diff --git a/apps/admin/src/app/App.tsx b/apps/admin/src/app/App.tsx
index 3045dc0..3ec19e7 100644
--- a/apps/admin/src/app/App.tsx
+++ b/apps/admin/src/app/App.tsx
@@ -235,9 +235,9 @@ const getAssetSecondaryLabel = (submission: Submission | undefined) =>
 
 const getDefaultAssetIds = (payload: RepositoryState) => {
   const approvedIds = new Set(getApprovedAssets(payload).map((asset) => asset.id));
-  const favorites = payload.collections.find((collection) => collection.kind === "favorites");
-  const favoriteIds = favorites?.assetIds.filter((assetId) => approvedIds.has(assetId)) ?? [];
-  return (favoriteIds.length > 0 ? favoriteIds : Array.from(approvedIds)).slice(0, 12);
+  const curated = payload.collections.find((collection) => collection.id === "collection-curated-library");
+  const curatedIds = curated?.assetIds.filter((assetId) => approvedIds.has(assetId)) ?? [];
+  return (curatedIds.length > 0 ? curatedIds : Array.from(approvedIds)).slice(0, 12);
 };
 
 const findSceneById = (payload: RepositoryState, sceneId: string) =>
@@ -263,8 +263,7 @@ const buildParamsForScene = (
 
 const buildPresentationFromCue = (
   payload: RepositoryState,
-  cue: Cue | undefined,
-  fallbackAssetIds: string[]
+  cue: Cue | undefined
 ): SurfacePresentation | null => {
   if (!cue) {
     return null;
@@ -281,7 +280,7 @@ const buildPresentationFromCue = (
       : findCollectionAssets(payload, cue.collectionId);
 
   const assetMap = new Map(payload.photoAssets.map((asset) => [asset.id, asset] as const));
-  const assets = (cueAssetIds.length > 0 ? cueAssetIds : fallbackAssetIds)
+  const assets = cueAssetIds
     .map((assetId) => assetMap.get(assetId))
     .filter((asset): asset is PhotoAsset => Boolean(asset));
 
@@ -322,13 +321,12 @@ const getSuggestedAssetsForScene = (payload: RepositoryState, sceneId: string, f
   const approved = getApprovedAssets(payload);
   const curatedCollection = payload.collections.find((collection) => collection.id === "collection-curated-library");
   const curatedIds = new Set(curatedCollection?.assetIds ?? []);
-  const favorites = new Set(payload.collections.find((collection) => collection.kind === "favorites")?.assetIds ?? []);
   const recommendedLimit = Math.min(scene?.inputRules.maxAssets ?? 8, 12);
   const prioritized = approved
     .slice()
     .sort((left, right) => {
-      const leftScore = (curatedIds.has(left.id) ? 3 : 0) + (favorites.has(left.id) ? 2 : 0);
-      const rightScore = (curatedIds.has(right.id) ? 3 : 0) + (favorites.has(right.id) ? 2 : 0);
+      const leftScore = curatedIds.has(left.id) ? 3 : 0;
+      const rightScore = curatedIds.has(right.id) ? 3 : 0;
       return rightScore - leftScore;
     })
     .map((asset) => asset.id)
@@ -414,10 +412,10 @@ const createInitialLiveState = (payload: RepositoryState) => {
 
   return {
     cueState: armedState,
-    programPresentation: buildPresentationFromCue(payload, programCue, defaultAssetIds),
+    programPresentation: buildPresentationFromCue(payload, programCue),
     programTransition: programCue?.transitionIn ?? null,
     selectedSceneId: previewScene?.id ?? payload.scenes[0]?.id ?? "",
-    selectedAssetIds: previewCueAssetIds.length > 0
+    selectedAssetIds: previewCue
       ? previewCueAssetIds
       : previewScene
         ? getSuggestedAssetsForScene(payload, previewScene.id, defaultAssetIds)
@@ -630,10 +628,6 @@ export const App = () => {
   const canMoveSelectedCueUp = selectedCueIndex > 0 && !cueMoveInFlight;
   const canMoveSelectedCueDown = selectedCueIndex >= 0 && selectedCueIndex < cueStack.length - 1 && !cueMoveInFlight;
   const canSaveCue = Boolean(selectedScene && previewParams && !cueMutationInFlight && (!cueDraft.id || cueDraftDirty));
-  const favoriteCollection: Collection | undefined = useMemo(
-    () => state?.collections.find((collection) => collection.kind === "favorites"),
-    [state?.collections]
-  );
   const curatedCollection: Collection | undefined = useMemo(
     () => state?.collections.find((collection) => collection.id === "collection-curated-library"),
     [state?.collections]
@@ -776,7 +770,7 @@ export const App = () => {
     [previewPresentation]
   );
   const programPresentation = programOutputState?.presentation ?? null;
-  const programActivationKey = `${programOutputState?.outputRevision ?? 0}:${createPresentationStructureHash(programPresentation)}`;
+  const programActivationKey = createPresentationStructureHash(programPresentation);
 
