The last ten minutes of the day will shape tomorrow. Wrap is where you protect the work, the people, and the momentum.
Lock the footage first
– Two verified backups minimum (camera and sound), with checksums if possible.
– Label media clearly and bag it. Do not format cards until post or DIT confirms.
– Flag problem clips, circle takes, and any sync or media hiccups.
Reset the camera and gear
– Clean and cap lenses, wipe filters, and dust the sensor area if needed.
– Batteries on chargers, spare sets staged for the morning.
– Return builds to a known base state, so you do not inherit bad settings.
– Tag damaged gear and note it for rental or production before it disappears.
Write notes for the post
– Send the day’s look card updates: LUT, white balance, ISO, T-stop, filtration.
– Note scene numbers, circle takes, and any “watch for” shots (focus buzz, flare, reflections).
– Log continuity: practicals, dim levels, key directions, and any compromises made under pressure.
Plan tomorrow before you split
– Quick 5-minute huddle with director, 1st AD, gaffer, key grip, and 1st AC.
– Confirm first setup, sun path or weather notes, power plan, and any prelight needs.
– Call out must-land beats so the crew sleeps on the same target.
Close the day like a leader
– Thank departments by name. Small acknowledgments buy trust and speed.
– Check in on talent if they carried heavy scenes and confirm any special needs for tomorrow.
– Leave the space better than you found it. Respect on exit sets the tone for the call.
Wrap micro checklist
– Two backups verified and separated.
– Media labeled, signed out, and stored safely.
– Camera settings reset to base, timecode plan set for morning.
– Lenses and filters cleaned and capped.
– Look card and circle takes sent to DIT, editor, and color notes thread.
– First setup, call times, and safety notes shared.
Why it matters
Wrap well, and you start fast. You protect the image, maintain continuity, and show the crew that their work is valued. The final moments matter as much as the first.
Question for the lounge
What is your wrap ritual or backup workflow that saves you the most pain the next morning?
Great tips, Lindsay Thompson. Why shouldn't a cinematographer format cards until post or DIT confirms?
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Maurice Vaughan Here's what I generally advise for upcoming DP's or those learning about the process:
It is advisable not to format a card until you know you have two good copies and they actually play.
What “good” looks like without a DIT:
-Copy the entire card structure to two different drives. Don’t cherry-pick files.
-Check file count and folder names match the card on both copies.
-Compare the total folder size to the card’s original.
-Open your NLE or a player and spot-check clips: first, middle, last, the longest take, and anything recorded near wrap. Scrub starts and ends.
-If the camera made proxies or spanned clips, make sure they link and play cleanly.
-Label, write-protect, and bag the card. Keep a simple card log so you know what’s backed up.
Why wait? If anything’s off or a copy hiccups, the card is your only real safety net. Once you format, recovery gets a lot harder.
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Thanks for explaining, Lindsay Thompson!
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Happy to do so anytime Maurice Vaughan!
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wonderful advice Lndsay. Thumbs up
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Lindsay Thompson thank you for laying this out so clearly. That final 10 minutes really can make or break the start of the next day.