Let me amend and clarify my workflow a little bit. This is my workflow exactly. I work on Mac computers. Adapt it to the software and machine that you own.

All Pro level film workflows are similar to this. Keep in mind, most 35mm feature films have a Digital Intermediate that consists of DPX sequences. So the workflow was established using a model that had separate audio from video. All pro workflows separate audio and video and so that audio can be handled by a specialist. Yes, audio is THAT important.

1) Edit in an NLE. ----GET FILM LOCK!---- (can't stress this enough. Film lock means you are done editing. No more cuts need to be made. Keep in mind, Resolve 10 will allow further editing if needed.)

1A - If I need noise reduction I will export XML to AE, use GHrain Killer to reduce noise, and export the selected clips individually as ProRes444, and replace in the timeline in FCP X. But I rarely have noise issues anymore. [I'm hoping the new Resolve 10 NR functions which include temporal NR controls and features similar to GK will eliminate this step. [NR only available on full version of Resolve and not free "lite" version]

2) Export audio to Soundtrack Pro (or) OMF to Pro Tools or Logic (or whatever) for final sound mixing/editing. (If doing music video type work, this isn't necessary, just skip to step 8 on the audio side) I do all my audio in Pro Tools unless I need BG noise reduction, then I use Soundtrack Pro

3) Export your Edit via XML or AAF to After Effects/Davinci/SpeedGrade/Baselight or whatever platform you are using for grading

4) Grade - [I now grade everything in DaVinci using CG Pro] When grading in DaVinci use XML roundtrip to FCP function [ProRes444], but import the resulting XML into AE rather than returning to FCP (use Xto7 if necessary)

5) I do all my titles and graphics in AE, so this is never a problem. BUT if your titles are created in Motion, or in your NLE, export them in a format with an alpha channel for compositing. (Quicktime Animation with Alpha, PNG sequence, TGA sequence, etc.)

6) If your titles and graphics are not being done in AE, composite titles and graphics onto Graded Narrative in AE. I can usually skip this step, as all my titles and graphics are done in AE.

7) Export final narrative video track with Grades and composites out of AE to ProRes 444 or DNxHD 444 file.

8) Export sound mix as wav or aif file. (or in the case of surround, multiple files, or ac3 file)

9) Marry sound to video either in NLE with 32bit color processing, or in Quicktime Pro QT PRO users can hit "save" and skip to step 11 because all QT Pro will do is weld them together with no loss.

10) Export final product to high data rate 444 codec.

11) Using final product - make DVDs, Blurays, web videos, etc. (replace stereo audio with Dolby ac3 where appropriate)

Yes it seems a bit complicated at first, but it soon becomes 2nd nature. Adopt this and thrive.

@Shian

What are you using for audio? I'm still waiting on FCX/Logic X to have proper integration, but for now, I just use an ancient copy of Soundtrack Pro. Apple is soooo close (in my book) to having a stellar pair of programs for video and audio once again. Of course, Resolve is the ultimate in color programs, but from all accounts, it works just fine with FCX already.

Great, looking forward to seeing more. I've pretty much bought everything you have for sale now. :) BTW, on your re-import to Premiere, do you have issues with no audio track coming in?

Bought Pro and played with AE a bit and it seems to me that Resolve is actually the easier way to go, even when you have to deal with round tripping. Shian, do you have a tutorial for roundtripping from Premiere and Resolve? I'd like to see your method to compare.

Ha! I took advantage of the Labor Day sale to upgrade to "CGT Pro Plus", I know I need what you're selling. I also plugged you this morning over on the COW in the SpeedGrade forum. Hows that? Thanks again @shain.

per Vitaliy tech support should be handled through email or PM

Oh wait.. I bought Pro and just noticed that the Downloads page shows a separate purchase for the AE Toolkit, is that correct? It looks like they are separate products.

I watched the install video but still don't see how to install the presets for AE on Windows platform? I put the CG Universal folder into 'C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects CC\Support Files\Presets' and still don't see the gears under Animation Presets.

@Aksel Wow. Great news. Congrats.

Glad ColorGHear was able to help in both departments, the final product looks great! What'd you shoot on?

ALSO 25% off storewide this Labor Day Weekend, so if you've been waiting for a deal... now is the time. Even 25% off subscription renewals.

What???? Me? Show off?? Unthinkable.

Can't speak for everyone, but if you're doing it right, then you are using GHears for everything including primary correction or (the tech pass) as I did in this video.

Shian ...

Even with 35 years as a portrait photog, owned/operated the studio and my own color-lab most of the years we were still film 'cause we were too damn picky for most pro portrait labs, and all my Zone VI lab gear for b/w, teaching Zone System et al ... learned a fair amount from your long vid over at ColorGhear on putting together the Zone System for video.

In all the use I've made of it, it's always been just for tonal control ... not particularly concerned with colors. Your emphasis on using it, and knowing the IRE ratings for a wide set of colors to plan the placement of colored items, such as walls, draperies, that sort of thing ... was quite fascinating.

Thanks a bunch ...

Neil

@vicharris no clue

Some helpful tips for speeding up After Effects rendering