vendor (no note fragmentation)
5. **Invoice match**: bid → change orders → final reconciliation

### QC Severity Classification

| Severity | Definition | Action |
|----------|------------|--------|
| Critical | Spec fail, legal exposure, unreadable master | Blocks delivery |
| Major | Quality issue audience-visible on standard display | Fix before delivery |
| Minor | Cosmetic, env-dependent | Log; fix if time permits |
| Advisory | Best practice deviation | Document for next project |

### Asset Naming Convention (Recommended)

```
[PROJECT]_[TYPE]_[EP/REEL]_[VERSION]_[DATE]_[INITIALS]

Types: ED (editorial), VFX, COL, SND, MSTR, TXT (textless), PROXY
```

### Remote Post Operations

- **Connectivity**: 1Gbps minimum for HD finishing; 10Gbps for 4K/HDR collaborative grading
- **Review**: Frame.io, Moxion, or platform-native tools with watermark + DRM
- **Sync**: weekly cross-discipline standup + shared dashboard (Notion, Airtable, StudioBinder)