How to give/transfer HVX200a files to clueless client?

H

High1ander

Well-known member
I will be shooting on the HVX200a on a P2 card for an interview. For my purpose the interview will be shot on miniDV tape, later on though the interviewie wants some additional footage shot on HD (P2 card), about 10 min. I haven't been given any specifications what format/style/reason yet. But I just wonder how I should transfer the files to the Interviewie. I have a harddrive set up so that I can use the camera as a host and transfer the files to the harddrive. Then I should be able to hook that harddrive up to the interviewies computer (be that Mac or PC doesn't matter due to Fat 32 formatting). I just wonder if that is the correct/easy way to transfer files over. I don't expect the computer that I am transferring the files to having any editing software or so. But what should I tell the interviewie in how to go about to watch/use the clips? Because the clips will not be viewable in a "regular" (non-editing software) computer and be in .MXF format.

I just want to make sure that what I leave behind will be easy for any production company to deal with.

Edit: I don't know if this belongs in the workflow section...
 
I'd get the missing information from the client - "what format/style/reason" - as the answers to those questions will determine the answer to yours.
 
Jim Simon said:
I'd get the missing information from the client - "what format/style/reason" - as the answers to those questions will determine the answer to yours.
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Well, will it change the actual way of transferring the files by changing framerates, resolution, gamma, etc? I don't think I will get that stuff until I am there...

It is sort of funny, I am just the camera-man. the shoot was just supposed to be about the interviewie, then he wanted some additional footage. Yesterday I was told also that I needed to take some shots of the other camera man working for another production company that is making a documentary or something about him.

So, all in all, I probably gonna shot 3 different formats, only 2 that needs to be digitally transfered for someone else to work with.

My concern is just that doing a HDD transfer from the camera is something that a production house would have any problems working with?
 
David S. said:
It shouldn't.

However, will the interviewee be able to edit it on his/her PC?
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The guys is more connected and richer than God, so I don't know if he is doing it for himself like a promo or something or if it is like the other guy, the camera-man where a production company asked for some footage.

But it is good to know.

I just don't want to limit the material for whoever that is gonna use it. As I understand once you import to Mac you can't go to PC without raylight and all that crap. So I assume the files, MXF are "pure" and untouched.
 
The most basic answer to this question is that the files as they are written on the card should be transfered in the same struture to the HDD. The way I would do it is is that each card would be transferred to its own folder. I would use either P2CMS, P2 Log or P2 Genie. Google and you should be able to find sources for these. P2CMS is free from Panasonic, but it is not the most intuitive program, but cool once you figure it out.

Leaving the folders in the originally recorded format, known as the MXF folders, you will find that the files are the most universal and can be imported to PC or Mac.

Hope this helps,

Jan
 
Jan_Crittenden said:
The most basic answer to this question is that the files as they are written on the card should be transfered in the same struture to the HDD. The way I would do it is is that each card would be transferred to its own folder. I would use either P2CMS, P2 Log or P2 Genie. Google and you should be able to find sources for these. P2CMS is free from Panasonic, but it is not the most intuitive program, but cool once you figure it out.

Leaving the folders in the originally recorded format, known as the MXF folders, you will find that the files are the most universal and can be imported to PC or Mac.

Hope this helps,

Jan
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Thanks!

Sorry for being slow. But should I take it as I should just copy the stuff to let say an external HDD using Firewire and letting the camera format/partion AND THEN use P2CMS, P2 log or P2 Genie, or should I use those for the actual transfering? The problem is that I won't have an Intel based Mac with me (P2CMS requires that according to the install instructions), or a PC.

I would really just be able to go to the interviewee "hey, I transferred the files to your assistant's computer, you will need this program (P2CMS) to work with it. Just tell whoever you gonna have editing this that it is shot on the HVX200a camera with X/Y settings". I would prefer not to install things on his computer.

If I would shot on film it would be like once the tape is finished I'd hand over the film and tell him "you need to get this developed"...

Sorry for asking such hazzeling questions. I really appreaciate the answers!
 
fish_antlers said:
fedex
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That could work. I have no idea when they expect to get the videos, so it could work. Still though, I only have a 16 GB card. Which in worst case will only give me 16 min. Then I need to offload and delete on the card.

My boss that I am working for got the HVX200a to finish a SD project (300+ hours), but to remain HD capabilities for later projects, therefore I haven't worked out a good workflow for him in using P2 cards or anything really :/
 
fish_antlers said:
go to costco, buy a 250 gb WD drive for $99, offload your files to it, and then fedex them the drive.
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I all ready have a drive that works with the camera, about 160 GB external, which the camera can offload to. I just wondered if that is "standard operating procedure" that doesn't limit the people whom are gonna use the media, which I guess is OK since it doesn't conform it to quicktime.
 
