A system receives an indication to generate a filter graph representing a user-defined development project. Media sources that are to be used in the user-defined development project are identified and a programming grid is establishing that incorporates a user's editing instructions. A matrix switch filter is generated based, at least in part, on the programming grid. The filter graph is assembled and comprises a plurality of individual filters. Buffer size and attribute characteristics are negotiated between an input/output of the matrix switch filter and an input/output of adjacent filters. Negotiated buffers are utilized to communicate media content between the matrix switch filter and adjacent filters by sharing a common buffer between inputs and outputs.