Post production for Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” relied on a cloud-based solution using DaVinci Resolve Studio, facilitating collaboration among teams in New Zealand, Los Angeles, and Idaho. Producer Ron Ames needed an approach that allowed real-time review and color correction without geographical limitations.
Cloud-Based Workflow
The project involved 786 hours of shot footage and 24,659 takes, equating to the equivalent of four two-hour features. Collaborators shared media stored in the cloud, with real-time previews and no limitations on location. Ames described this as a dream come true.
Development Process
Blackmagic Design worked closely with Company 3’s engineering team to create a post-production studio in the cloud, featuring color-precise HDR monitoring synced live at each location. The solution was built on AWS architecture, allowing media manipulation and conformance as if everyone were in the same location.
Real-Time Collaboration
Skip Kimball, senior colorist, used DaVinci Resolve Studio to grade from his home studio in Eagle, Idaho. Ron Ames, Jake Rice, and Jason Smith worked in New Zealand. Changes made by Kimball were instantly visible to the team abroad, minimizing latency.
Color Grading Techniques
Kimball employed Dolby Vision for grading, utilizing Resolve’s HDR controls. The process involved creating a show LUT with film-style characteristics and adjusting specific parts of images through fine-tuned HDR parameters. Different looks were applied to various storylines, such as earthy tones for Harfoot scenes and vibrant hues for Númenorean castles.
Impact on Modern Filmmaking
The cloud-based workflow proved beneficial not just for large-scale productions like “The Rings of Power” but also for independent films. Ames emphasized the importance of real-time collaboration, stating it was as exciting as the final result.