IMF

IMF (Interoperable Master Format) is a SMPTE-standardized, componentized master: instead of one flat file, it stores video, audio and subtitles as separate track files, assembled by a CPL (Composition Playlist — an XML saying “play this video, with this audio, with these subtitles, in this order”). A PKL (Packing List) inventories the files; an asset map links asset IDs to filenames. The payoff: a QC fix to a few frames means delivering a new CPL plus a short insert, not the whole program; a new language means swapping the audio track and replacing only the few shots with on-screen text. Netflix uses IMF App2E (Application 2 Extended), which supports HDR and high frame rate. For a colorist, versions are cheap and re-deliveries are surgical — it’s the standard streaming master.

First used in: 3.8 · Deliverables & QC