   useEffect(() => {
     dispatchAdmin({
@@ -793,13 +787,14 @@ export const App = () => {
 
     const nextPreset = matchPresetForScene(scene, availablePresets);
     const preservedAssetIds = filterAvailableAssetIds(state, selectedAssetIds);
+    const shouldPreserveEmptySelection = selectedAssetIds.length === 0;
     dispatchAdmin({
       type: "previewSceneSelected",
       scene,
       presetId: nextPreset?.id ?? availablePresets[0]?.id ?? effectPresetLibrary[0]?.id ?? "",
       params: buildParamsForScene(scene, undefined, nextPreset),
       assetIds:
-        preservedAssetIds.length > 0
+        preservedAssetIds.length > 0 || shouldPreserveEmptySelection
           ? preservedAssetIds
           : getSuggestedAssetsForScene(state, scene.id, getDefaultAssetIds(state))
     });
@@ -827,7 +822,7 @@ export const App = () => {
       scene,
       presetId: matchedPreset?.id ?? availablePresets[0]?.id ?? effectPresetLibrary[0]?.id ?? "",
       params: buildParamsForScene(scene, cue.parameterOverrides, matchedPreset),
-      assetIds: cueAssetIds.length > 0 ? cueAssetIds : getSuggestedAssetsForScene(state, scene.id, getDefaultAssetIds(state)),
+      assetIds: cueAssetIds,
       armPreview: options.armPreview
     });
   };
@@ -851,10 +846,7 @@ export const App = () => {
     }
 
     const preset = matchPresetForScene(scene, availablePresets, draft.effectPresetId);
-    const nextAssetIds =
-      draft.assetIds && draft.assetIds.length > 0
-        ? filterAvailableAssetIds(state, draft.assetIds)
-        : getSuggestedAssetsForScene(state, scene.id, getDefaultAssetIds(state));
+    const nextAssetIds = draft.assetIds ? filterAvailableAssetIds(state, draft.assetIds) : [];
 
     dispatchAdmin({
       type: "generatedCueDraftLoaded",
@@ -1001,8 +993,16 @@ export const App = () => {
   };
 
   const setBlackout = (blackout: boolean) => {
+    if (cueState.blackout === blackout) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const programCue = programOutputState?.presentation?.cue ?? null;
+    const blackoutTransition = blackout
+      ? programCue?.transitionOut ?? defaultCueTransition
+      : programCue?.transitionIn ?? defaultCueTransition;
     dispatchAdmin({ type: "blackoutSet", blackout });
-    publishProgramOutput(programOutputState?.presentation ?? null, blackout, programOutputState?.transition ?? null);
+    publishProgramOutput(programOutputState?.presentation ?? null, blackout, blackoutTransition);
   };
 
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -1377,17 +1377,22 @@ export const App = () => {
     });
   };
 
-  const handleLoadFavorites = () => {
+  const handleLoadCuratedAssets = () => {
     if (!state) {
       return;
     }
 
-    const nextAssetIds = getDefaultAssetIds(state);
+    const approvedIds = new Set(approvedAssets.map((asset) => asset.id));
+    const curatedAssetIds = (curatedCollection?.assetIds.filter((assetId) => approvedIds.has(assetId)) ?? []).slice(0, 12);
+    const nextAssetIds = curatedAssetIds.length > 0 ? curatedAssetIds : getDefaultAssetIds(state);
     dispatchAdmin({
       type: "selectedAssetsReplaced",
       assetIds: nextAssetIds,
       metadataAssetId: nextAssetIds[0] ?? null,
-      status: "Favorites bank loaded into preview."
+      status:
+        curatedAssetIds.length > 0
+          ? "Curated library loaded into preview."
+          : "No curated images available. Loaded default approved media instead."
     });
   };
 
