Mastering Blackmagic Cloud: Sync and Archive Strategies

Blackmagic Cloud offers many advantages for collaborative video editing, but we've found it also presents some unique challenges. In our recent video, we address common questions and concerns about using Blackmagic Cloud, including archiving projects and syncing media across multiple editors, plus a handy hack for proxy-only setups.

The Breakdown

Reduced Cloud Storage Pricing

Blackmagic Cloud storage is now $15 per terabyte, a significant reduction from the previous $30. This makes cloud storage more accessible, enabling cost-effective cloud-based workflows.

Cloud Media Manager

Blackmagic has added a feature allowing users to scrub and view metadata for proxy media files directly in the cloud interface. This allows non-editorial team members to review media without DaVinci Resolve or local access.

Syncing Originals vs Proxies

A common problem with Blackmagic Cloud is how to sync original media files when some editors are set to "proxy only".

Here’s our workaround:

1. Quit Resolve.

2. Eject your media drive.

3. Relaunch Resolve.

4. Change settings to ‘Sync Proxies and Originals’ to force the sync.

This will force Resolve to download the original files from the cloud. While not elegant, it's a functional solution until Blackmagic offers more granular control over sync settings.

File Types that Sync No Matter What

Certain file types, such as audio files, still images, and ancillary files, will always sync regardless of proxy settings. According to Blackmagic product specialist Shawn Carlson, this also includes stacked EXR and open DPX files.

Archiving Projects

Archiving requires a multi-step process:

1. Consolidate all project media, including files from the cloud sync folder, onto a local drive or NAS.

2. Clear the cache in Resolve (Playback > Manage Render Cache) to free up additional space.

3. Delete the project library from the cloud.

4. Delete the project media from the cloud via the Blackmagic Cloud website.

5. Delete local cloud storage files to free up space.

It's important to note that deleting a project from the cloud library does not automatically delete the associated media files in cloud storage.

Future Improvements 

Blackmagic is considering adding more granular control over what can be uploaded and downloaded with proxies, which would address the current limitations in media syncing. According to Carlson, "it's quite likely that we're going to get to a greater degree of granularity” in the future.

Final Take

Blackmagic Cloud offers compelling features for collaborative video editing, but we think it's essential to understand its quirks and limitations. As Blackmagic continues to develop its cloud services, we can expect further improvements in media management and syncing capabilities, making it an even more powerful tool for video production teams.