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Naming conventions and deliverables

Naming files is both a hassle and inevitable. Some clients prefer a specific format; some studios and artists have their own. If the clients have a particular way, make it easy for them and follow their system. Occasionally a brief will have the camera naming conventions set; follow that so they know straight away you understand their needs.

Starting with the simplest, easiest file-naming convention is best.

The formats

Start at the top. Add a job number or a date only if you actually need one.

Simple

The one to default to.

  • Project name_Cam_01.jpg
  • Client name_Cam_01.jpg

With a job number

If you have a project or client numbering system.

  • 1111_Project name_Cam_01.jpg
  • 1111_Client name_Cam_01.jpg

With a date

Useful on staged projects. Year, then month, then day.

  • 2027_01_01_Project name_Cam_01.jpg
  • 2027_01_01_Client name_Cam_01.jpg

Date and job number

Everything, when a project runs long enough to need it.

  • 2027_01_01_1111_Project name_Cam_01.jpg
  • 2027_01_01_1111_Client name_Cam_01.jpg
Copy these literally, underscores and all. The date form puts the year first on purpose: it sorts correctly and it searches years later.

Deliverables. Using the above naming conventions becomes universal across projects, clients, file types and years. It’s good to have a personal or company standard, but be prepared to change it for clients; it makes their life easier and it’s not that difficult to change file names in bulk.

Sizes. 4k renders are pretty standard now. Some clients ask for more, but it doesn’t achieve much more. That is changing.

What to send

Three versions of a render, two of an animation. Covers print, screen and email.

Renders

Three files per image.

  • High-res TIFF the archival and print version
  • JPG at 300dpi high quality, still placeable
  • Emailable JPG 1 to 2 megabytes, 2k

Animations

Two files per piece.

  • 1080p to 4k master ProRes, or similar
  • 2k mp4 for easy distribution
From experience, not a standard. The emailable version matters more than people expect: it is the one that actually gets forwarded around a client's office.

Sending to clients. The easiest way is to send it from Propagio, inside your project. That completes the project circuit, enables watermarking if payments are slow, and protects the outputs, keeping everyone honest and accountable. I have heard too many stories about payments not being paid, and the one and only leverage an artist has is watermarked work. I have been caught out in the early days, and it is just awkward, especially if everyone thinks they are right and a resolution cannot be reached.

Granted, some payments are difficult, especially through a large business, as there is a process and some government laws need to be followed, like in Australia (ie: counter-terrorism and money laundering).

I hope this helps someone,
Thanks for reading.
Luke