@@ -1749,8 +1754,8 @@ export const App = () => {
             <button onClick={handleLoadSuggestedAssets} disabled={!selectedScene}>
               Suggested media
             </button>
-            <button onClick={handleLoadFavorites} disabled={!state}>
-              Favorites
+            <button onClick={handleLoadCuratedAssets} disabled={!state}>
+              Curated
             </button>
           </div>
         </div>
@@ -1786,8 +1791,8 @@ export const App = () => {
           <button onClick={handleLoadSuggestedAssets} disabled={!selectedScene}>
             Suggested
           </button>
-          <button onClick={handleLoadFavorites} disabled={!state}>
-            Favorites
+          <button onClick={handleLoadCuratedAssets} disabled={!state}>
+            Curated
           </button>
           <button onClick={handleClearSelectedAssets} disabled={selectedAssetIds.length === 0}>
             Clear
@@ -2316,7 +2321,7 @@ export const App = () => {
             presentation={programPresentation}
             blackout={cueState.blackout}
             transition={programOutputState?.transition ?? null}
-            activationKey={`${programActivationKey}:${cueState.blackout ? "blackout" : "live"}`}
+            activationKey={programActivationKey}
             qualityProfile="program"
           />
         </div>
@@ -2532,7 +2537,7 @@ export const App = () => {
                 <div className="build-media-workarea">
                   <div className="build-media-browser">
                     <p className="bank-summary bank-summary--visible">
-                      Favorites: <strong>{favoriteCollection?.assetIds.length ?? 0}</strong> / Curated library: <strong>{curatedCollection?.assetIds.length ?? 0}</strong>
+                      Curated library: <strong>{curatedCollection?.assetIds.length ?? 0}</strong> / Approved bank: <strong>{filteredApprovedAssets.length}</strong>
                     </p>
                     {renderApprovedBank("build")}
                   </div>
diff --git a/apps/admin/src/app/ProgramOutputApp.tsx b/apps/admin/src/app/ProgramOutputApp.tsx
index 3b79f48..82a7e29 100644
--- a/apps/admin/src/app/ProgramOutputApp.tsx
+++ b/apps/admin/src/app/ProgramOutputApp.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,12 @@
 import { useCallback, useEffect, useRef, useState } from "react";
 import type { CueTransition } from "@goodgrief/shared-types";
 import { SceneViewport } from "../features/live/SceneViewport";
-import { readProgramOutputState, subscribeProgramOutput, type ProgramOutputState } from "../features/live/output-sync";
+import {
+  createPresentationStructureHash,
+  readProgramOutputState,
+  subscribeProgramOutput,
+  type ProgramOutputState
+} from "../features/live/output-sync";
 import "./output.css";
 
 const enterFullscreen = async () => {
@@ -126,7 +131,7 @@ export const ProgramOutputApp = () => {
         presentation={outputState?.presentation ?? null}
         blackout={outputState?.blackout ?? false}
         transition={transition}
-        activationKey={`${outputState?.presentationHash ?? "program-empty"}:${outputState?.outputRevision ?? 0}:${outputState?.blackout ? "blackout" : "live"}`}
+        activationKey={createPresentationStructureHash(outputState?.presentation ?? null)}
       />
       <div className={`output-overlay ${overlayVisible ? "output-overlay--visible" : ""}`}>
         <div>
diff --git a/apps/admin/src/features/live/SceneViewport.tsx b/apps/admin/src/features/live/SceneViewport.tsx
index 5cc22fd..364db31 100644
--- a/apps/admin/src/features/live/SceneViewport.tsx
+++ b/apps/admin/src/features/live/SceneViewport.tsx
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ export const SceneViewport = ({
       surface.registerMany(defaultScenePlugins);
       surface.setQualityProfile(qualityProfileRef.current);
       surface.setBusy(busyRef.current);
-      surface.setBlackout(blackoutRef.current);
+      surface.setBlackout(blackoutRef.current, null, true);
       surfaceRef.current = surface;
 
       const resize = () => {
@@ -92,8 +92,8 @@ export const SceneViewport = ({
   }, []);
 
   useEffect(() => {
-    surfaceRef.current?.setBlackout(blackout);
-  }, [blackout]);
+    surfaceRef.current?.setBlackout(blackout, transition ?? defaultTransition);
+  }, [blackout, transition]);
 
   useEffect(() => {
     surfaceRef.current?.setQualityProfile(qualityProfile);
diff --git a/packages/render-engine/src/index.ts b/packages/render-engine/src/index.ts
index 08fd9ef..4babd37 100644
--- a/packages/render-engine/src/index.ts
+++ b/packages/render-engine/src/index.ts
@@ -909,30 +909,6 @@ const createTextStrip = (
   return { mesh, texture };
 };
 
