Mastering
Definition
Mastering is the final stage of post-production in which the finished film or video is prepared for distribution in its final, definitive form. The mastering process involves creating the highest-quality version of the program (the "master") from which all other distribution versions will be derived. For a feature film, mastering typically involves creating the DCP (Digital Cinema Package) for theatrical distribution, the HDR and SDR masters for streaming, the broadcast master, and the home video master. Each of these masters must meet specific technical specifications for their intended distribution platform.
Contextual Usage
The post-production supervisor presents the mastering plan: "Once the color grade and sound mix are approved, we'll move into mastering. We'll create the following masters: a 4K HDR10 master for streaming, a 4K SDR master for home video, a 1080p broadcast master in the MXF format, and a DCP for theatrical distribution. The mastering process will take approximately one week, and we'll do a full QC check on each master before delivery." --- ## Part Three: Creative Operations Terminology Creative Operations (often abbreviated as "Creative Ops") is the strategic management of the people, processes, and technology involved in producing and delivering creative content at scale. It sits at the intersection of creativity and business operations, ensuring that creative teams can work efficiently, collaborate effectively, and deliver high-quality assets on time and within budget. The terminology below covers the language used in creative operations, marketing production, digital asset management, and agency project management.
About this section
Color grading and finishing is the final visual polish of the image — the stage at which the raw footage is transformed into the rich, cinematic image that the audience will ultimately see. A skilled ...
View all 19 terms