Problem
RAW clips require metadata interpretation changes that alter exposure after the edit has already been approved.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Camera RAW formats (RED R3D, ARRI RAW, Blackmagic RAW, ProRes RAW) store sensor data linearly with dynamic metadata controlling exposure index, white balance, and gamma curve. When an editor or assistant modifies clip metadata in the NLE's Camera RAW settings after the colorist or director has already approved an initial grade, the underlying raw debayer values shift globally. This changes exposure and contrast across approved scenes, destabilizing downstream grading and compositing work.
Actionable Fix:
1. Lock Camera RAW project settings before color grading begins, or save approved RAW settings as a dedicated Camera RAW preset across all bins.
2. If exposure modifications are necessary, perform them via color grading nodes/curves on the Color page rather than altering the global Camera RAW debayer metadata.
3. Compare timeline clip luminance against approved reference stills in the NLE gallery to ensure zero unauthorized exposure drift.
Pro Tip:
In collaborative multi-seat environments, restrict permissions to Camera RAW source settings, requiring color adjustments to be executed purely inside color node pipelines.
Camera RAW formats (RED R3D, ARRI RAW, Blackmagic RAW, ProRes RAW) store sensor data linearly with dynamic metadata controlling exposure index, white balance, and gamma curve. When an editor or assistant modifies clip metadata in the NLE's Camera RAW settings after the colorist or director has already approved an initial grade, the underlying raw debayer values shift globally. This changes exposure and contrast across approved scenes, destabilizing downstream grading and compositing work.
Actionable Fix:
1. Lock Camera RAW project settings before color grading begins, or save approved RAW settings as a dedicated Camera RAW preset across all bins.
2. If exposure modifications are necessary, perform them via color grading nodes/curves on the Color page rather than altering the global Camera RAW debayer metadata.
3. Compare timeline clip luminance against approved reference stills in the NLE gallery to ensure zero unauthorized exposure drift.
Pro Tip:
In collaborative multi-seat environments, restrict permissions to Camera RAW source settings, requiring color adjustments to be executed purely inside color node pipelines.