-const fallbackLoadedAssets = (definition: SceneDefinition, count: number): LoadedPhotoAsset[] => {
-  const palette = ["#98a8c0", "#d8b28f", "#b5c8d8", "#bea5d6"];
-  return Array.from({ length: count }, (_, index) => ({
-    asset: {
-      id: `${definition.sceneKey}-fallback-${index}`,
-      submissionId: definition.id,
-      originalKey: "",
-      mimeType: "placeholder",
-      processingStatus: "ready",
-      moderationStatus: "approved",
-      createdAt: new Date(0).toISOString(),
-      width: 1200,
-      height: 900
-    },
-    texture: null,
-    aspect: 4 / 3,
-    dominantColor: palette[index % palette.length] ?? "#8ea0b4",
-    sourceUrl: null
-  }));
-};
-
-const withAssets = (input: SceneActivationInput, minCount: number) =>
-  input.loadedAssets.length > 0 ? input.loadedAssets : fallbackLoadedAssets(input.definition, minCount);
-
 const combineInstances = (...instances: Array<SceneInstance | null | undefined>): SceneInstance => {
   const active = instances.filter((instance): instance is SceneInstance => Boolean(instance));
   if (active.length === 1) {
@@ -1034,7 +1010,7 @@ const buildTextOverlay = (input: SceneActivationInput): SceneInstance | null =>
     return null;
   }
 
-  const palette = paletteFromAssets(withAssets(input, 1), input.params.scenicTreatment);
+  const palette = paletteFromAssets(input.loadedAssets, input.params.scenicTreatment);
   const root = new THREE.Group();
   const textures: THREE.Texture[] = [];
   const animated: Array<{
@@ -1179,7 +1155,7 @@ const buildWitnessFloat = (input: SceneActivationInput): SceneInstance => {
   const { composition, photoTreatment } = input.params;
   const mode = input.modeKey ?? "near_witness";
   const count = clamp(1 + Math.round(composition.supportCount), 1, 3);
-  const assets = withAssets(input, count).slice(0, count);
+  const assets = input.loadedAssets.slice(0, count);
   const palette = paletteFromAssets(assets, input.params.scenicTreatment);
   const backdrop = buildBackdropSystem(input, palette);
   const root = new THREE.Group();
@@ -1240,7 +1216,7 @@ const buildPortalFrame = (input: SceneActivationInput): SceneInstance => {
   const { composition, photoTreatment } = input.params;
   const mode = input.modeKey ?? "soft_gate";
   const count = clamp(1 + Math.round(composition.supportCount), 1, 2);
-  const assets = withAssets(input, count).slice(0, count);
+  const assets = input.loadedAssets.slice(0, count);
   const palette = paletteFromAssets(assets, input.params.scenicTreatment);
   const backdrop = buildBackdropSystem(input, palette);
   const root = new THREE.Group();
@@ -1313,7 +1289,7 @@ const buildOrbitGallery = (input: SceneActivationInput): SceneInstance => {
   const { composition, photoTreatment } = input.params;
   const mode = input.modeKey ?? "halo_arc";
   const count = clamp(1 + Math.round(composition.supportCount), 1, 3);
-  const assets = withAssets(input, count).slice(0, count);
+  const assets = input.loadedAssets.slice(0, count);
   const palette = paletteFromAssets(assets, input.params.scenicTreatment);
   const backdrop = buildBackdropSystem(input, palette);
   const root = new THREE.Group();
@@ -1374,7 +1350,7 @@ const buildSuspensionField = (input: SceneActivationInput): SceneInstance => {
   const { composition, photoTreatment } = input.params;
   const mode = input.modeKey ?? "hover_shelf";
   const count = clamp(1 + Math.round(composition.supportCount), 2, 4);
-  const assets = withAssets(input, count).slice(0, count);
+  const assets = input.loadedAssets.slice(0, count);
   const palette = paletteFromAssets(assets, input.params.scenicTreatment);
   const backdrop = buildBackdropSystem(input, palette);
   const root = new THREE.Group();
@@ -1440,7 +1416,7 @@ const buildChorusArray = (input: SceneActivationInput): SceneInstance => {
   const { composition, photoTreatment } = input.params;
   const mode = input.modeKey ?? "grid_choir";
   const count = clamp(1 + Math.round(composition.supportCount), 3, 4);
-  const assets = withAssets(input, count).slice(0, count);
+  const assets = input.loadedAssets.slice(0, count);
   const palette = paletteFromAssets(assets, input.params.scenicTreatment);
   const backdrop = buildBackdropSystem(input, palette);
   const root = new THREE.Group();
@@ -1501,7 +1477,7 @@ const buildEqualCollage = (input: SceneActivationInput): SceneInstance => {
   const { composition, photoTreatment } = input.params;
   const mode = input.modeKey ?? "quadrant";
   const count = clamp(1 + Math.round(composition.supportCount), 2, 4);
-  const assets = withAssets(input, count).slice(0, count);
+  const assets = input.loadedAssets.slice(0, count);
   const palette = paletteFromAssets(assets, input.params.scenicTreatment);
   const backdrop = buildBackdropSystem(input, palette);
   const root = new THREE.Group();
@@ -1560,7 +1536,7 @@ const buildArrivalRelay = (input: SceneActivationInput): SceneInstance => {
   const { composition, photoTreatment } = input.params;
   const mode = input.modeKey ?? "edge_queue";
   const count = clamp(1 + Math.round(composition.supportCount), 1, 4);
-  const assets = withAssets(input, count).slice(0, count);
+  const assets = input.loadedAssets.slice(0, count);
   const palette = paletteFromAssets(assets, input.params.scenicTreatment);
   const backdrop = buildBackdropSystem(input, palette);
   const root = new THREE.Group();
@@ -1759,6 +1735,14 @@ interface TransitionRuntime {
   startedAtMs: number;
 }
 
