Inside the Review Room: How to Run (and Survive) VFX & Animation Dailies Like a Pro
- Mayhem Production Management
- Dec 18, 2025
- 3 min read
If you’re stepping into production for the first time, VFX & Animation dailies can feel like stepping into a high-stakes movie scene of their own. The lights are dim, the shots start rolling, and all eyes are glued to the screen, including the supervisors, producers, and directors.
For a Production Coordinator or Assistant, dailies are one of the most important (and nerve-wracking) parts of your day. They’re where progress gets reviewed, feedback is shared, and next steps are set.
Let’s break down what to expect, how to prepare, and the unspoken rules that’ll help you survive (and maybe even enjoy) your first few sessions.
What Are VFX & Animation Dailies Dailies?
“Dailies” are daily review sessions where departments present their work-in-progress - for feedback and approval.
Supervisors and leads watch each asset / shot, provide notes, and decide whether it’s ready to move forward or needs revisions. Coordinators are the glue holding it all together, making sure:
The right assets/shots are ready and loaded.
Feedback is recorded accurately.
Follow-up actions are assigned and tracked in your production software.
Before Dailies: Prep Is Everything
Preparation is your best friend. Here’s what you should do before the session begins:
Confirm the Schedule
Double-check the meeting time, attendees, and whether it’s in person, virtual, or hybrid.
Review the Dailies List
Pull a list of shots or assets scheduled for review (from Flow Production Tracking
(ShotGrid) etc).
Check Version Numbers
Nothing derails dailies faster than showing the wrong version. Confirm artists have uploaded the latest versions.
Set Up the Room (or Call)
Test the projector or screen-share. Make sure sound works - there’s always that one person who forgets to unmute.
During Dailies: Stay Sharp
Unless the room is on fire (or someone’s sharing the wrong shot), let the creative conversation flow. Your role is to listen, capture, and clarify later.
Your key tasks during dailies:
Take detailed notes: Especially decisions, priorities, and feedback wording.
Track the status of each asset/shot as it’s reviewed.
If unsure, clarify the feedback before moving on!
After Dailies: Follow-Up Like a Pro
The review isn’t over when the meeting ends, that’s just when your real work begins.
Log Notes Promptly
Update Flow Production Tracking (ShotGrid) with each asset’s/shot’s feedback and new status.
Cross-Check Everything
Before moving on, make sure notes match what was said in the room, not just what was written down.
Distribute Notes Clearly
Send a quick, structured summary to your team. Make it easy for artists to know what’s next.
Confirm Deadlines
If assets/shots were assigned revisions, confirm the next review date or delivery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced coordinators slip up sometimes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:
Forgetting to Record Versions: Always note which version was reviewed or approved. It saves hours of confusion later.
Over-Documenting: Capture key takeaways, not every word. You’re not transcribing a podcast.
Not Following Up: A missed update can mean a missed delivery. Confirm everything.
Panicking When Tech Fails: It happens to everyone. Have a backup link, backup laptop, and backup coffee. 😎
Why Dailies Matter
Dailies are more than just feedback sessions, they’re where communication happens in real time.
For coordinators, they build your reputation as someone who:
Stays organized under pressure
Keeps feedback clear and actionable
Ensures everyone leaves knowing what to do next
Want to Learn How to Run Dailies Like a Pro?
The Mayhem VFX & Animation Production Coordinator Course teaches you everything from running review sessions to managing assets & shots, tracking & scheduling, deliveries & reporting, and communication across departments.
You’ll learn hands-on, hear from professionals at top studios, and gain the confidence to manage real studio workflows.
Comments