HDR-First & Simultaneous Deliverables: Grading and Review Workflow Changes?

Hey everyone,

I'm Megan, a Script Supervisor, and I'm seeing more and more projects demanding both HDR and SDR deliverables simultaneously. I’ve worked on a few features recently shot on an ALEXA Mini and a KOMODO-X, and it feels like the initial color grading pass, and especially client review sessions, are getting a bit more complicated with this HDR-first approach.

My usual routine was a pretty straightforward SDR pass, with any HDR derived from that. Now, when we're trying to establish the look from the get-go, often with a director and DP who are used to SDR monitors, it feels like we're constantly juggling. We've tried having both monitors side-by-side, but sometimes the 'feel' in HDR doesn't translate perfectly to SDR without specific adjustments, which then affects the HDR again. It's a bit of a loop.

How has this increasing demand changed your approach to that very first grade? And what strategies are you using for client review sessions when you need to sign off on both HDR and SDR looks at the same time? Any insights would be hugely appreciated.