+interface BlackoutRuntime {
+  fromLevel: number;
+  toLevel: number;
+  style: CueTransition["style"];
+  durationMs: number;
+  startedAtMs: number;
+}
+
 const transitionStyleToValue = (style: CueTransition["style"]) => {
   switch (style) {
     case "dissolve":
@@ -1879,6 +1863,18 @@ export class RenderSurface {
   });
   private readonly compositeFromQuad = new THREE.Mesh(new THREE.PlaneGeometry(2, 2), this.compositeFromMaterial);
   private readonly compositeToQuad = new THREE.Mesh(new THREE.PlaneGeometry(2, 2), this.compositeToMaterial);
+  private readonly blackoutQuad = new THREE.Mesh(
+    new THREE.PlaneGeometry(2, 2),
+    new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({
+      color: "#000000",
+      transparent: true,
+      opacity: 0,
+      depthWrite: false,
+      depthTest: false,
+      side: THREE.DoubleSide,
+      toneMapped: false
+    })
+  );
   private readonly shutterBars = Array.from({ length: 8 }, () =>
     new THREE.Mesh(
       new THREE.PlaneGeometry(2.4, 0.18),
@@ -1922,8 +1918,9 @@ export class RenderSurface {
   };
   private currentRuntime: SceneRuntime | null = null;
   private transitionRuntime: TransitionRuntime | null = null;
+  private blackoutRuntime: BlackoutRuntime | null = null;
   private lastFrameMs = 0;
-  private blackout = false;
+  private blackoutLevel = 0;
   private activationToken = 0;
   private activePresentationKey: string | undefined;
   private qualityProfile: SurfaceQualityProfile = "program";
@@ -1950,8 +1947,9 @@ export class RenderSurface {
 
     this.compositeFromQuad.position.z = 0;
     this.compositeToQuad.position.z = 0.01;
+    this.blackoutQuad.position.z = 0.019;
     this.veilOverlay.position.z = 0.02;
-    this.compositeScene.add(this.compositeFromQuad, this.compositeToQuad, this.veilOverlay);
+    this.compositeScene.add(this.compositeFromQuad, this.compositeToQuad, this.blackoutQuad, this.veilOverlay);
     this.shutterBars.forEach((bar, index) => {
       bar.position.set(0, 0.86 - index * 0.24, 0.03 + index * 0.001);
       this.compositeScene.add(bar);
@@ -1968,13 +1966,6 @@ export class RenderSurface {
       const deltaMs = this.lastFrameMs === 0 ? 16.6 : timestamp - this.lastFrameMs;
       this.lastFrameMs = timestamp;
 
-      if (this.blackout) {
-        this.renderer.setClearColor("#000000", 1);
-        this.renderer.setRenderTarget(null);
-        this.renderer.clear();
-        return;
-      }
-
       this.renderer.setClearColor("#040508", 1);
       const context = {
         elapsedMs: timestamp,
@@ -1989,6 +1980,7 @@ export class RenderSurface {
         this.renderRuntimeToTarget(this.transitionRuntime.from, this.fromTarget);
         this.renderRuntimeToTarget(this.transitionRuntime.to, this.toTarget);
         this.renderCompositeTransition(progress, this.transitionRuntime.style);
+        this.renderBlackoutOverlay(timestamp);
         if (progress >= 1) {
           this.finishTransition();
         }
@@ -1998,12 +1990,14 @@ export class RenderSurface {
       if (!this.currentRuntime) {
         this.renderer.setRenderTarget(null);
         this.renderer.clear();
+        this.renderBlackoutOverlay(timestamp);
         return;
       }
 
       updateSceneRuntime(this.currentRuntime, context);
       this.renderRuntimeToTarget(this.currentRuntime, this.toTarget);
       this.renderTargetToScreen(this.toTarget);
+      this.renderBlackoutOverlay(timestamp);
     });
   }
 
