File Transfer for Colorists: Sending and Receiving ProRes, DPX, and EXR

Colorists work with the highest-quality footage in the pipeline. ProRes 4444XQ for maximum quality, DPX sequences for VFX interchange, EXR for HDR grading — these files are massive, and transferring them is a constant challenge.

A single project can involve receiving 500GB of camera originals, then delivering 500GB of graded masters. At $0.25/GB pay-per-GB rates, that's $250 per project just for transfers. For busy colorists handling multiple projects per month, costs add up fast.

Typical File Sizes in Color Grading

The Colorist's File Transfer Challenge

Colorists face unique transfer challenges:

• Bidirectional flow: Receiving source footage AND delivering graded masters — double the transfer volume
• Multiple versions: Client revisions, different deliverables (HDR, SDR, theatrical, broadcast)
• Tight deadlines: Color is often the last step before delivery, with no margin for slow transfers
• Format requirements: Clients specify exact codecs, bit depths, and color spaces

Handrive for Color Workflows

Handrive is file-type agnostic — it transfers any format exactly as-is, with no transcoding, compression, or modification. ProRes, DPX, EXR, or any other format works the same way.

Receiving Source Footage

1. Editor creates a Handrive share for the project
2. Editor adds you (the colorist) as a member
3. You add the editor as a contact
4. Download the source footage directly — no cloud, no per-GB fees

Delivering Graded Masters

1. Create a share for deliverables (or use the same project share)
2. Add the client/editor as a member with Viewer role
3. Copy graded files to the share
4. Client downloads when ready

Handling DPX Sequences

DPX sequences can contain hundreds of thousands of individual files. Some transfer tools struggle with this volume. Handrive handles it efficiently:

• No file count limits
• Transfers entire folder structures intact
• Satellite-grade protocol handles large file counts without issues

Cost Comparison: Monthly Colorist Volume

Integration with DaVinci Resolve

While Handrive doesn't have native Resolve integration, the workflow is straightforward:

1. Download source footage from Handrive share to your local drive
2. Import into Resolve as usual
3. Grade and render to your local drive
4. Copy rendered files to Handrive share for delivery

For automation, Handrive's 43 MCP tools allow AI agents to monitor your render folder and automatically copy completed files to the delivery share.

Handling Revisions

Color revisions are common. Handrive's persistent shares make this easy:

• Share stays active — no expired links to deal with
• Upload revised versions to the same share
• Clients download the new files
• No additional cost per revision (unlike per-GB services)

When to Use Handrive vs. Other Tools