The Conform process involves switching the editor’s low-resolution reference files with the final, high-resolution, composited image sequences, ensuring every single frame is accounted for and correctly placed. This highly technical step confirms that the final, rendered picture assets perfectly match the locked edit timeline before the last artistic pass can begin. Any small mismatch at this stage must be fixed before proceeding to the final color work.

Color Grading is the final artistic pass on the film, where a Colorist manipulates the color, contrast, and brightness of the entire production to achieve the ultimate cinematic look. This process can significantly alter the mood of a scene, enhancing realism or pushing a stylized aesthetic far beyond the initial concept. Grading ensures consistency across all shots, correcting any slight color variations introduced during rendering or compositing and making the entire film visually cohesive.

The final deliverable for theatrical release is the Digital Cinema Package (DCP), a highly secure, encrypted digital file format that contains the locked picture, the final sound mix, and the color grade. Creating the DCP involves strict adherence to industry standards for encryption, file structure, and technical specifications, making it a highly specialized final technical step. The DCP is the format that theaters around the world use for projection.