@@ -2061,8 +2055,33 @@ export class RenderSurface {
     }
   }
 
-  setBlackout(blackout: boolean) {
-    this.blackout = blackout;
+  setBlackout(blackout: boolean, transition?: CueTransition | null, immediate = false) {
+    const nextLevel = blackout ? 1 : 0;
+    const now = this.lastFrameMs || (typeof performance !== "undefined" ? performance.now() : 0);
+
+    if (this.blackoutRuntime) {
+      const progress = clamp((now - this.blackoutRuntime.startedAtMs) / this.blackoutRuntime.durationMs, 0, 1);
+      const eased = THREE.MathUtils.smoothstep(progress, 0, 1);
+      this.blackoutLevel = THREE.MathUtils.lerp(this.blackoutRuntime.fromLevel, this.blackoutRuntime.toLevel, eased);
+      this.blackoutRuntime = null;
+    }
+
+    if (Math.abs(nextLevel - this.blackoutLevel) < 0.001) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (immediate || !transition || transition.style === "cut" || transition.durationMs <= 0) {
+      this.blackoutLevel = nextLevel;
+      return;
+    }
+
+    this.blackoutRuntime = {
+      fromLevel: this.blackoutLevel,
+      toLevel: nextLevel,
+      style: transition.style,
+      durationMs: transition.durationMs,
+      startedAtMs: now
+    };
   }
 
   updatePresentation(presentation: SurfacePresentation | null, activationKey?: string) {
@@ -2131,6 +2150,7 @@ export class RenderSurface {
     this.toTarget.dispose();
     this.compositeFromMaterial.dispose();
     this.compositeToMaterial.dispose();
+    (this.blackoutQuad.material as THREE.Material).dispose();
     (this.veilOverlay.material as THREE.Material).dispose();
     this.shutterBars.forEach((bar) => (bar.material as THREE.Material).dispose());
     this.renderer.dispose();
@@ -2220,6 +2240,7 @@ export class RenderSurface {
     this.compositeToQuad.scale.set(1, 1, 1);
     this.compositeFromQuad.rotation.z = 0;
     this.compositeToQuad.rotation.z = 0;
+    (this.blackoutQuad.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial).opacity = 0;
 
     const veilMaterial = this.veilOverlay.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial;
     veilMaterial.opacity = 0;
@@ -2266,6 +2287,7 @@ export class RenderSurface {
     this.compositeToQuad.scale.set(1, 1, 1);
     this.compositeFromQuad.rotation.z = 0;
     this.compositeToQuad.rotation.z = 0;
+    (this.blackoutQuad.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial).opacity = 0;
     (this.veilOverlay.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial).opacity = 0;
     this.shutterBars.forEach((bar, index) => {
       const material = bar.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial;
@@ -2277,6 +2299,77 @@ export class RenderSurface {
     this.renderer.render(this.compositeScene, this.compositeCamera);
   }
 
