DaVinci Resolve 18's collaborative Cloud workflow is a game-changer for production companies that need to manage multiple projects and editors simultaneously. This innovative feature allows teams to work together on the same project, no matter where they are, with seamless integration and real-time Collaboration. This makes it the ideal choice for companies with large projects, multiple editors, and a need for a streamlined workflow.
Element 7 has utilized Collaborative Cloud workflows for the past year. This has been especially helpful when editing projects with tight turnaround times or managing multiple videos and timelines for a single client in one place. For example, editing from a shared RAID or having an editor work from home with a copy of the footage on an SSD, we've never had obscene technical issues due to switching to Collaborative Workflow for projects that require it.
While Davinci Resolve 18 introduced and continues adding new features, this blog will specifically focus on the setup and benefits of Collaborative Workflow.
Setting up Collaboration is easier than ever before. First, you'll want to create an account for Blackmagic Cloud. For $5 a month, you can store your shared Library and projects on a Cloud Project Server with several users.
The account that creates the Library is now effectively the admin. You can also manage Library Backups and restore from previous versions through this site. However, each user you'd like to access your Project Server must create a free account to be invited to the Library. These users cannot manage backups or payment information with their accounts.
Once you've made an account and set up the Project Library, Open Davinci Resolve 18 and click on the cloud icon on the top left. Here you'll sign in to your Blackmagic Cloud.
Once signed in, you can create projects or project folders as needed. To enable a project for Collaboration, open your project, go to file, and near the bottom of the list is Single User Project or Multiple User Collaboration. Click Multiple User Collaboration, and now you're ready to Edit Collaboratively. Your project will also indicate Collaborative Workflow is enabled in the project manager.
Davinci Resolve Implements a System to help manage updates and changes to bins and timelines. If a user clicks on a Bin, they effectively own it and any assets stored in it. This includes media, timelines, and even Sub Bins. When someone has accessed a bin, their initials will display on the right side of the bin in the media pool. In addition, when changes are made within a bin, a colored refresh button will appear next to the user's initials who made said changes. This refresh button shows up when a user has made color changes or edit changes to a timeline and other places within a project—allowing each user to easily see what changes are made when necessary without disrupting their Workflow.
For production companies, the benefits of the collaborative Cloud workflow in DaVinci Resolve 18 are numerous. With a shared database, editors can access the same media files, project information, and timeline, making it easy to coordinate and share changes with the rest of the team. This helps keep projects on track, reduces the risk of data loss, and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Utilizing multiple editors to manage large projects is an excellent way to minimize video turnaround times. With the collaborative Cloud workflow in DaVinci Resolve 18, it is possible to have multiple editors working on different parts of the same project at the same time, streamlining the post-production process and reducing the time it takes to complete projects.
In conclusion, DaVinci Resolve 18’s collaborative Cloud workflow is a powerful tool that benefits production companies by streamlining the post-production process and enabling real-time collaboration between multiple editors and projects. With seamless integration, a shared database, and secure access controls, it makes it easier to manage projects and keep everyone on the same page. Whether you are working on a large project with multiple editors or simply need to keep everyone on the same page, DaVinci Resolve 18’s collaborative Cloud workflow is the ideal choice for a production company that needs to stay organized and efficient.