High1ander said:
I all ready have a drive that works with the camera, about 160 GB external, which the camera can offload to. I just wondered if that is "standard operating procedure" that doesn't limit the people whom are gonna use the media, which I guess is OK since it doesn't conform it to quicktime.
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I dont understand your question...

data is data... no one is going to be editing any files directly off your P2 card... they're going to transfer it to their system....
 
fish_antlers said:
I dont understand your question...

data is data... no one is going to be editing any files directly off your P2 card... they're going to transfer it to their system....
Click to expand...

Data is data. But once you conform the MXF files to quicktime there is no going back, i.e. you are more or less locked to Mac/FCP.

I just don't want to have anyone who is gonna use it forced to work on a PC or a Mac. I just want to make sure I'll give them the files, the data, before it has been tampered with. When the camera itselfs transfer to an HDD it transfers it in MXF-files, which is the unspoiled format (not that quicktime degrades the picture, it just locks one to work with Macs).

Anyways, what I will do is offload it to the external HDD when I am done or when full on the 16 GB card, and then I will hook that external HDD to whatever computer he has available.
 
I'd give him the Quicktime files instead, makes your client more happy more work on your part but at the end you have a happier and less stressful outcome. I always give the client the quicktime files unless they are familiar with the log and transfer using the folder and file options.
 
HVXSHROPSHIRE said:
I'd give him the Quicktime files instead, makes your client more happy more work on your part but at the end you have a happier and less stressful outcome. I always give the client the quicktime files unless they are familiar with the log and transfer using the folder and file options.
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I don't know how I would be able to do so right now though :/

Still, this guy has produced Acadamy Award winning movies and a bunch of other things last 50 years, so he won't have any problem hiring someone or sending the files to someone to deal with it. The other thing is true for the camera-man as well.

But I thank you for the suggestion (I will just not be able to fulfill it)!
 
Well, will it change the actual way of transferring the files by changing framerates, resolution, gamma, etc?
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Absolutely.

Does he want to watch it on DVD? Does he want to upload it to the Web? Does he intend to edit it at all, and if so will he need them in DV or can he edit in HD, and if so can he edit the .mxf files directly or will he need some other format?

Find out what they're needed for. Then you'll know how best to deliver them. Different uses will have different methods of delivery, and multiple uses may well require multiple methods of delivery.
 
As people stated... giving the MXF files on a HD would be the most NLE independent situation. ALSO... and here's a key here, if they are on FCP... or if they want the files converted to something else.. there's billable hours here for each and everything. A lot of people charge for archiving to HD as well. Although it's also tedious, some people request back-ups on other hardcopy media, DVD, blue ray, tape drives... etc.


Think of all of this stuff as additional add-ons and if they have the money. oblige them and give them plenty of options. Shoot, they might want you to make a standard DVD-Video of ALL of the footage with a window-burn overlay. Clients with tons of money love that and you've provided them with a valuable.. and timesaving option. There's a lot that can be done if the price is right!
 
Justyn said:
As people stated... giving the MXF files on a HD would be the most NLE independent situation. ALSO... and here's a key here, if they are on FCP... or if they want the files converted to something else.. there's billable hours here for each and everything. A lot of people charge for archiving to HD as well. Although it's also tedious, some people request back-ups on other hardcopy media, DVD, blue ray, tape drives... etc.


Think of all of this stuff as additional add-ons and if they have the money. oblige them and give them plenty of options. Shoot, they might want you to make a standard DVD-Video of ALL of the footage with a window-burn overlay. Clients with tons of money love that and you've provided them with a valuable.. and timesaving option. There's a lot that can be done if the price is right!
Click to expand...

I would have done all that if I could. However, I am working for my boss/producer. We just did this little thing as a "thank you, free of charge" since the interviewee agreed to the interview, took 5 months to get the 30 min (turned out to be more like 45 min though) interview...

We ended up just shooting miniDV tape, standard 4:3, 29.97. Because it was meant as a small webcast thing. I've could have chosen the miniDV 30 fps, or 24 fps. However, I don't know how easy that is for editors to deal with. I think people still are more used to dealing with interlaced material, that is shot 29.97 and is not like 24fps hidden in 29.97 stream that later on needs to be edited in a 23.963 timeframe...

Anyways, thanks for all the help and suggestions!
 
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