+  private renderBlackoutOverlay(timestamp: number) {
+    let style: CueTransition["style"] = "dissolve";
+    let progress = this.blackoutLevel > 0 ? 1 : 0;
+    let toBlack = this.blackoutLevel >= 1;
+
+    if (this.blackoutRuntime) {
+      const rawProgress = clamp((timestamp - this.blackoutRuntime.startedAtMs) / this.blackoutRuntime.durationMs, 0, 1);
+      const eased = THREE.MathUtils.smoothstep(rawProgress, 0, 1);
+      this.blackoutLevel = THREE.MathUtils.lerp(this.blackoutRuntime.fromLevel, this.blackoutRuntime.toLevel, eased);
+      style = this.blackoutRuntime.style;
+      progress = eased;
+      toBlack = this.blackoutRuntime.toLevel > this.blackoutRuntime.fromLevel;
+      if (rawProgress >= 1) {
+        this.blackoutLevel = this.blackoutRuntime.toLevel;
+        this.blackoutRuntime = null;
+      }
+    }
+
+    if (this.blackoutLevel <= 0.001) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    this.compositeFromMaterial.opacity = 0;
+    this.compositeToMaterial.opacity = 0;
+    this.compositeFromQuad.position.set(0, 0, 0);
+    this.compositeToQuad.position.set(0, 0, 0.01);
+    this.compositeFromQuad.scale.set(1, 1, 1);
+    this.compositeToQuad.scale.set(1, 1, 1);
+    this.compositeFromQuad.rotation.z = 0;
+    this.compositeToQuad.rotation.z = 0;
+
+    const blackoutMaterial = this.blackoutQuad.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial;
+    blackoutMaterial.opacity = clamp(this.blackoutLevel, 0, 1);
+    this.blackoutQuad.position.set(0, 0, 0.019);
+    this.blackoutQuad.scale.set(1, 1, 1);
+    this.blackoutQuad.rotation.z = 0;
+
+    const veilMaterial = this.veilOverlay.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial;
+    veilMaterial.opacity = 0;
+
+    this.shutterBars.forEach((bar, index) => {
+      const material = bar.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial;
+      material.opacity = 0;
+      bar.position.set(0, 0.86 - index * 0.24, 0.03 + index * 0.001);
+    });
+
+    if (style === "mist_reveal" && this.blackoutRuntime) {
+      veilMaterial.opacity = (0.02 + this.blackoutLevel * 0.08) * Math.sin(progress * Math.PI);
+      blackoutMaterial.opacity = clamp(this.blackoutLevel * 1.02, 0, 1);
+    } else if (style === "depth_drift" && this.blackoutRuntime) {
+      const offset = (toBlack ? 1 - progress : progress - 1) * 0.06;
+      this.blackoutQuad.position.x = offset;
+      this.blackoutQuad.scale.set(1.03, 1, 1);
+      veilMaterial.opacity = Math.sin(progress * Math.PI) * 0.05;
+    } else if (style === "shutter_reveal" && this.blackoutRuntime) {
+      blackoutMaterial.opacity = clamp(Math.max(this.blackoutLevel, toBlack ? progress * 0.82 : this.blackoutLevel), 0, 1);
+      this.shutterBars.forEach((bar, index) => {
+        const material = bar.material as THREE.MeshBasicMaterial;
+        const bandProgress = THREE.MathUtils.clamp((progress - index * 0.05) / 0.45, 0, 1);
+        material.opacity = (1 - bandProgress) * 0.3;
+        bar.position.x = toBlack ? -1.2 + bandProgress * 2.4 : 1.2 - bandProgress * 2.4;
+      });
+    }
+
+    const previousAutoClear = this.renderer.autoClear;
+    this.renderer.autoClear = false;
+    this.renderer.setRenderTarget(null);
+    this.renderer.render(this.compositeScene, this.compositeCamera);
+    this.renderer.autoClear = previousAutoClear;
+  }
+
   private finishTransition() {
     if (!this.transitionRuntime) {
       return;
@@ -2303,6 +2396,7 @@ export class RenderSurface {
       disposeSceneRuntime(this.transitionRuntime.to);
       this.transitionRuntime = null;
     }
+    this.blackoutRuntime = null;
     this.activePresentationKey = undefined;
   }
 
