Since this is a feature from DaVinci Resolve that I would like to make more use of in the future, I’ve decided to dedicate this blog to Remote Grading. (*Update: Please note that further software advancements have been made since this blog was published. For more information, see BlackMagicDesign remote and collaborative grading, thanks)
In DaVinci Resolve ‘Remote Grading’ allows you to ‘remotely’ control and grade on another system containing the same media.
Two DaVinci Resolve systems are synchronised over an internet connection, adjustments are made on the colourist system and are applied to the client/viewing DaVinci Resolve software in real-time.
Deliverables can be rendered on either system once the grade is done, saving time and money.
Clients/ directors/ producers or sister companies can sit through a grading session live whilst the colourist works remotely.
In my case, this was tested in collaboration with RawPost, a boutique post-production facility based in Fitzrovia, central London, whilst I was based in my office in South London.

So how does it work and what do you need to do to make it work?
(assuming you are working on a MAC) you need:
- A full version of Resolve on both machines
- Same software versions on each computer
-Similar environments and set up, monitors should have the same display resolution, colour space, etc and similar room lighting.
-Both Projects to be identical, the media along with the conformed and prepped Resolve project should be sent to the client and set up on their machine* (*this can be done remotely too using an Internet-based remote access software such as Teamviewer.
-Both projects to have the same number of clips, they MUST be identical.
Codecs don’t have to match.
Then comes the tricky part, the internet connection must be set up between both machines. (remember you will need time to test and confirm the connection between both machines before your session).
To establish connection you will need:
-Your WAN/Public Internet address (you can find it through MyIPaddress.com)
-You will need to identify your local IP address from your local network. You can usually locate this in System Preference under Network.
Once you have identified your local Network address (usually http:// 196.168.0.0 or http:// 196.168.0.1) you can enter this as a URL in your browser and have access to your local router/firewall configuration.
Once you have accessed the configuration settings of your router, you will need to set up some kind of VPN communication, to enable your router and computer to be visible* on the Internet (*do set everything back to its original configuration once your grading session is complete for security reasons).
To enable your computer to become visible on the Internet you need to:
-Enable remote access under DMZ (in some cases you may have to create and use Port Forward to set up a port if all fails).
-Allow ‘Pass through’ under Firewall (IPSec/PPTP/Multicast)
and switch Port and IP detection off.
Save your new configurations and leave your local network.
Then you will have to go to your System Preferences > Security and Privacy and click on the ‘Firewall option” and add DaVinci Resolve to the list.
Finally, you can send your IP address to your client/director.
He/she will have to click cmd G and enter your ip address… (leave the port to 15000, unless you had to set a port manually when setting up your network connection).
The colourist will have to accept the connection to establish communication between both machine.

Once the grade is complete, disconnect. All the finishing (render/exports etc) can be done on the 'client's setup. Please note, LUTs and certain VFX cannot be used in this grading session.
I hope you find this step-by-step useful, please drop me a line if you have any questions.
Enjoy and thanks for reading.
(2016/2017 blog)