diff --git a/packages/shared-types/src/mock.ts b/packages/shared-types/src/mock.ts
index 26fb931..71fb8bc 100644
--- a/packages/shared-types/src/mock.ts
+++ b/packages/shared-types/src/mock.ts
@@ -28,16 +28,6 @@ export const defaultCollections: Collection[] = [
     assetIds: [],
     tagIds: ["tag-archive", "tag-portrait"]
   },
-  {
-    id: "collection-favorites",
-    name: "Favorites",
-    kind: "favorites",
-    createdAt: new Date().toISOString(),
-    description: "Operator-trusted images for flexible live use.",
-    locked: false,
-    assetIds: [],
-    tagIds: ["tag-portrait", "tag-quiet"]
-  },
   {
     id: "collection-choir-swell",
     name: "Choir Swell",
diff --git a/packages/shared-types/src/scenes.ts b/packages/shared-types/src/scenes.ts
index 4ac9f9f..56f1d61 100644
--- a/packages/shared-types/src/scenes.ts
+++ b/packages/shared-types/src/scenes.ts
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ export const defaultSceneDefinitions: SceneDefinition[] = [
     complexity: "medium",
     performanceRisk: "low",
     inputRules: {
-      minAssets: 1,
+      minAssets: 0,
       maxAssets: 3,
       recommendedTags: ["portrait", "hands", "still life", "quiet"]
     },
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ export const defaultSceneDefinitions: SceneDefinition[] = [
     complexity: "medium",
     performanceRisk: "low",
     inputRules: {
-      minAssets: 1,
+      minAssets: 0,
       maxAssets: 2,
       recommendedTags: ["portrait", "window", "still life"]
     },
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ export const defaultSceneDefinitions: SceneDefinition[] = [
     complexity: "medium",
     performanceRisk: "medium",
     inputRules: {
-      minAssets: 1,
+      minAssets: 0,
       maxAssets: 3,
       recommendedTags: ["portrait", "flowers", "still life", "archive"]
     },
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ export const defaultSceneDefinitions: SceneDefinition[] = [
     complexity: "medium",
     performanceRisk: "low",
     inputRules: {
-      minAssets: 2,
+      minAssets: 0,
       maxAssets: 4,
       recommendedTags: ["portrait", "family", "still life", "room"]
     },
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ export const defaultSceneDefinitions: SceneDefinition[] = [
     complexity: "medium",
     performanceRisk: "low",
     inputRules: {
-      minAssets: 3,
+      minAssets: 0,
       maxAssets: 4,
       recommendedTags: ["family", "portrait", "group", "archive"]
     },
@@ -289,7 +289,7 @@ export const defaultSceneDefinitions: SceneDefinition[] = [
     complexity: "medium",
     performanceRisk: "medium",
     inputRules: {
-      minAssets: 2,
+      minAssets: 0,
       maxAssets: 4,
       recommendedTags: ["portrait", "still life", "room", "window"]
     },
@@ -323,7 +323,7 @@ export const defaultSceneDefinitions: SceneDefinition[] = [
     complexity: "low",
     performanceRisk: "low",
     inputRules: {
-      minAssets: 1,
+      minAssets: 0,
       maxAssets: 4,
       recommendedTags: ["live", "portrait", "recent"]
     },
diff --git a/services/api/src/state-store.ts b/services/api/src/state-store.ts
index e767b59..eb96491 100644
--- a/services/api/src/state-store.ts
+++ b/services/api/src/state-store.ts
@@ -198,7 +198,8 @@ const ensureSafeCue = (cues: Cue[]) => {
 
 const mergeCollections = (state: RepositoryState, importedAssetIds: string[]) => {
   const defaultCollectionIds = new Set(defaultCollections.map((collection) => collection.id));
-  const existingCollectionMap = new Map(state.collections.map((collection) => [collection.id, collection] as const));
+  const existingCollections = state.collections.filter((collection) => collection.kind !== "favorites");
+  const existingCollectionMap = new Map(existingCollections.map((collection) => [collection.id, collection] as const));
 
   const mergedDefaults = defaultCollections.map((collection) => {
     const existing = existingCollectionMap.get(collection.id);
@@ -218,7 +219,7 @@ const mergeCollections = (state: RepositoryState, importedAssetIds: string[]) =>
         };
   });
 
-  const customCollections = state.collections
+  const customCollections = existingCollections
     .filter((collection) => !defaultCollectionIds.has(collection.id))
     .map((collection) => ({
       ...collection,
@@ -296,7 +297,7 @@ const buildGeneratedCueDraft = (state: RepositoryState, payload: CueGeneratePayl
   const usablePool =
     assetPool.length >= scene.inputRules.minAssets ? assetPool : approvedAssets;
   const maxAssets = Math.min(scene.inputRules.maxAssets ?? usablePool.length, usablePool.length);
-  const minAssets = Math.min(scene.inputRules.minAssets, maxAssets);
+  const minAssets = Math.min(Math.max(scene.inputRules.minAssets, usablePool.length > 0 ? 1 : 0), maxAssets);
   const assetCount = Math.max(minAssets, Math.round(random(minAssets, maxAssets + 0.49)));
   const selectedAssets = shuffle(usablePool).slice(0, assetCount);
 
@@ -543,10 +544,6 @@ export class StateStore {
           submission.status = "approved_all";
           asset.moderationStatus = "approved";
           asset.approvedAt = new Date().toISOString();
-          const favorites = state.collections.find((collection) => collection.kind === "favorites");
-          if (favorites && !favorites.assetIds.includes(assetId)) {
-            favorites.assetIds.unshift(assetId);
-          }
         } else {
           submission.status = "pending_moderation";
         }
@@ -619,13 +616,6 @@ export class StateStore {
         })
       );
 
-      if (payload.decision === "approved") {
-        const favorites = state.collections.find((collection) => collection.kind === "favorites");
-        if (favorites && !favorites.assetIds.includes(assetId)) {
-          favorites.assetIds.unshift(assetId);
-        }
-      }
-
       if (payload.collectionIds?.length) {
         const collections = state.collections.filter((collection) => payload.collectionIds?.includes(collection.id));
         for (const collection of collections) {